Explore the best outdoor opportunities across Indiana and Kentucky (with a few bonus picks from Illinois and Ohio)! Whether you’re hitting the trails, casting a line, cruising scenic highways, or getting muddy off-road, this guide has you covered.
- Hoosier National Forest (IN)
- Over 260 miles of trails, backcountry camping, scenic hardwood forests.
- Open year-round, permits required for some camping areas.
- Red River Gorge Geological Area (KY)
- Known for rock formations, arches, and rugged trails. Popular for backpacking.
- Within Daniel Boone National Forest.
- Clifty Falls State Park (IN)
- Dramatic waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and a campground with electric hookups.
- Waterfalls change with the season!
- Mammoth Cave National Park (KY)
- The longest cave system in the world plus surface hiking and camping.
- Cave tours require tickets; campgrounds open seasonally.
- Brown County State Park (IN)
- Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” with stunning fall foliage and 20+ miles of trails.
- Campground includes RV hookups.
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (KY/TN)
- Backcountry camping, waterfalls, sandstone bluffs, and hiking.
- Dog-friendly!
- Shawnee National Forest (IL)
- Garden of the Gods is a must-see. Many hiking and camping opportunities.
- No fees for many areas; some primitive camping available.
- Charles Deam Wilderness (IN)
- Part of Hoosier National Forest; excellent for quiet, primitive camping and long hikes.
- Horse and hiking trails available.
- Land Between the Lakes (KY/TN)
- 170,000 acres of outdoor access with hiking, camping, wildlife viewing.
- Designated areas for dispersed and backcountry camping.
- Cave Run Lake (KY)
- Camping by a scenic reservoir with nearby trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
- Great mix of water and hiking activities.
- Lake Monroe (IN)
- Largest lake in Indiana with excellent bass fishing, boat rentals, and campsites.
- Pay ramps and marinas available.
- Kentucky Lake (KY)
- Huge body of water with marinas, houseboat rentals, and great crappie fishing.
- Borders Land Between the Lakes.
- Brookville Lake (IN)
- Excellent boating and stocked fishing, including walleye and smallmouth bass.
- Public ramps and camping nearby.
- Lake Cumberland (KY)
- One of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S. with deep fishing and coves.
- Houseboats and marinas abound.
- Hardy Lake (IN)
- Smaller lake with quiet boating, fishing piers, and wooded shoreline.
- Great family-friendly location.
- Green River Lake (KY)
- Kayaking and bass fishing are popular. Good boat access and beaches.
- Part of a state park with trails too.
- Cecil M. Harden Lake / Raccoon Lake (IN)
- Recreation area near Rockville with boating, water sports, and fishing.
- Paddleboard rentals available.
- Nolin River Lake (KY)
- Calm waters perfect for kayaking or fishing trips. Close to Mammoth Cave.
- Picnic shelters and campground.
- Ohio River (KY/IN border)
- Multiple launch sites and opportunities for catfish, bass, and sauger.
- Urban and rural spots available.
- Patoka Lake (IN)
- Great all-around lake with marinas, rentals, and fishing tournaments.
- Close to French Lick for extra attractions.
- Ohio River Scenic Byway (IN)
- Runs 300+ miles through southern Indiana; charming river towns and views.
- Highlights: Madison, Corydon, and Tell City.
- Red River Gorge Scenic Byway (KY)
- Winding roads through cliffs, rock arches, and tunnels.
- Take time to explore Sky Bridge or Natural Bridge.
- Indiana SR-135 Through Brown County (IN)
- Curvy drive through hills, especially colorful in autumn.
- Passes through Nashville, IN — great small town stops.
- Bluegrass Parkway (KY)
- Gentle rolling hills, horse farms, and bourbon country.
- Connects Elizabethtown and Lexington.
- Cave Country Trails Scenic Route (KY)
- Combines geology and rolling farmlands near Mammoth Cave.
- Stop at small towns like Horse Cave.
- Knobstone Scenic Trail Road Access Route (IN)
- Travel along parts of Indiana’s longest trail system with beautiful views.
- Rural charm with trailheads scattered throughout.
- Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway (KY)
- History meets scenery; includes Bardstown and Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace.
- Plenty of distilleries and historic sites.
- Hocking Hills Scenic Byway (OH)
- In southern Ohio, but worth the mention for gorges, cliffs, and thick woods.
- Combine with hiking stops!
- Bluegrass Country Horse Farm Tour (KY)
- Drive around Lexington for iconic white-fenced horse farms and stone walls.
- Spring and fall are best for lush views.
- Indiana SR-62 (IN)
- Winding road near Corydon and Leavenworth with Ohio River overlooks.
- Especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
- Interlake State Recreation Area (IN)
- 3,500 acres of old coal mines converted to off-road paradise.
- Open to ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s.
- Turkey Bay OHV Area – Land Between the Lakes (KY)
- 100+ miles of marked trails for OHVs and dirt bikes.
- Open year-round with varying terrain.
- Redbird State Recreation Area (IN)
- 1,400 acres of challenging OHV terrain.
- Requires daily use permit; helmets mandatory.
- Haspin Acres Off-Road Park (IN)
- Open 24/7 with trails, mud pits, and camping.
- Family-friendly events and races.
- Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area (KY)
- Over 7,000 acres of off-road heaven.
- Maps and guided rides available.
- Badlands Off-Road Park (IN)
- Mix of sand dunes, mud, rock, and wooded trails.
- Great for Jeeps, SxS, and motorcycles.
- Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway (KY)
- Legal OHV routes through the Red River Gorge area.
- Scenic and rugged, great for overlanders.
- Stoney Lonesome OHV Park (IN)
- County-owned, open to dirt bikes, ATVs, and trucks.
- Campsites and cabins on-site.
- Rush Off-Road (KY)
- 7,000+ acres of trails for all experience levels.
- Located in Boyd County; requires waiver and fees.
- Wildcat Offroad Park (KY)
- Over 100 miles of off-roading.
- On-site camping available.
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