I recently made a trip to southern Indiana to visit one of my favorite state parks.
Versailles State Park has deep history rooted in the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civilian Conservation Corp.
Located near Versailles, the park is Indiana’s second largest state park with 5,988 acres. The beautiful 234-acre Versailles Lake that sits within the park was formed in 1954. The land the park sits on was once owned by the National Park Service back in the 1930s. It was later turned over to the state of Indiana and was established as a state park in 1943.
It was a gorgeous day with mild temperatures in the low 70s on the day I visited the park.
I retrieved a map upon arrival from the gatehouse at the entrance of the park. I had decided on trail 3 for my chosen hike of the day. The Fallen Timber Creek trail is a loop trail and is 1.5 miles in length. It’s one of my favorites!
This historic trail was once the old horse and buggy road that passed by an early settler’s cabin. Around 1837, Leander Webster settled on land near the trail and built a sawmill there. He later became a leading citizen in the town of Versailles.
There are also opportunities to view fossils in the creek beds along the trail.
I drove to the parking area near the trailhead and started out on my adventure. The trail, well worn, (and slightly muddy), meandered through the forest. The leaves overhead were filling out to make a canopy of shade. The filtered light from the sun shining through the leaves scattered little shadows across the forest floor.
I found a variety of spring wildflowers growing along the trail: wild phlox, fire pinks, Jack-in-the-Pulpits, just to name a few. I was certainly in my element.
Soon I came to my first creek crossing. The water level was up a bit from recent rains. I could still see fossils in the rocks under my feet. I spent a relaxing time exploring the creek looking for fossils.
It was hard to pull myself away, but the trail was waiting!
I crossed the creek and the trail in front of me led me up some hills and back down again. Eventually the trail intersected with trails 1 and 2, which would give me the option to hike more miles. I decided to just finish the loop.
I soon found myself back at the parking lot where I started. It had been a great hike.
To find this place: From Columbus, Indiana, drive south on I-65 toward Louisville. Drive 15.9 miles and take exit 50A, onto U.S. 52 East. Drive approximately 35 miles on U.S. 50. Follow signs for the park. It’s located at 1387 E. U.S. 50, Versailles, Indiana.
A quote for your week: “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” — Laura Ingalls WilderUntil the next trail, Susan
This article originally appeared on Evening World: A Hiker’s Path: Fossils and flowers on the trail at Versailles State Park
Reporting by Susan Anderson / Evening World
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
