A guide to seven spectacularly beautiful views in Brown County State Park
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SEVEN VISTA CHALLENGE Are You Up to This Unique Brown County Challenge? What’s the best way to see one of the Midwest’s most majestic forests? Take The Seven Vista Challenge in Brown County State Park! Experience nearly 16,000 acres of unparalleled beauty and oldgrowth forest, brimming with maples, oaks, dogwoods, sycamores, redbuds, birches and more. Taking The Seven Vista Challenge is the perfect way to see it all, regardless of the season. Visit all seven vistas and take a photo of yourself in the picture frames we’ve set up. Then post your photo from each vista to social media using the hashtag #BC7VistaChallenge. When you post all seven, stop by the Brown County Visitors Center in downtown Nashville for a special gift! Have fun, get creative and enjoy one of the most magnificent forests in the Midwest as you take The Seven Vista Challenge in Brown County State Park!
7VistaChallenge.com
This two-story tower overlooking a deep valley is the perfect stop for a glorious Brown County sunset. It was fashioned after structures built for surveyors who were working in the area. Map makers lived in the upper level while horses and livestock were stabled below.
Facing: West
Without hesitation, this breathtaking vista known for its picturesque views is the most popular in Brown County State Park. See the horizon in the distance? It’s about 5 miles away! Enjoy a leisurely picnic followed by an invigorating hike on the nearby trails.
Facing: North / Northeast
You can’t beat the spectacular view from the 90-ft. park fire tower. Did you know it’s the highest point in the entire county (1,058 ft. above sea level)? Plus, you can find the park’s original West Gatehouse along The Friends Trail, a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail located nearby. It’s the perfect trail for kids!
Facing: Northeast
This area was prime real estate for early farming families. In fact, a family of 10 lived here in the late 1800s; early photos show an orchard and garden near the cabin. Wondering how this hill got its unusual name? Two theories exist: some think an early settler named it after a tornado ravaged the area and weeds grew back where trees once stood. Others think a band of Kentucky hunters named it because all the weeds afforded them good hunting. Regardless, you’ll find the view fantastic.
Facing: South
Take in a magnificent view of Strahl Lake Valley from the Nature Center’s observation deck, a popular destination for outdoor weddings. Catch a glimpse of birds and animals at the wildlife pond. Hop on the half-mile Discovery Trail for an easy hike. Or stop in the Nature Center to explore interactive exhibits featuring bees, turtles, snakes and more. Kids love it here!
Facing: East
This stunning overlook captures the beauty of nature as far as the eye can see. It has an interesting history too! It is named in honor of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a group of World War I veterans who set up their camp here in the 1930s while working in Brown County State Park. They were responsible for building many of the structures, lakes and roads that are still found in the park!
Facing: Northeast
Revel in scenic views of rolling terrain from this vista, named after either Frank Hohenberger, a well-known artist who spent 47 years photographing Brown County, or the German word “höhen,” meaning high ground. This terrain is typical of southern Indiana due to unglaciated sandstone.
Facing: North | East | South
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P
Swimming Pool
Tennis Courts
P
P
TH
Saddle Barn
P North Lookout Tower
Abe Martin Lodge
P
West Gate
Aynes House
1
TH
2
P
P
P P
3 Fire Tower
P Park Office
4 P Rally Campground
P TH
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6
1
West Lookout Tower Vista
2
Hesitation Point Vista
3
Friends Trail Vista
4
Weedpatch Vista
5
Nature Center Vista
6
CCC Vista
7
Hohen Point Vista
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Don’t forget to take your photo at each vista and post it with #BC7VistaChallenge. When you post all seven, stop by the Brown County Visitors Center for a special gift! 7VistaChallenge.com