Outdoor
Recreation

Numerous Outdoor Adventures Await

From the hills of Hoosier National Forest to the banks of the Ohio River, the great outdoors is calling. Whether it’s hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, or all of the above; Perry County offers numerous outdoor adventures. From beginners to experts in outdoor recreation, Perry County offers an outdoor adventure for all. With smiling faces and visitor-friendly amenities, the people of Perry County welcome you to explore nature at your pace.

Camping

The area of Hoosier National Forest found in Perry County offers several camping locations featuring lakes with sandy beaches, boat launches and recreation areas.

Glenn Wood Hills Camp & Retreat Center also offers a beautiful, private camping location that offers several lodging and recreation options.

Fishing

With access to over 18,000 acres of water, Perry County is an angler’s year-round fishing paradise.  Try your luck for bass, crappie, bluegill, sauger, catfish, or striped bass.

Some of Perry County’s best fishing embayments are: Oil Creek, Poison Creek, Bear Creek and Deer Creek. Oil, Poison and Deer all can be accessed from the Ohio, and anglers can make their way a number of miles up the meandering streams for fishing in areas with excellent structure. Oil Creek, for example, still has a lot of standing timber.

The Hoosier National Forest also has plenty of fishing opportunities. it has four good fishing lakes – Tipsaw , Celina, Indian and Saddle. All four are stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear and catfish, and are rarely crowded. All four have boat ramps. No gasoline motors are permitted, but electric trolling motors can be used.

Parks and Greenways

The Perry County Parks & Recreation Department consists of 5 park facilities ranging in size from 1 acre to 128 acres. These facilities are located along the Ohio River Scenic Byway (Hwy 66) on the southern and eastern sides of Perry County. Some amenities available at our parks consist of a scenic overlook of the Ohio River and Cannelton Locks & Dam, two public boat launches, walking trails, shelter houses, and restroom facilities.

Hiking and Horseback Riding

With 84 miles trails to explore, hiking is one of the most popular activities at the Hoosier National Forest throughout the year. Group hikes are frequently scheduled by the Perry County Parks & Recreation and are open to visitors.

50 miles of the Hoosier National Forest trails are open to horseback riding.  Most notably, the German Ridge, Mogan Ridge, and Oriole trails wind through tall pines and include stream crossings and scenic views.

Hunting

Perry County offers great hunting experiences any time of the year.  Whether it is deer in the fall, ducks in the winter, or turkeys in the spring, you are sure to find excitement.  With more acres of the Hoosier National forest than any other county in the state, Perry County has several hunting sites to choose from.  The Ohio River, and many public lakes, offer some great waterfowl spots.

Swimming

Sand beaches welcome swimmers at Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area and German Ridge Recreation Area within the Hoosier National Forest.  Also, the Tell City Municipal Pool is a great way to cool off in the hot summer months.

Biking

The rolling hills of Perry County are a bicyclist’s dream because the landscape is both challenging and picturesque.  Perry County offers eight different biking routes which wind through the county.  Routes range from 2o miles to 85 miles in distance.

Boating

You’ll never find the Ohio River crowded.  Boaters have thousands of acres of water on which to boat, ski, canoe, fish, and swim.  Plus, there are plenty of places to pull up a boat for a picnic or camping.

There are boat ramps both above and below the Cannelton Locks and Dam.  You can put in a boat at one of the ramps at Troy, Tell City, Cannelton, Rocky Point, Rome, Magnet, or Mano Point near Derby.  You can also enjoy the four lakes at the Hoosier National Forest which are Tipsaw, Celina, Indian, and Saddle.

Paddle Perry

Paddle Perry is a local group of adventure seekers who explore Indiana’s waterways and lay witness to the extraordinary beauty that the region has to offer.  Paddle Perry often schedules half and full-day events.  As well as overnight trips, safety courses and SUP Yoga classes January through October.  All levels are welcome to join in the fun!

Mission Statement: We strive to improve quality of life and appreciation for nature’s beauty by providing activities on local waterways, environmental awareness, conservation, and safety education. We strive to make our waterways healthy and enrich our environment for our community.

Rome Courthouse

The 1818 Rome Courthouse is Indiana’s oldest Courthouse. The building today serves as a community center after having acted as a school and a church over the past two centuries. For tours or rental information please call 919-537-2010

Newly Developed Forest Canton Heights Subdivision Information  Download PDF Packet
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