Hiking trail 9-11: Brown County State Park - IN

We got this! I didn't think I could complete both 9&11 but we did!!! It was epic and I feel so accomplished! Trail #9 (3mi) starts at the Taylor Ridge Campground. There is typically no parking available in the area (for non-campers), but in the off season there are parking spaces at the facilities hut. During high season, the best place to park is at the Ogle Lake parking lot, and take trail #11 (2.75mi) down to trail #9. Trail #11 is mainly accessed at the Ogle Lake parking or from the campground at Trail #9. On the park website, it indicated trail 9&11 are rugged, which they are in a few spots, but they are mainly moderate. They do have gradual, but long, inclines that can be tiring, so always bring your water and back-up water especially on hot days. The trees provide shade for the majority of the hiking which is pleasant all year. Trail #9 is a loop trail (3mi) where as #11 is a down and back (2.75mi one way). There is an entrance fee at the gate for both residents and non-state residents unless you have a yearly pass. There are also a wide variety of overnight accommodations for the tent all they way up to hotel with waterpark. We spent a full 2.5 days and were able to get to most of the hiking trails, but didn't even scratch the surface to the mountain bike trails. It is a very large and accessible park to a variety of level of hikers. #retireearlyandtravel #retireearly #retirement #lectric #veteransherman #ebike #ebikes #nature #naturelovers #landscapephotography #trail #trails #hike #hiking #hikingadventures #forest #lake #trees #waterfall #river #family #sweethearts #foreverlove #bikeride #bikerides #bikeriders #bikelife #cycling #ride #electricbike #railstotrails #stateparks #nationalpark #adventure #indiana #browncounty

Facilities:
There are no facilities on the trail, only at the trailheads.
At the trailheads, there are bathrooms, picnic tables, and at some, playgrounds. The park map labels everything that is located at each area

Park Map:
Cell reception, for us, was spotty, so bringing a paper map, or handheld GPS is a good idea. There are many spur trails that you could take that would not keep you on the main trail. It is a big park.
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/fi...

Accommodations:
Abe Martin Lodge & Cabins: We stayed in a refinished cabin and it was excellent! Quiet with all the creature comforts of home. Some are pet friendly and some are connecting. You just need to ask when making the reservation.
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/in...

Food:
Picnics are the most popular with visitors because of the many beautiful areas to sit; however, if you want a meal with service, look no further than the Abe Martin Lodge. We had breakfast one morning and dinner one evening and both were fantastic! I was surprised about the staff. I was expecting really (truly) friendly...they were professional of course, but really not friendly. They were very friendly with each other, but we seemed to be just numbers...which I guess in reality, we were...but, it was a bit disappointing. I was expecting that Hoosier Hospitality you hear so much about. BUT! The food was delicious and the service fast, so who should complain. It was just different than I expected.
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/in...