Charlestown State Park launches hiking challenge

Charlestown State Park, in partnership with the Friends of Charlestown State Park, now has its own hiking challenge, encouraging guests to complete all of the property's seven hiking trails and its 5K cross country course, a total of 16.3 miles.

Those who complete the challenge will be eligible to purchase a pin for a suggested donation of $5 to the Friends of Charlestown State Park. Hikers must snap a photo at a specific location along each trail to prove they completed all portions of the challenge.

To see a brochure listing all of the photo locations as well as more information on park challenges at 10 other state parks, see dnr.IN.gov/healthy.

With scenic vistas of the Fourteenmile Creek valley and Ohio River and elevation changes of more than 200 feet, Charlestown's rugged hills and deep ravines provide a stunning landscape.

Devonian fossil outcrops and areas of karst sinkhole topography are part of the park's features. More than 72 species of birds can be seen at the park at different times of the year including bluebirds, black vultures, and sometimes bald eagles.

The gate fee at the park is $7 per vehicle for in-state residents and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state residents.

Charlestown State Park (on.IN.gov/charlestownsp) is at 12500 State Road 62, Charlestown, 47250.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.