Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve - Nashville, IN
Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve Dog-Friendly Hiking in Nashville, Indiana
If you’re searching for quiet dog-friendly hiking in Nashville, Indiana, Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve offers a scenic escape just off Freeman Ridge Road. This nature park boasts a well-marked hiking loop just under 3 miles surrounded by Hoosier Hills views and wildflowers, ideal for both people and pets who love the outdoors. Dogs are allowed on the trails, and many visitors note the peaceful seclusion, even on weekends when the fall foliage is at its peak.
The park’s moderate, hilly hiking route features picturesque ravines, a trickling creek, and easy-to-follow markers along the trail. While there isn’t a dedicated fenced dog area, the preserve is a popular place for responsible off-leash walks with your pup. Amenities include a small, sheltered picnic area, shaded spots along the trail, picnic tables, and a few parking spots. The preserve is also wheelchair accessible from the parking lot, making it inclusive for visitors. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly hikes and tranquil setting, perfect for a nature getaway with your dog in Brown County, Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Many visitors let their dogs off-leash on the trails, though there is no designated or fenced dog area, so use caution and follow local regulations.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is not a fenced area for dogs at this preserve.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the parking lot is wheelchair accessible, though there are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, there is a sheltered picnic area and picnic tables for visitors to enjoy meals.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There are picnic tables and a small sheltered area available for seating.
- Where is the best place to park? The preserve offers a small parking lot with 5-6 spots near the entrance off Freeman Ridge Rd.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the main feature is a well-marked hiking loop of just under 3 miles.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? Reviews mention that it is usually uncrowded, even on weekends during peak fall color season.
- Are there any amenities for kids? The preserve is good for kids and offers kid-friendly hikes.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there is a small covered picnic shelter and natural shade along the trails.
Reviews
This is a pretty sweet Little nature park. The trail makes one big loop and is marked very well with white diamonds painted onto tree trunks and some signage so you shouldn’t be able to get lost. Bikes, horses, and motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on this trail.
On a scale of 1-5 difficulty I would rate it at a 3. There are sections of trail where you are literally inches from a good size drop.
Parking lot is fairy small 5-6 parking spots with a small sheltered picnic area.
The road leading to it is a one lane, two-way gravel road.
Happy Hiking!
Țrail is moderate according to the guide BUT DEF had a few rugged moments.🤪 Very fun😃 With lots of ups and downs on the well marked trails👣a lot of wildflowers this time of year!❤👏
Hilly hiking. Loved the sounds of nature and the trickling creek at the bottom of the ravine. Let my dog run off leash and on a cloudy Sunday did not encounter another person.
Ravines so lots of up and down. Clearly marked trails and beautiful! Trails cross creek beds, but in dryer weather the creek beds are completely dry. Despite being a weekend in October when the leaves look great, it was not crowded.
The trail is well marked and is just short of 3 miles long. The beginning gives you great views of the surrounding Hoosier Hills and the trail is pretty easy so most ages could handle it. The whole time I didn’t see anyone else so a very remote place to most.