An Outdoor Paradise Awaits You

The Hoosier National Forest stretches from Bloomington in south central Indiana to Perry County where it meets the mighty Ohio River. Nearly one-third of the 194,000 acres of the Hoosier National Forest are located in Perry County's borders. The rolling hills create towering bluffs that overlook the barge and boat traffic along the river. Some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Ohio River Scenic Route (Highway 66), a National Scenic Byway can be found in Perry County as it winds its way from Troy to Sulphur.

Springtime is a wonderful time to hike & view the forest. Hills are decorated with splashes of pink and white dogwood and redbud blossoms among the many green shades of new spring leaves. Autumn colors are even more spectacular. Red, golds, russets, and browns greet you at every turn. Five forest lakes and their recreation areas—Indian, Tipsaw, Saddle, Celina and German Ridge—provide fishing, wildlife watching, hunting, swimming, picnicking, camping, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Over 200 miles of trails wind their way to trickling streams, wildflower gardens, and historic structures and sites.

The Cannelton Locks and Dam create a 114-mile lake that invites recreational boaters and fishermen to enjoy its expanses of smooth water and embayments. Fishermen swear by the river's fishery as they engage in their favorite sport 12 months out of the year. Here the serious and amateur alike can catch bluegill, catfish, largemouth and striped bass, crappie, and sauger. The county boasts over two dozen regional and national fishing tournaments that are attracted to the Ohio River each year. Water craft rental facilities, marinas, boat ramps, bait shops, and sporting goods stores are all available for your recreational desires and needs.

Bicycling and motorcycling is also a popular pastime. The county has mapped 12 bicycle routes ranging from a leisurely 20-mile ride to a difficult, hilly 85-mile trek through the historic hills. A local private country club and 8 nearby public golf courses are open for the majority of the year.

A dozen parks offer everything from playground equipment for the young to basketball courts, lighted softball fields, volleyball and tennis courts, sheltered picnic areas, band shells, boat ramps, and swimming pools. Riverside parks for picnicking are located in Cannelton, Tell City, and Derby as well as at the Cannelton Locks and Dam. Eagle’s Bluff County Park will house a new Visitors Center and will break ground in 2003 overlooking the locks and dam. Perry County's three school systems offer league play in various sports for both adults and children.

Indoor recreation is also available during poor weather at the indoor archery range, two fitness centers, indoor walking tracks at local community centers, bowling alley, video arcade at the local theater and roller skating rink.

View our Chamber member recreational businesses.