The rolling hills of Southern Indiana are an outdoor lover’s paradise any time of year. Whether you’ll be packing your hiking boots, sneakers, skis or flip-flops, Southern Indiana adventure welcomes you.  And, bring your camera! You won’t want to forget the picturesque vistas, limestone bluffs and forest wildlife you’ll encounter here.

Seven Ways to Enjoy Southern Indiana Outdoors

The Patoka Lake Recreation Area stretches across three counties in the heart of Southern Indiana and is the home of Indiana’s second largest lake with over 8,000 acres of water! The picturesque lake is surrounded by tree-lined lake shores and features many quiet coves to explore. Favorite activities include fishing, bird watching, boating, tubing and water skiing. Plan to spend the night in a rental houseboat, a “floating cabin” or stay at the large campground.

Indiana’s premier forest land is the 200,000-acre Hoosier National Forest, which spans nine different counties. The area includes lakes with sandy beaches, boat launches and three State Recreation Areas with campgrounds, hiking/biking trails, and more. Within the forest, Hemlock Cliffs features overhangs, ravines, cliffs, springs, small caves and waterfalls. Visitors enjoy hiking the 2-mile loop trail, scenic views, watchable wildlife and unique geology.

The 981-mile Ohio River is the largest tributary of the Mississippi River and winds its way along the southern border of nine Southern Indiana counties. The Ohio River earned a place in history as a frontier settlers’ path and the Civil War North-South boundary. Today the Ohio River is best known for water sports, fishing and its calm scenic beauty.

Five Southern Indiana State Parks offer the best outdoor recreation that the state has to offer.  You can enjoy the activities that you’d expect from a state park, including camping, hiking trails, and nature centers. In addition, each Southern Indiana state park has unique features. Explore 386-million-year-old fossil beds at Falls of the Ohio State Park, visit the banks of the beloved Wabash River at Harmonie State Park, enjoy a theatrical performance at the amphitheatre within Lincoln State Park, rent a mountain bike (and helmet!) to ride the Spring Mill State Park trails and jumps, or splash at the new family aquatic center at O’Bannon Woods State Park.

When the snow begins to fall and temperatures drop, head outside to Southern Indiana for winter fun! Go ice fishing at Patoka Lake or cross-country ski. Visit Paoli Peaks for skiing, snowboarding and tubing fun for the entire family. Here you’ll find 15 slopes, equipment rentals, instructors, and a lodge to warm up and relax. Winter hiking in Hoosier National Forest or a State Park is also a memorable activity because wildlife is easier to spot.

Outdoor recreation equipment rentals are available. You don’t own the gear needed to participate in outdoor recreation activities? Don’t let that stop you! Rent a GPS device to go geocaching at the Lawrence County Visitor Center. The GPS is pre-loaded with coordinates of geocaches in the area to seek and find. At Cave Country Canoes, rent a canoe and safety equipment to paddle down the Blue River during half-day or even two day trips! Try horseback riding at Wilstem Guest Ranch during a guided trail ride. Meet one of the ranch’s horses and hit the trail!