Brown County State Park is the first episode to come in at over an hour, although just barely! Once you listen, you'll see why these stories had to be told together. You'll hear about the trees and peak leaf peeping time, and you'll also learn about the volunteers who have spent thousands of hours helping the park staff clean up from multiple storms and a tornado this spring. There are so many ways to support and appreciate this park. Here are just a few!

Want to see different oak leaves (including the white oak) and learn about them? Check this out!

Take on the 7 Vista Challenge by driving to the most popular scenic spots in the park.

To join the Friends of Brown County or support their work, visit their website. You can also donate to the Weed Patch Fire Tower restoration project.

Check out the Brown County Mountain Biking website. Be sure to mark your calendar for Epic next year and their mountain biking trail maintenance days. You can become a member or donate to help keep the trails clear.

The Indiana Trail Riders Association is who we have to thank for clearing and maintaining the horse trails. You can join their private Facebook page or check out their website to learn about group rides, how to donate to their ongoing work, or how to become a member. They gave a special shout out to Story Inn.

Oh and check out the Hilly Half Marathon, 5k, and 10k that happens in November.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Get ready to face your greatest fears at O'Bannon Woods State Park! Whether you're scared of heights, snakes, the dark, small spaces, or water, this park will help you find some inner courage to overcome those fears. You can climb the fire tower, see Indiana's venomous snakes from a safe distance in the nature center, take a hike down in Wyandotte Caves, or splash around at the aquatic center. You'll also hear about their tough mountain biking and hiking trails, camping options, and the historic haypress, pioneer village, oxen, and donkeys.

You can learn more about Indiana’s snakes on the DNR website.

If you're curious, I found a helpful explanation of steers and oxen here.

Want to attend OWAR and mountain bike with an awesome group? Sign up here! Follow the O’Bannon Woods Mountain Biking group on Facebook and learn more about the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association on their site.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Patoka Lake is a massive property with over 26,000 acres! In this episode, we'll explore all the great water activities you'll find there like boating and their commitment to excellent fishing. We'll also spend time out of the water in the campgrounds and on the amazing trails. I biked on the hilly, paved multi-use trail and hiked several beautiful spots in the woods. You'll be transported through time when you hike The Narrows, a historic trail people have been using for over 200 years! We'll also meet the park's turtles and red tailed hawk.

Patoka Lake's water recreation will absolutely draw you in, but stay for the adventures you'll find on the trails too!

Any mistakes are my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.