Indiana‘s Historic Pathways Byway winds through the rolling hills and river valleys of southern Indiana, connecting a chain of historic towns, covered bridges, and forested landscapes that preserve the state’s pioneer heritage. The route passes through portions of Brown, Monroe, and surrounding counties, where autumn foliage draws visitors from across the Midwest.

The byway links several notable destinations, including the artist colony of Nashville in Brown County, home to galleries, craft shops, and Brown County State Park — Indiana’s largest state park with over 15,000 acres of rugged, wooded terrain. Story, a tiny hamlet with a single inn and restaurant housed in a restored general store, sits along the route and offers one of the state’s most atmospheric dining experiences.

Covered bridges, stone quarries, and historic courthouses mark the landscape along the drive. The limestone belt running through this region supplied building stone for landmarks across the country, and several active and abandoned quarries are visible from the road. T.C. Steele State Historic Site preserves the home and studio of one of Indiana’s most celebrated landscape painters.

Peak fall color typically arrives in the second and third weeks of October, when the hardwood forests blaze with red, orange, and gold. Spring wildflower season in April and May brings trillium, bluebells, and redbuds to the forest floor. The route is fully paved and accessible year-round, though narrow winding sections require attentive driving.

Explore Nearby

• Whitewater Memorial State Park — State Park in Indiana
• White River State Park — State Park in Indiana
• Hoosier National Forest — National Forest in Indiana
• Jeffries Ford Bridge — Covered Bridge in Indiana
• Clinton Bridge — Covered Bridge in Indiana