10 Ways to Explore the Outdoors in Southern Indiana
Across the Ohio River from Louisville is a collection of smaller towns and cities that provide plenty of amenities in a more laid-back setting. And opportunities for outdoor recreation in Southern Indiana abound.
“Southern Indiana truly is the sweet spot between country living and city life,” says Katerina Koehler with SoIN Tourism. “I love that in one day I can go for a 10-mile hike and barely see another person, then end the day with a five-star meal.”
Originally from the Indianapolis area, Koehler has lived in Southern Indiana for a decade.
Koehler’s colleague, Anna Rosales-Crone, also notes the diversity of experiences available in Southern Indiana, and how there is a little something for all ages.
“You can enjoy museums, the arts or a ballgame downtown, then in 30 minutes or less be hiking in a state forest or picking pumpkins,” she says.
The outdoor attractions found in Southern Indiana are a key part of what makes the region so special. Start exploring with this list of some of Koehler and Rosales-Crone’s favorite activities.
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1. Explore the Ohio River Greenway
This paved 7.5-mile recreational corridor follows the Ohio River and offers great city views.
“Biking along the greenway is a favorite activity of mine,” Koehler says. “It connects three of Southern Indiana’s riverside towns and leads into downtown Louisville via the Big Four Bridge.”
2. Connect With Nature at State Parks and Recreation Areas
Located along the Ohio River Greenway, budding paleontologists gush over the Falls of the Ohio State Park.
“This is my 5-year-old son’s favorite place,” Rosales-Crone says. “The grounds offer so much to explore, including 390 million-year-old fossil beds, hiking trails and an interpretive center that takes you through the area’s history.”
Farther up the river, the rugged landscape of Charlestown State Park offers hiking, fishing, birding and camping.
“Trail 6 is a blast, especially because there’s a big waterfall where I can splash around with my dog,” Koehler says. “Another highlight is hiking to Rose Island, where you can explore the remnants of a 1920s amusement park and resort destroyed in the 1937 flood.”
Koehler also recommends hiking, biking and camping at Deam Lake State Recreation Area, followed by a relaxing dip at the beach or kayaking until sunset.
3. Trek Knobstone Trail
Following high ridges with striking views across forested hills, this 48-mile trail is perfect for short or long hikes.
“On some days, I enjoy the challenge of backpacking Knobstone, the longest natural surface foot trail in Indiana,” Koehler says.
4. Cool Off at River Run Family Waterpark
With waterslides, a lazy river, a splash pool and a steamboat water feature, this family-friendly venue in New Albany is a must when it’s hot outside, Rosales-Crone says. Southern Indiana is home to a few aquatic centers where you can purchase season passes to keep cool all summer long.
5. Burn Canine Calories
Looking for a place where you and your pup can get outside and meet new friends? A few local favorites include New Albany Dog Park and Charlestown’s Clark “Doc” Werner Dog Park.
6. Fish at Clark State Forest
Located north of Henryville, Clark State Forest is the perfect spot for anglers. The property boasts seven lakes, all of which are available for fishing. One of the seven is Oak Lake, which stretches 2.5 acres. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources usually stocks it with more than 400 trout in mid/late October.
7. Join the Pickleball Craze
This sport has caught on everywhere, and Southern Indiana has several courts, including at Ray Lawrence Park and GoodBounce in Clarksville and a new 16-court pickleball complex at Lottie Oglesby Park in Jeffersonville.
Origin Park to Bring a Wealth of Attractions
A 430-acre park under development on the north shore of the Ohio River will help enhance Clarksville, Jeffersonville and New Albany.
Origin Park is a $156 million project that is already open (in designated areas) to the public, while additional developments are planned through its anticipated completion in 2031. Current attractions include Croghan Launch paddling area on Silver Creek and Buttonbush Woods, which features a popular nature trail. Over time, the park will add a greenway, bike paths, an event center, an outdoor adventure zipline/climbing center, a boathouse pavilion, canoe launches and more.
Once developed, over 1 million people throughout the area will be within a 20-minute drive of the park.
Jeffersonville-based River Heritage Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preservation projects along the Ohio River on the Indiana side, is overseeing the development. Conservancy officials say Origin Park will generate more than $250 million annually.
8. Hone Your Disc Golf Skills
For those who love throwing discs, Lapping Park Disc Golf Course in Clarksville, Cannon Acres Disc Golf in New Albany and Chapel Lake Disc Golf Course in Jeffersonville are top options. Plus, head to Seviren Lang Disc Golf Course in Georgetown. It is one of Indiana’s highest rated courses.
9. Play 18 Holes on Signature Golf Courses
If traditional golf is more your speed, tee it up on one of two Fuzzy Zoeller-designed courses, Champions Pointe Golf Club in Henryville or Covered Bridge Golf Club in Sellersburg.
10. Cheer on Southern Indiana Football Club
This United Premier Soccer League franchise plays home games at Green Valley Soccer Complex in New Albany. One game will have you hooked. Or venture to Louisville, where you can cheer on the Louisville Bats minor league baseball team, watch a horse race at Churchill Downs, or catch a Racing Louisville FC women’s soccer game.
Get to Know Southern Indiana
Want to learn more about living and working in Southern Indiana? Check out the latest edition of Livability One Southern Indiana.