Brown County State Park Mountain Biking
Brown County State Park • Nashville, Indiana
Biking Details
Trail System: Brown County State Park Mountain Bike Trails
Trail Mileage: About 40 miles of listed trails
Difficulty: Beginner through Expert
Beginner Options: North Gate Trail, North Lower Loop, Pine Loop, Limekiln Trail, Limekiln East & West Gate
Advanced / Expert: Hesitation Point, Walnut, Schooner Trace, Bobcat Loop, Ten O’Clock Line, Hobbs Hollow & Gnawbone
Trail Type: Natural-surface mountain bike trails
Permit: Indiana DNR off-road cycling permit required
Wet Trails: Do not ride when trails are wet or muddy
Address: 1405 State Road 46 West, Nashville, IN 47448
Parking: Available throughout the park
Indiana DNR currently lists Brown County as a premier mountain-biking destination, with trails ranging from beginner to expert. Its current trail map lists roughly 40.6 miles across the individual mountain-bike trail
IAN Destination Preview
Brown County State Park has built a reputation far beyond Indiana for its mountain-bike trail system, and it’s easy to see why it gets so much attention. With roughly 40 miles of trails ranging from beginner-friendly routes to technical expert terrain, there’s enough variety here for somebody getting started as well as riders looking for a serious challenge.
One thing I like about this trail system is that you don’t have to jump straight into the deep end. Beginners have several easier options to learn on, while experienced riders can work their way toward trails like Hesitation Point, Hobbs Hollow, Schooner Trace and Gnawbone.
Because these are natural-surface trails, conditions matter. Riding when the trails are wet or muddy can damage them, so checking conditions before making the trip is important.
IAN Status: Always On My Ride List
Ride Planning Notes
Best For: Mountain bikers from beginner through expert
Trail Variety: Excellent
Beginner Friendly: Yes, with several easier trail options
Technical Riding: Plenty available for experienced riders
Trail Conditions Matter: Avoid riding when wet or muddy
Good to Know: Check current trail conditions before heading out
IAN Verdict: One of Indiana’s strongest mountain-biking destinations, with enough variety to make it worth the trip for both newer riders and experienced trail riders.
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Whitewater Canal Trail – Metamora
Metamora, Franklin County, Indiana
Ride Details:
Trail Type: Historic canal / recreational bike trail
Featured Section: Metamora to Twin Locks
Distance: About 2.6 miles one way
Surface: Crushed limestone, packed dirt & grass
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate
Best For: Casual riders, families, history lovers & scenic riding
Parking: Available near the Metamora Grist Mill and near the Duck Creek Aqueduct
Starting Point: Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
Address: 19073 Main Street, Metamora, IN 47030
Historic Highlights: Metamora Grist Mill, Duck Creek Aqueduct, canal locks & historic Metamora
Metamora specifically describes this as a 2.6-mile rustic hiking and biking trail along the historic Whitewater Canal.
IAN Trail DiscoveryIf you like the idea of combining a bike ride with a little Indiana history, the Whitewater Canal Trail in Metamoralooks like one worth putting on the list.
This isn't just a trail running through the woods. You're riding along a transportation corridor that helped shape southeastern Indiana.
Construction of the Whitewater Canal began in the early 1800s as Hoosiers searched for a better way to move goods through the Whitewater River Valley. Canal boats eventually carried people, livestock, lumber and grain through the region. After floods and the decline of canal transportation, railroad tracks were laid along portions of the old towpath, giving the corridor a second life as part of Indiana's transportation history.
Today, part of that corridor has become the Whitewater Canal Trail.
The Metamora section gives riders a roughly 2.6-mile trip toward the Twin Locks, passing through the Whitewater River Valley, alongside farm fields and wooded areas. The trail organization says visitors can park near the historic mill or near the aqueduct before heading out.
And honestly, the historic landmarks may be just as interesting as the ride.
What You'll Discover Along the Way
The Metamora Grist Mill still demonstrates how water from the canal was used to grind grain. The present mill dates to 1893 and continues a tradition of water-powered industry that stretches back into the canal era.
Then there's the Duck Creek Aqueduct.
Originally constructed in 1843 and rebuilt after flooding, the covered wooden structure carries the canal over Duck Creek. The Indiana State Museum describes it as perhaps the only covered wooden aqueduct still operating in the United States. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Farther along, riders can reach the historic Twin Locks, giving this short ride quite a bit to explore without requiring an all-day cycling expedition.
Why It's on the IAN List
This looks like a great ride for someone who wants something more interesting than simply counting miles.
You get a bike ride, wooded scenery, farm country, an old canal town and physical pieces of Indiana history all in the same outing.
It's exactly the kind of place Indiana Adventure Network was created to uncover.