Outdoor Adventure along Indiana’s Historic Pathways

Travel Indiana’s Historic Pathways through the counties of Jackson, Lawrence, and Martin for some outdoor recreational fun. Each county offers its own unique way to explore the ruggedness of the land without going far from civilization.

For the Birds
The journey begins at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Jackson County near Seymour. This bird lover’s paradise is home to waterfowl and migratory birds, many of which are endangered. Hiking and fishing opportunities are available and, even, a four mile auto tour for the less adventurous.

Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area, down the road near Vallonia, offers some of the best camping in southern Indiana. The SRA encompasses a large lake with sandy beach offering plenty of fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are also miles and miles of trails for hiking, easy to rugged, and mountain biking.

Go Underground
Head into Lawrence County, Limestone Capital of the World, to see the limestone architecture of historic downtown Bedford, home to the Lawrence County Museum and the “Land of Limestone” exhibit at Oakland City University-Bedford. At Bluespring Caverns, near Bedford, tour the caverns by boat on the Myst’ry River Voyage. This subterranean river is over a mile along with possible sightings of cave wildlife – native blind fish, crayfish, bats, lizards, and frogs.

In nearby Martin County, Martin State Forest awaits offering scenic rugged hills and vistas, campgrounds, hiking trails, bike trails, and water fun. See Jug Rock, an incredible natural geological sandstone formation located just west of White River Bridge on US 50 near Shoals. Classified as one of the most puzzling formations in the nation, this T shaped formation stands 60 feet tall. If you are in Shoals around the Fourth of July, you can catch the Shoals Catfish Festival and enjoy fish catching and cooking contests, music, parades, fireworks, and plenty of eating fun!