Our Southern Indiana parks offer the opportunity for scenic walks near town, a three-day hiking adventure, and everything in between.

You don’t have to venture far to take in the natural beauty of Southern Indiana: The 300-acre Hayswood Nature Reserve is within walking distance from downtown Corydon via the paved Indian Creek Trail. Enjoy all downtown Corydon has to offer, then be on the trail within minutes and enjoying sightings of deer, blue heron, and bald eagles. Rice Island Park is one of the town’s newest additions. There, you’ll find and little playground perfect for adventurous kiddos, creek access, and another small trail.

Buffalo Trace Park in the northern part of the county offers a lake for fishing and swimming, and South Harrison Park in the southernmost part of the area has a pool and trails: Both offer a variety of camping.

If you’re in search of wide-open spaces a bit off the beaten path, look no further than O’Bannon Woods State Park. 26,000 acres of rolling hills and untouched forest are nestled into the intersection of the Ohio and Blue Rivers. The 26-mile Adventure Hiking Trail offers five shelters for overnight backcountry stays. Other park amenities include mountain biking and horse trails and Blue River access points. The whole family will enjoy the aquatic center with slides and splash pads, pioneer village, and camping.

Whether you prefer to explore the outdoors, then kick back in a modern hotel, or want to test your limits at a remote site, Harrison County has the perfect Southern Indiana park for you.

Love the outdoors? Skip the planning and start having fun with our Outdoor Enthusiast long weekend itinerary.

Photo: Richard Marheine