A picture is worth a thousand words…or in this case, a thousand steps! From the streets of the downtown Village to vast vistas in the State Park, Brown County is a pretty picturesque place. So, get that phone ready and get in on the action! Here’s a list of our top Instagram-worthy hikes, perfect for snapping a selfie or some scenic pics:
Hesitation Point in the Brown County State Park
Did you know the Brown County State Park was named “Best Instagrammable Place” by Visit Indiana? Yes indeed! Our #1 spot for getting some great shots…Hesitation Point! By far the most beloved vista in the State Park, Hesitation Point is perfect for pictures. Park there, enjoy a picnic and some pics, then hit the nearby mountain bike trails! (Walnut or Hesitation Point – both about two miles one way) for a pre or post-selfie stroll! Lookout for bikers!
Trail 8 in the Brown County State Park
Start your hike by parking in the West Lookout Tower lot. Make your way up the tower for some scenic shots. You’ll be seriously impressed by the sprawling valley below! After getting in your photoshoot, time for Trail 8. This trek is about four miles long and is a loop that takes you deep into the valley below where you’ll explore the forest before climbing back out. Another great thing about Trail 8…about 1.5 miles in from the West Lookout Tower, you’ll pass by Hesitation Point. It’s across the street but sparing a few extra steps will be well worth the pictures!
Trail 7 in the Brown County State Park
This 1.4-mile hike loops around Ogle Lake and is perfect for capturing prime shots of the water! A relatively easy trek, Trail 7 offers several spots to stop for some snaps. Take a pic of the lake in its entirety from the dam or see if you can catch some turtles sunbathing in the water. There are several wooden platforms throughout the hike too, great for taking a breather and more pictures of course. The reflection of the trees in the lake makes for one stunning snapshot!
Trail 6 in the Brown County State Park
Trail 6 will take you around the State Park’s other body of water, Strahl Lake. This one-mile loop is a quick and easy hike that’s guaranteed to get you some great pictures. Besides photos of the lake, you’ll also find a grove of pine trees, a cool rock bridge, and maybe even a waterfall…depending on recent rainfall.
Trail 2 in the Brown County State Park
Another great spot for pictures in the State Park…Trail 2! Find the trail head near the Abe Martin Lodge, then make your way around the 2.2-mile loop. Along the hike, you’ll encounter a creek, impressive stone bridges, and the North Lookout Tower. A climb up the tower is a must for great pictures of the treetops! Moderate in nature, you’ll probably want to re-fuel after your hike with a meal at the Abe Martin Lodge…obligatory foodie pic please!
Lake Trail in Yellowwood State Forest
Take on the Lake Trail in Yellowwood State Forest for some scenic snaps! There will be plenty of opportunities to capture the beautiful lake on this 4.5-mile loop. Relatively easy in nature, but longer in length, this hike has a bit of everything. From pictures of the water and native wildlife to a stream, pine forests, and old-growth trees, get ready to get snapping!Â
High King Trail in Yellowwood State Forest
Short in length but big on beauty, High King Trail is a top hike for amazing photos! Park in the Yellowwood Lake dam parking area, then begin your half-mile climb to the top of High King Hill. Once you reach the summit, you’ll find some of the best views in Brown County and Yellowwood State Forest! Rest for a bit, then head back down…a photo op of Yellowwood Lake awaits at the bottom!
Browning Mountain
Get a little off-the-beaten path and head to Browning Mountain! One of Brown County’s best kept secrets, this trek is more than your average hike…it’s an adventure. Out past the Story Inn, Browning Mountain is a little tough to find, but worth the drive if you ask us! After your brief 928-foot climb to the top, you’ll discover tons of land for exploring…chock full of picture potential. See if you can spot the pond, an old well, and building foundation. That’s not all, Browning Mountain is often referred to as Indiana’s Stonehenge because of the large, strange, and non-native boulders scattered about. How did they get there? We still don’t know! Check it out…and document what you find of course!
