Washington County: Hiking Trails and Regional History

Washington County brings together scenery, hiking, and regional history. The Knobstone Trail is a clear focal point for hiking plans; a state-designated river, lakes, and historic sites also shape the area. Seasonal offerings and recurring events add to the mix. You can therefore plan your trip around nature experiences, culture, or a suitable event date.

River Landscapes and Bodies of Water

The Blue River in Harrison, Crawford, and Washington Counties is state-designated as part of Indiana’s natural, scenic, and recreational river system from river mile 57 downstream to river mile 11.5. The county’s lakes also appeal to different interests: many are suitable for canoeing, fishing, and swimming; access rules vary by lake. A boat ramp is located at Spurgeon Hollow Lake. Lake Salinda offers fishing opportunities during fishing tournaments. The Veteran’s Trail, a hiking trail, is also located there.

Trails and Planning

The Knobstone Trail is a 60-mile hiking trail through the backcountry. It runs through Clark State Forest, Elk Creek Public Fishing Area, and Jackson-Washington State Forest. Numerous steep ascents and descents characterize the trail. Access is available from the trailhead in the rear parking area of Delaney Creek Park. When planning, it is worth keeping both the distance and the changing terrain in mind.

There are also trails around Beck's Mill: beyond the mill, another three miles of trails cross the hills, passing three additional springs before following the high, steep slope along Mill Creek. Trail conditions and access may change; check both before your visit.

Historic Places and Buildings

Pioneer Village is a replica of a community from the 1830s. John Hay’s birthplace has been a National Historic Site since 1971. The Depot Railroad Museum displays railroad equipment and tools, as well as signs, advertisements, signals, and lanterns.

Beck's Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is the only surviving mill in Indiana where the entire milling process was carried out exclusively with millstones. The Blue River Friends Hicksite Meeting House is the oldest surviving Quaker meeting house in Indiana; it was built and completed in 1815–1816 using locally sourced materials. The Washington County Courthouse in Salem, Indiana, offers another architectural landmark: the building is in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and was built in 1886. Motorsport history is also part of the region: Salem Speedway officially opened on June 22, 1947.

Annual and Seasonal Events

The Hicksite Memorial Meeting is held annually on the first Sunday in October. If this date matters to your travel plans, check the date for the year in question. LM Sugarbush Farm in Salem, Indiana, covers 140 acres and hosts an annual maple syrup festival.

As an outing near Salem, Cornucopia Farm is located 10 miles east of the city. It offers corn and soybean mazes, a petting zoo, and pumpkin patches. Check seasonal operating details before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Starke County, Knox County, Lake, Ripley, Cass County, Johnson, and Wabash County.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.