Winter Hike 2012
January 14

photo courtesy Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau

The 10th Annual Winter Hike will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012, starting at 9 a.m. Two routes will take hikers through the rugged and scenic beauty of Brown County State Park. The Southern Loop Hike, 3.5 miles, begins and ends at the Nature Center. New this year are outdoor equipment and bike demos at the Recreational Building, sponsored by J.L. Waters and Revolution Bike and Bean Company. Also new this year is the “Frosty Trails Five Mile,” a challenging 5 mile run on the horse trails, hosted by the Indiana Running Company.

The Woodland Hike, 2.75 miles, begins and ends at the park’s Recreation Building.

Parking is available at both buildings. The Hike will be held regardless of weather.

A Winter Hike user fee of $1 per hiker (children under five free) is assessed at park gates as you enter. Normal entry fees also apply. Hikers should plan for about 2 hours hiking time, longer if you are a slow walker or photograph items along the way.

Park interpreters along each trail will relate winter wildlife facts. Troop 190 boy scouts will serve hot drinks and S’mores at each lake shelterhouse. Heated restrooms are located at the park office, Nature Center, and at the winterized showerhouse near the Country Store.
Abe Martin Lodge will serve “Breakfast with the Naturalists” at 7 a.m., a chance to visit with staff to learn what can be seen, and a “Hiker’s Buffet” starting at 11 a.m. For meal information, please call the Abe Martin Lodge at (812) 988-4418.

The Friends of Brown County State Park will sell a commemorative Winter Hike patch and yearly chevron starting at 11 a.m. at the Abe Martin Lodge.

What a beautiful time of year to experience quiet backcountry stillness and winter beauty. Dress appropriately and join us.
Explore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat is having a “Zip and Sip” event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with zip line runs and free hot cocoa and Big Woods root beer by the fireplace or bonfire. For more information on the “Zip and Sip” visit <www.explorebrowncounty.com> or call (812) 988-7750.
For more information on the Winter Hike, go to
<www. browncounty.com> and see the Winter Events link, or call Brown County State Park Nature Center at (812) 988-5240.
Mail in or register online for the Frosty Trails Five mile event. Early registration ($20) ends midnight Thursday, January 12, 2012. Go to <www.signmeup.com/79012> to register online. Paper entries can be mailed to or dropped off at Indiana Running Company 121 north College Avenue Bloomington, IN 47404. Make check payable to Indiana Running Company.