Perry County: River, Trails and History

Perry County can be explored through several travel interests: the scenic roads along the Ohio River, trails for a variety of outdoor activities, and places connected to local history. If you plan your stay around one of these themes, here you’ll find specific differences between the route, outdoor offerings and cultural sites.

Scenic Route and River Views

The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Ohio River and connects historic villages and farms through the rolling, agricultural landscapes of southern Indiana. Its Indiana section includes 302 miles of scenic roads. Blue Heron Vineyard and Winery sits on a hill overlooking the Ohio River.

Trails for Different Activities

The Tell City Riverwalk and the trails in Hoosier National Forest are suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. In the Perry County section of Hoosier National Forest, 84 miles of trails are available for hiking year-round. The county also has 50 miles of horseback-riding trails, including the German Ridge, Mogan Ridge and Oriole Trails. For cycling, there are eight routes ranging from 20 to 85 miles.

The distances vary by activity: the hiking and horseback-riding figures refer to total trail mileage, while the cycling figure refers to eight individual routes and their respective lengths. This lets you compare the outdoor offerings based on whether you prefer hiking, horseback riding or cycling, without combining the different figures into a single route.

On the Water

Boat ramps providing access to the Ohio River are located in Troy, Tell City, Cannelton, Rocky Point, Rome, Magnet, Mano Point and Derby. Pack A Dam Lock is an annual event in which 100 paddlers travel along the Ohio River and pass through the lock at the dam. Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area offers swimming and a sandy shoreline. The water-related options are distinct: boat ramps are located in several places, Pack A Dam Lock is an event on the river, and Tipsaw Lake combines swimming opportunities with a sandy shoreline.

Culture and History

The Perry County Museum is open on Sundays from June through the end of October. From November through May, it is open by appointment only. Since seasonal opening hours may change, check the current schedule before your visit.

In Cannelton, Myers Grade School has been an important educational institution since 1868. Also in Cannelton, the Celtic Cross is considered the largest Celtic Cross in situ in the world. Local self-taught artist Greg Harris created it from a single 22-foot-tall stone naturally embedded in a hillside. The cross is therefore a single work made from one stone; the story of its creation is also part of its special connection to Cannelton.

Shubael Little Pioneer Village includes four authentic pioneer cabins, a working blacksmith shop with a forge, a historic woodworking shop and Troy’s historic stone jail. Unlike the single Celtic Cross, the village brings together several cabins, workshops and a historic building. This makes the two cultural attractions distinct destinations for different interests: a striking work in Cannelton or several historic buildings and workshops at Pioneer Village.

Discover more destinations: Bristow, Tell City, Adams County, Boone County, Allen, Vanderburgh, Cass County, Madison County.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.