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Outdoors: Brown County State Park Brown County State Park Brown County State Park is famous for fall foliage. Numerous overlooks provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and forests of south central Indiana, and during the annual "changing of the colors", park roadways can be jammed with vehicles. There is more to Brown County State Park than pretty leaves, however. The park is far and away the largest in the state, encompassing more than 15,000 acres. The system of eight hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to rugged, totals more than 12 miles and allows exploration of creeks, lakes, ridgetops and valleys. Spring hikers may encounter a wide variety of wildflowers, including Dutchman's Breeches, May Apple, Prairie Trillium, Celandine Poppy, Wild Ginger, and the spectacular Yellow Lady's Slipper. A particularly interesting species called Squawroot can be found growing in large patches near Ogle Lake along trail 4. The trail system also includes more than 70 miles of paths designed for use by horseback riders. Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve is another noteworthy feature of the park. Ogle Hollow is located near the campground entrance and is traversed by trail 5. A brochure is available at the trailhead which describes many of the tree species found in the preserve. The yellowwood tree is found here. This stand of yellowwood trees, along with a similar stand in nearby Yellowwood State Forest, comprise the northernmost occurence of this species. The Nature Center is not far from Ogle Hollow and is well worth a visit. A number of live snakes are on display, as are preserved specimens of birds, mammals and other residents of the park. A variety of publications are available in the nature center, including brochures on the birds, mammals, and insects of the park. There is also a bird observation area where you can watch feeding birds (and chipmunks) through mirrored glass. Facilities: Olympic sized pool, generally open from the Saturday before Memorial Day until no later than Labor Day. Inn, with more than 80 rooms. Cabins. Multiple campgrounds with hot showers and flush toilets. Campstore. Group Camping. Hiking on eight trails totalling more than twelve miles. Fishing. Nature Center and Interpretive Naturalist Service. Picnic areas and shelters. Saddle barn, pony rides, hay rides. Tennis courts, amphitheatre. How to get there: There are two main entrances to Brown County State Park, both located off Indiana 46 near Nashville, Indiana. The east entrance (east of Nashville) is closest to the Inn but is limited to vehicles weighing less than three tons. The west entrance (west of Nashville) is open to larger vehicles. There is an entrance off IN 135 of its eastern junction with Indiana 46; however, this entrance is for access to the Horseman's Campground and thru traffic to the rest of the park is not permitted. Contact Information: Brown County State Park Box 608 Nashville, Indiana 47448 812-988-6406