We have winners in our Explore! Southern Indiana Photo Contest.

The photo winning the most votes was a scene of the lake in Ferdinand State Forest in Dubois County.

Next came Along Hamer Stream in Pioneer Village in Spring Mill State Park in Lawrence County.

The third was a Fall in Crawford County.

A Walk in the Woods: German Ridge Trail

Take a walk in the woods through the Hoosier National Forest along part or all of the 23 mile German Ridge Trail a multiple-use loop trail that winds through many tall pine stands. Hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking are all allowed on this trail, which offers views of sandstone rock outcrops, bluffs, rolling hills of hardwood forests and the mighty Ohio River.

The easy to moderate trails are laid out in a ladder style, for bigger or smaller loops. Much of the trail has been widened and flattened to better accommodate horses. There are frequent climbs, a few of which are difficult. The south end is a gravel lane which is a pretty easy walk through the woods and the area is used heavily by horses. Some good single track which is a little more technical exists at the north end. There are a couple of stream crossings and some great views.

For a much shorter trail in the German Ridge Recreation Area check out the hiking-only German Ridge Lake Trail 

which encircles the German Ridge Lake, offers a historic campground and even some stone steps.

Camping is available. 

For more information and maps, visit http://www.indianaoutfitters.com/Destinations/Hoosier_National/German_Ridge_Trail.htm

Fall Photos on Flickr

We just put some great photos of Southern Indiana up on our FLICKR account.  Be sure to take a look: http://www.flickr.com/photos/exploresouthernindiana/sets/72157627688806903/

Fall Colors and Events at Patoka Lake Visitor Center

Here are some great fall events this coming weekend at Patoka Lake Visitor Center.

Saturday, October 8

8:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. Resident Red-tailed Hawk will be out in the backyard garden viewing area of the Visitor Center. Come take a close-up look.

9a.m. – Noon Basket Weaving Workshop~ Come and learn the art of weaving baskets by hand. Local basket weaver, Patty Ingle will walk participants through the creation of their very own handmade napkin basket. A fee of $35/basket and pre-registration is required. There is a limit of 10 participants per workshop. Participants should arrive at the Visitor Center before 9a.m. Call the Patoka Lake Visitor Center at 812.685.2447 for more information and to register. The standard daily entrance fee applies to all participants. Come make a holiday or birthday gift for yourself, a friend, or family member!  

1p.m. Hoosier Quest ~ Kids bring your parents in to the Visitor Center to learn about an exciting way to earn patches, pins, and prizes for hiking and spending time outdoors  

2p.m. Gone Batty~ Learn about these winged cuties as we defy some of the common myths and test your knowledge with our Bat Trivia! Make your own bat I.D. book to take home!  

Sunday, October 9

10a.m. – 3p.m. Resident Red-tailed Hawk will be out in the backyard garden viewing area of the Visitor Center. Come take a close-up look.

11:30a.m. Hawk Talk~ Come see our resident Red-tailed Hawk. Discover why she cannot fly and must stay with us at Patoka Lake Visitor Center. See close up the tools her species uses to hunt and survive in the wild!  

2p.m. Leaf Prints~ Capture some of the colors of the season in this quick craft. With all supplies provided, rub, paint, or press your leaves to preserve this fall fashion. Bring a plain white shirt or bag to stamp out your own wearable designs.   

Thursday, October 13

3p.m. Green Fire~ Come to the Visitor Center and enjoy this feature film on the life of wildlife enthusiast and conservationist, Aldo Leopold. This documentary highlights his path in molding the future for environmental management. Discover how this man’s life continues to inspire and attract others to live in his way.

3084 N. Dillard Rd. Birdseye, IN  PH. (812)685-2447

Open Tuesday- Sunday 8:30a.m. to 4p.m. Eastern Daylight Time http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2420.htm

Visit our website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2420.htm

Calling All Spelunkers

Explore! Southern Indiana just posted two great underground videos of Old Town Spring Cave and Waterfall Crawl, both great caving experiences open year round for the adventurous at Marengo Caves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zRLkPoIAwA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpS9npWOcio

Explore! Indiana's Cave Trail

Indiana Cave Trail

Indiana is a spelunker’s dream and what better time of the year to follow the Indiana Cave Trail --  three totally different but beautiful show caves -- than now as the leaves turn the jewel colors of fall.

 Pick up a passport at any of the three participating caves, or download and print by clicking the passport on the trail’s Website. Each cave stamps your passport when you purchase tickets.

At the 3rd cave, you will receive a free Indiana Caves T-Shirt!

Make it a two or three day trip and spend your nights at the beautiful and historic Leavenworth Inn overlooking the Ohio River and Spring Mill Inn at Spring Hill State Park in Mitchell, Indiana.

   (888) 702-2837 or http://www.indianacaves.com/

Big Splash Adventure October Special

Stay in October and get a FREE Large 1 Topping Pizza and 4 Large Drinks

Our early bird fall break promotion is in full swing!  Stay during the month of October and receive a FREE large 1 topping pizza and 4 large drinks!  Enter the following promo code of DINNER when booking online or mention it when booking by our reservations line at 877-936-3866  Must book by 9/27/2011 and stay during the month of October.  This is a limited time offer and is not valid with any other offers/promotions/discounts.