How Does Brown County Compare to Other Great Trails?

Despite the amazing trails and success of Brown County, there are still some skeptics out there. We frequently talk to people that have doubts that there is enough elevation change in Indiana to create a world-class trail system. Those that have ridden at Brown County already know that it's not only possible, it's already on the ground waiting to be ridden!

What follows is the first in a series of numerical comparisons of Brown County to other well-known trails. For the comparisons, we'll rely purely on GPS data that is publicly posted on the web. It's important to note that these comparisons won't take into account many things such as flora, fauna, soil type, climate, views, trailhead amenities, points of interest, etc. In those regards, I think that the experience at BCSP is unique, yet comparable to riding experiences that I've had at other great trail systems all over the country. For those riders out there that want to see the "numbers" I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what we've accomplished in the Southern Indiana hills.

The representative ride that we'll use from BCSP is this GPS track of a quintessential, long ride in Brown County. It's currently the route that I recommend to visitors that want a half-day/full-day epic ride. It's a 23 mile route. Over its course it has an elevation gain/loss average of 3,140 feet. It covers every inch of officially opened trail as of December 2008. It does not include any of the new Pine Loop (beginner) or Schooner Trace Trail (expert) that will open in Spring of 2009. It's interesting to note that this route can be made significantly more difficult by taking the long way around Aynes Loop and North Tower Loop on the return trip. That adds about 5 miles and over a thousand feet elevation change.

For the first trail comparison we're going to use the Berryman Trail in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. This has long been a popular trail in the United States, especially the Midwest. It was officially designated as an IMBA Epic in 2001. Here's a link to the Berryman Trail GPS information that I'll be using for the comparison.

The first thing that jumps out when you compare Brown County with the Berryman is how freakishly close the numbers are. The Berryman loop is just under 24 miles. The Brown County ride is just over 23 miles. The elevation change on the Berryman loop is 3,143 feet. The elevation change on the Brown County ride it is 3,140 feet. The elevation on the Berryman loop ranges between 800-1200 feet above sea level. The elevation on the Brown County ride ranges between 650-1050 feet above sea level.

So, there you have it. There are trails of "epic" quality right here in Indiana. The numbers don't lie. When you add other things to the equation like the extremely high quality and diversity of the BCSP trails, the generally mild riding weather, the beautiful flora and fauna, the fantastic views, and the nearby amenities of the quaint tourist town of Nashville, Brown County really starts to "add up".

I want to be the first to say that numbers don't do it justice. Come see it for yourself. Plan a trip here for next season. Come for a day. Stay for a week. You won't be dissapointed. It's also important to remember that after you ride for 2-3 days at Brown County you may also want to check out the wonderful Nebo Ridge Trail or some of the other almost 150 miles of legal trail in and around Brown County.