Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation
- Alton Boat Ramp
- Blue River
- Cannelton Pool
- Carnes Mill Nature Preserve
- Cave Country Canoes
- Crawford County Tourism Office
- Gilligan's Boats
- Harmony Park
- Harrison-Crawford State Forest
- Hemlock Cliffs
- Hoosier National Forest
- Horseshoe Bend
- Leavenworth Boat Ramp
- Little Blue River
- Lock and Dam Historical Park
- Marengo Cave
- Nature Center & Pioneer Farmstead
- O'Bannon Woods State Park
- Ohio River
- Old English Golf Course
- Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging
- Patoka Lake Visitor Center
- Scott's Timberline Cabin
- Sycamore Springs
- William H. English Park
- Yellow Birch Ravine
Crawford County consists of over 306 square miles of picture perfect beauty!
Cave complexes, a large recreational lake, state park, rugged terrain, acres of protected forests, nature preserves, and numerous waterways provide unlimited opportunites for excitement, adventure, and fun in the great outdoors!
Hiking trails are found throughout the county. Patoka Lake has 5 hiking trails that range from .5 to 6.5 miles in length. Hiking is also available at O’Bannon Woods State Park, Sycamore Springs, and Hemlock Cliffs.
Two extensive cave complexes contain large passageways, massive flowstone, and delicate formations. Visitors can choose from easy walking tours or natural adventure trips.
Blue River is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The mightly Ohio River offers water enthusiasts the chance to boat, water ski, and fish.
Other options include golf, biking, horseback riding, archery, hunting, and backpacking. Regardless of your age or skill level, we have an outdoor adventure that is just right for you and your family!
Alton Boat Ramp
Located near the mouth of the Little Blue River, this ramp was constructed in 1991. The one acre facility allows water enthusiasts convenient access to the Ohio River.
Blue River
Considered one of Indiana's purest streams, this spring fed river forms the eastery boundary of the county. Providing approximately 30 miles of waterway for fishing, boating, swimming, and canoeing, this river was the first to be included in Indiana's Natural & Scenic Rivers System!
Website Blue River
Phone812-365-2705
Cannelton Pool
The entire southern boundary of Crawford County is bordered by the Cannelton Pool, Indiana's longest "lake". Created with the completion of the Cannelton Dam and Lock, this 130 mile-long pool beckons water lovers of all ages. Public access is available at Alton and Leavenworth.
Carnes Mill Nature Preserve
Named for a rare "undershot" mill that once stood over a natural rock tunnel, this 73 acre preserve overlooks the Little Blue River. Old growth deciduous trees, rugged sandstone outcroppings, and rare plants. make this a nature lover's haven.
Phone317-923-7547
Cave Country Canoes
Flowing through the heart of Indiana's newest state park, Blue River is a great Class 1 stream (perfect for groups and families). Half-day, full day, and overnight trips are available from May through October. Come and experience the thrill of canoeing Indiana's first Designated Scenic Riverway.
Website Cave Country Canoes
Phone812-365-2705
Crawford County Tourism Office
Gilligan's Boats
Gilligan's will help make your stay at Patoka Lake a big hit! Rental services include Landau tri-log pontoons, Suzuki four-stroke EFI outboards, jet skis, canoes, tubes, knee boards, and inflatables of all kinds. Other services include boat repair, boat and rv storage, boat valet, and boat store.
Website Gilligan's Boats
Phone888-650-9819
Harmony Park
This 4 acre public park is situated in the town of New English. Visitors have access to its ballfield, shelterhouse, restrooms, tennis court, volleyball count, and walking trails.
Phone812-946-0778
Harrison-Crawford State Forest
With over 25,000 acres of hardwood timber, this forest features many historic sites and majestic panoramas of the mighty Ohio River. Vistors have access to 100 miles of horse trails, electric and primitive camping, hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, hunting, archery and more!
Website Harrison-Crawford State Forest
Phone812-738-8232
Hemlock Cliffs
This ruggedly beautiful cliff area is secluded in Crawford County and can only be accessed by a 1.2 mile long hiking trail. As visitors hike the trails along the cliffs, they will behold rock shelters, seasonal waterfalls, jagged bluffs, and dense forest canopy.
Website Hemlock Cliffs
Phone812-547-7051
Hoosier National Forest
200,000 acres of forrested hills, rocky ravines, limestone cliffs, winding streams, and picturesque lakes create a nature lover's paradise. The area abounds with opportunites for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, boating, swimming, and much more.
Website Hoosier National Forest
Phone812-547-7051
Horseshoe Bend
Located in Leavenworth, this magnificent panoramic view overlooks the tightest bend on the Ohio River. Visitors are always treated to a spectacular view of barges churning up and down the river, birds soaring among the cliffs, and the waters of the ever changing Ohio. Stop and visit the famous Overlook Restaurant to see this beautiful view.
Leavenworth Boat Ramp
This ramp is located in the Lock and Dam Historical Park in Old Town Leavenworth at the confluence of two rivers: the Ohio River and Blue River. The Ohio River is perfect for water skiing, boating, and fishing while Blue River provides excellent opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
Little Blue River
Flowing through the heart of the Hoosier National Forest, the Little Blue River provides miles and miles of bank fishing. Much of this stream is also suitable for small boats and canoes. Boat access is available at the Alton Boat Ramp.
Lock and Dam Historical Park
Photo
not
available
Situated in Old Town Leavenworth, this park is the site of old Dam and Lock No. 44. Its launching ramp provides public access to the Ohio River which is ideal for skiing, boating, fishing, and canoeing. Bank fishing and picnicking facilities are also available.
Phone812-738-8232







