Versailles State Park
Versailles State Park, located east of Versailles Indiana on US Route 50 is Indiana’s second largest state park. It includes 5905 acres, the 230 Versailles Lake, a public swimming pool and one of the finest campgrounds in the Indiana State Park system.
Versailles State Park has about six miles of trails which make a wonderful hiking experience. The trails range from moderate to easy and traverse through impressive hardwood forests which are blanketed with wildflowers in the spring.
Three streams cut through the terrain of the Versailles State Park. Laughery Creek, the creek which forms the basin of Versailles Lake, is the largest. It enters the lake on the north end of the park, and spills over the immense earthen dam on the south end. It is spanned by the handsome Busching Covered Bridge which leads back up to Versailles Indiana just south of the parks entrance. The state park also hosts Fallen Timber Creek, which enters Versailles Lake from the east. A bridge spans this creek, allowing viewing of a wetland area which is home to various types of waterfowl and aquatic life.
There is also a saddle barn at Versailles State Park where horses may be ridden over the parks horse trail system. There is a riding corral where beginners may hone their equestrian skills.
Versailles State Park is also the southern terminus for the Hoosier Hills Bicycle Route. This is a 27 mile long biking trail which connects the State Park with Liberty Park in Batesville, Indiana. This route from here connects with the longer Whitewater Valley Bicycle Route which is 66 miles long and runs to Earlham College in Richmond Indiana.
The park also has numerous picnic shelters, some of which nestle in secluded coves overlooking Versailles Lake. Paddle boats and rowboats are available for rent at the marina and boats with small trolling motors are permitted on the lake.
A day at Versailles State Park can thus include boating, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and biking.
Versailles State Park Hiking Trail One
Versailles State Park Hiking Trail Two
Versailles State Park – Trail 3
Versailes State Park – Mountain Bike Trail
Back to Ripley County Camping”
