Whitewater Memorial State
Park (Indiana)

One of my more memorable nearby park stays is Whitewater
Memorial near Liberty, Indiana. Its not an over crowded or overly
large park but it has plenty of camping areas and differing
choices for spots. Whitewater Memorial has well over 200 Electric
camping spots with around 45 primitive tent sites, also there is
a separate camping area for people using the park for horse
riding which contains 37 sites for horses and trailers.

You would think with so many camping spots that the park would
be too crowded but is usually is pretty decent with everyone
having a 2 or 3 spot buffer between them. Within reach of most of
the spots are restrooms and shower areas that are kept generally
clean and the showers actually have hot water most of the
time!

There are plenty of activities and trails to blaze at this
park, my favorite being the scenic walk around the Whitewater
Lake near dawn or dusk provides a picturesque landscape and an
almost surreal feeling. If you also like to swim there is
swimming available in the summer at the beach building that also
has a small restaurant.

Trails stretch around the lake and most of the camping areas,
there are even several playgrounds for kids of all age within
biking distance which is nearby to the nicely supplied general
store.

And last but not least for attractions is the Saddle Barn
which is ran independently of the park but is inside of it.
Accessible on several of the small driving lanes or reachable by
a short walk the saddle barn usually has daily and nightly
events, especially in the fall when they do regular hay rides
through the entirety of the park which lasts a good 30 minutes
and is usually the highlight of the trip.

All in all the Whitewater Memorial State park in Indiana is a
nice retreat that isn’t too far out and for a minimal camping
spot fee is really a deal including all of the possible
activities and nearby small Amusement park. You will have plenty
of options, rain or shine.

Park Website:
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/properties/park_whitewater.html

Saddle Barn / Horse Ride Website

By Jesse G. Roland

My all time favorite getaway and a companion hike to the very close by Dinsmore Woods SNP, Boone County Cliffs SNP is truly a lost treasure in the middle of a fast growing urban area.

Just one mile down the road from the previously mentioned Dinsmore Woods on Middle Creek Road there is a beautiful 74 acre wilderness that almost astonishes you. Going from Florence and Burlington you climb down a steep hill that takes you back in time. With no facilities besides a 5 car gravel parking area you may want to make sure everything is taken care of before you head out to this remote hiking and bird watching spot, and you may also want to pack a few things from the camping first aid kit in case you may need something.

The Hike takes you in a loop around the entire reserve which lie around a small tributary to Middle Creek, rounding down around a ridge and by the stream the start of the hike immerses you in a peaceful and serene habitat that you did not think could exist this close to the city. Once you round this ridge and take a look at the babbling brook you will find out why its called Boone County “Cliffs”. With magnificent cliff peaks from 20 – 40 feet in height you can get a real feel for this rare geologic formation that was carved out by ice age glaciers and is the only such area in the entire state of Kentucky.

A brisk climb to the top of the cliff is an intermediate to strenuous trail but don’t fret there are several benches scattered throughout the reserve including one halfway up the main climb. The Cliff Overlook just at the top will have you looking at the entire stream and the rest of your hike. Winding through deep mixed forests and thick hillsides of forest ferns on a very well marked and nicely carved path. Notice that many of the plants and tree throughout have been marked with they’re scientific names as well as common names which also makes this a learning experience.

There are many cliffs throughout your hike that you will notice but be careful not to stray from the path many of the cliffs are dangerous and not meant to be hiked to. Many birds also make Boone County Cliffs SNP an excellent bird watching area, you will see Nuthatches, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Finches and Canary’s here and there.

As you finish up the trail you will notice that you are coming down a slope on the other side of the stream that you seen at the beginning as you once again hear the sounds of the running stream. The trail in the end is just under 2.5 miles and a little longer hike than Dinsmore Woods putting you between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. Again another great weekend getaway that wont cost you anything besides a few hours, and the great feeling you will get from the fresh air a peaceful atmosphere.

By Jesse G. Roland

Looking for a lost getaway in a busy world? Well there are two noteworthy niches just tucked away in the hustle and bustle of urban Northern Kentucky. Both near Burlington, Kentucky in urban Boone County are Dinsmore Woods SNP and Boone County Cliffs SNP. Both jointly owned by the Nature Conservancy and the Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission, only in this entry I will talk about Dinsmore Woods.

Located 10 miles out from the KY 18 and I-75 junction Dinsmore Woods SNP a park just over 100 acres with beautiful 40 ft cliffs rising from the small tributary to Middle Creek. The Cliffs are a rare geological aspect of the glacial outwash from the last ice age and the only site of the geologic period in the state.

Ideal for hiking, bird watching, and a great way to de-stress for an hour or two. The park has a decently marked trail which is great for beginning and intermediate hikers. Also available in the Area is the Old Donsmore Homestead which is attached to the Nature preserve and An exhibit onto its own for yet another outing.

Parking is available across KY 18 at the Middle Creek Park which is around 200 feet from the Dinsmore Woods trailhead which contains a trailhead marker with a sign in sheet for hikers. A portolet restroom is available only at the Middle Creek Park and no other facilities are available to visitors.

The trail resembles more of a 4 wheeler path at first but then matures into a full fledged trail after passing the Old Dinsmore Family Cemetery (Spooky) and a small field of the endangerd Running Buffalo Clover where the real trail begins throw a notch in a massive downed oak.

From here the trail winds through and down ridge sides and across small seasonal streams, take care not to lose the so so trail in some parts of the hike due to downed debris and some lacking parts of the trail, but all in all not bad for a purely volunteer effort. Also be sure to keep an eye out for Deer, Red Fox, and Blue Jays which are all frequent drop in guests on your way through the trail.

The loop trail catches back up with where you left off roughly short of 2 miles from your beginning to end and most times within the 2 hour time limit. A great way to get outdoors with only a small amount of time and only minutes from the big city amenities such as the Florence Mall and Turfway Park Race Track. And if you wanna add some more steps to your out of the way nature trails be sure and catch the next entry for my personal favorite Boone County Cliffs SNP which is only a mile down the road!

By Jesse G. Roland