Brown County State Park Views (Bloomington, Nashville: construction, campground, restaurants)

[saywhuut]

Could anyone point me in the right direction towards a guide or give tips for the best places to go for scenic drives of fall foliage at Brown County State Park? It’s my goal to obtain nice overlook views/pictures in and of the mountains, without having to go on the trails. My wife is pregnant and we will be bringing a toddler so that’ll be to much for them. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Grandma(in waiting)]

The overlook at Bean Blossom has a wonderful view and isn't quite as crowded as other areas. Drive south from Bean Blossom along State Route 135, and the road winds its way to the top of a high hill. The overlook is on the west side of the highway. It is a rest area provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation and has picnic tables, a shelter and a parking area.

Anywhere along highway 46 from Bloomington to Nashville and north/south from there on 135 will be nice, but be aware, can be very crowded. Finding a place to pull over and take some pictures along the road might be difficult.

The Bean Blossom Inn is a good place to get a meal (most of the restaurants in Nashville are overpriced, imo) but you should do a walkthrough of the town if you have a chance.

[Grandma(in waiting)]

You can get some more info here: Brown County Indiana CVB

[plaidmom]

Be sure to pick up a map at the gatehouse. "Vistas" are marked, as are the lookout towers.

From the North Gate, I like the road that goes past the Saddle Barn (so take your first left after entering the park).

The "classic" BCSP view is Hesitation Point, which is on the road leading to the West Gate.
Be sure the make the trip down to Ogle Lake as the leaves and the water make a nice view.

From there I would do the loop that goes past the Campground (your toddler might like the Nature Center) and drive down as if you were going to Horsemen's Camp and back up past Strahl Lake.


Err, if you are coming from out of state, just wanted to warn you that we have no mountians, just some really lovely hills. So far there is not a lot of "color" down this way. I'm guessing we need some cooler weather first.

[saywhuut]

Originally Posted by plaidmom

Err, if you are coming from out of state, just wanted to warn you that we have no mountians, just some really lovely hills. So far there is not a lot of "color" down this way. I'm guessing we need some cooler weather first.

Thanks for the tips, I may not waste the gas if colors aren't really happening yet.

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by saywhuut

Thanks for the tips, I may not waste the gas if colors aren't really happening yet.

This may help:

Leaf Cam

[Grandma(in waiting)]

Try to come on a weekday if you intend to actually drive through the park. Weekends are usually very crowded with a conga line of cars traveling through. We actually prefer to drive around the park into the surrounding hills to get pictures.

[rrah]

Is 46 still under construction as one comes from the west into downtown Nashville? That could be a mess in a few weeks.

[Grandma(in waiting)]

There's nothing on the INDOT site about it, but we haven't driven over to Nashville since last May.