Note: All odometers read slightly different, so the mileage stated here is meant to serve as a general guideline. But it should get you very close.

0.00 Start

Start your adventure in Madison at the county courthouse, at Jefferson and Main Streets. Head east on Main Street, which turns into 421 South as it crosses the Ohio River Bridge.

0.5 Straight onto the Bridge.

As you climb up onto the bridge, you’ll have a sweeping view up and down the Ohio River. The chances are very good you’ll see at least one towboat pushing a string of loaded barges. The barges haul mostly coal for the many power plants up and down the river, but also a lot of gravel and sand, plus some chemicals and petroleum products.

In total, some 184 million tons of cargo are shipped along the Ohio each year. When it comes to moving heavy material, nothing is more efficient than a barge. Based on miles per ton of freight, a truck will go about 59 miles on a gallon of fuel. A train can move it 202 miles. But a barge can move a ton of coal a whopping 514 miles per gallon!

1.2 Right on 421 out of Milton, and up the hill.

The town of Milton offers a unique glimpse into the power of infrastructure. For over a century, Milton thrived as a self-contained hub, developing a diverse and vibrant local economy. While Madison offered a wider selection of goods across the river, Milton cultivated a strong sense of community, fostered by the journey itself – a leisurely ferry ride across the water.

In 1929, the arrival of the bridge marked a new chapter for Milton. The bridge provided a convenient link to the larger town of Madison, opening up new opportunities for trade and exchange. While some local businesses faced increased competition, Milton’s character shifted, becoming a charming riverside community with a loyal population.

Today, Milton maintains a peaceful atmosphere with a dedicated local spirit. Nestled amidst the rolling hills, the town offers essential services for residents and travelers alike, including a friendly gas station, a familiar convenience store, and a beloved Dairy Queen – all hallmarks of small-town American life.

6.6 Right on 1492

8.7 The yellow middle line disappears!

This is your cue to tighten up your helmet strap and shift down a gear, as it’s about to get frisky! This is some truly awesome riding that will challenge your skills and concentration. Take note of the “10 mph – Curves Ahead” sign. You don’t see that very often.

11.0 At stop sign next to big red barn, bear left to stay on 1492

11.4 Right onto East Prong Locust Creek

This road follows the creek up the holler to the ridge top, and the views are as pretty as they come. Go slow and take it all in.

13.2 Locust Lodge Tavern on the left – (on FB and 502-663-0170)

This little watering hole is literally in the middle of nowhere. It probably owes its existence to being right on the county line between Trimble (which is dry) and Carroll County, which allows liquor sales. It keeps irregular hours, but if you catch it open, be sure to stop in and enjoy a moment of refreshment and relaxation.

15.3 Right on 1226

16.8 Right on Culls Ridge at the little white church

18.5 Stay straight here and road becomes West Prong Locust Creek

Astoundingly and almost unbelievably, the road becomes even narrower here. If you thought the 1½ lane road with no yellow line was skinny, then tighten up your belt for this next section. Go SLOW and just assume cars are coming around each bend.

21.5 Right at the stop sign at the big red barn.

23.3 Left on Rte. 36 along the Ohio River

23.7 Crossing Locust Creek

You’ll cross a small bridge across a tiny little creek as it enters the Ohio River, but this is the same Locust Creek you’ve been driving along next to on the East Prong and the West Prong. The creek is home to a very well-established Bald Eagle nest, just a couple hundred yards upstream from the road. Keep a sharp eye to the sky and if you are very lucky you might see one!

26.0 Passing Nugent Sand & Gravel Company

The many sand and gravel quarries along the Ohio River provide a seemingly inexhaustible supply of raw material for concrete, asphalt, and a host of other uses. Many of these quarries have been operating for decades, delivering millions of tons of products all over the region.

26.4 Left on Hunter Heights

Here we go again, back up to the ridge tops!

28.6 Right on 1492

31.8 Right 421

37.1 Turn left to stay on 421 and then onto the bridge into Madison

38.4 Welcome back to Madison!

Madison is widely known as Indiana’s Music City. That’s because on any given Friday or Saturday night you’ll find great live music playing at 5 or more places, all within easy walking distance of the core downtown area. So park your machine, let it cool down, and visit the Off Broadway Taproom, Shipley’s Tavern, Harry’s Stone Grill, The Boneyard or the Central Hotel Bar and relive the excitement of the day.

And start planning your next adventure, because Jacob’s Ladder is not the only adventure trail you can take out of Madison. There are more great routes of varying lengths and intensity, including the flagship route, the Serpent of 62– 1,000 curves in 100 miles! So, keep riding, for an entire weekend, or even a full week!