Celebrate National Trails Day in Madison, Indiana!

Celebrate National Trails Day in Madison, Indiana!
June 1, 2022 [email protected]

Saturday, June 4th is National Trails Day, and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in Madison and Jefferson County! From relaxing routes along the riverfront to heart-pumping hikes through Hanover College, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re with friends, family, or maybe you bring your pet to tag along, there are so many trails to explore all throughout our community! Clifty Falls State Park, located right in the heart of Madison, has ten trails ranging in length and level of difficulty that would provide hikers with a sense of wonder as they take in the Hoosier foliage, jaw-dropping overlooks, waterfalls and more. Hatcher Hill and the Heritage trails are also excellent for those looking for shorter yet scenic options. Splitting off from the Heritage Trail, you can follow the Historic Madison Railroad for a 4-mile trek traveling from Downtown to uptown Madison!

Outside of Madison, Hanover College features a 3- to 5-mile hiking trail complete with creek beds, limestone bluffs, and a gorgeous waterfall with a rock formation underneath commonly referred to as “Buddha’s Belly.” Add in Hanover’s historic collegiate architecture, the stunning views of the Ohio River Valley, and it’s no wonder that Princeton Review named Hanover College as one of the most beautiful college campuses! Also, did you know that “Lookout Point” is the only place you can see the Ohio River bend three different times? It was once a question on the popular show Jeopardy!

Not looking to walk? There are also scenic driving trails around the county! Chief White Eye Trail snakes along Highway 62 from Madison through Canaan to Dillsboro. Madison and Jefferson County offer much more than hiking when it comes to outdoor recreation; there are also plentiful opportunities for biking, boating, fishing, camping, golfing, and swimming! While our community is a great place to visit all year, summertime is a particularly lively time to visit with the multitude of outdoor activities to choose from. Several of Madison’s largest festivals are also in the summer, so you’ll be in for an action-packed experience.

See you on the trails!