Brown County is located in Indiana near the town of Nashville, between Bloomington and Columbus. The area's main claim to fame is Brown County State Park. As Indiana's largest state park, it attracts millions of visitors each year. Many runners find the natural mountain trails in this area challenging, and it has become the home of the DINO Trail Run. This is a 5K/15K marathon held annually in various areas of the state.
Brown County State Park
An hour south of Indianapolis, Brown County State Park encompasses about 16,000 acres, and has become a favorite vacation spot for many Hoosiers since it opened in 1929. Visitors can hunt, fish and horseback ride in the area. Overnight accommodations include tent camping or staying at the lodge or cabins. There are 25 miles of single track trails in this park that are shared between hikers, runners and bikers, from beginner level to expert.
Hoosier National Forest
Many recreational activities are available at the Hoosier National Forest, from hunting to fishing, hiking to horseback riding. This 200,000-acre forest provides rolling hills and back country trails, and has several ridge trails such as the 8.6-mile Nebo Ridge that would prove challenging to the runner. Like the Brown County State Park, these trails are multiple-use and caution must be observed. Yield the right of way appropriately to bikers and to horseback riders.
Privately Owned Facilities
The 500-acre Valley Branch Retreat Facility offers many recreational activities to its guests in addition to 30 miles of hiking or biking trails. You can fish in the 4-acre lake or even take on your buddy for a rousing game of paintball. For the runner, the Valley Branch Retreat trails have proven challenging enough to host races such as the DINO race series, as well as Planet Adventure Race series.
Racing Series
Since 2000, the DINO Trail Run series offers several challenging footraces each year. These are attempted over hiking and mountain biking terrain. These races, however, are not designed for setting record paces, but for overcoming the physical challenges offered by mountain trails. Per the DINO website, some runners even prefer trail running to asphalt running. In 2010, the 5k/15k was held at the Brown County State Park over a moderate surface and difficult hills. This included mile-long climbs and downhills.
Rattlesnakes
The timber rattlesnake is actually endangered in Indiana, but some are located in the more isolated areas of natural surroundings and could pose a threat to runners. In a July 2010 interview with Indianapolis TV station WTHR, Purdue University extension wildlife specialist Brian MacGowan indicated that the number of these snakes in the Brown County area likely run in the low thousands. Be on alert for these animals and take proper precautions such as wearing footwear. Be especially wary during late August to early September. This is when these snakes begin to mate and make their way to a hibernation location.
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