To finish out my wandering for 2024, I was able to tie some work together with business.  

I was able to attend an exciting and long-awaited ribbon cutting in Orleans. It was an exciting day for the Monon South with the festivities for the first completed paved section of the trail.  

This 60+/- mile trail in southern Indiana will be fantastic! I cannot wait to ride, run, and walk this trail. Kudos to Orleans as well.  

 

 

Most people probably don’t know the Town of Orleans (unless you are driving on SR37 to visit French Lick), and if you haven’t stopped in, you don’t see what you are missing. The history tour around town is really interesting. Stop at the Chamber of Commerce and pick up a brochure.  

 

 

After the ribbon cutting, it was time to wander and do so quickly. In December, daylight is not your friend. It was off to Falls of the Ohio State Park. Unfortunately, the Ohio River was roaring, so getting out on the exposed fossil beds was impossible. Even though there wasn’t a way to hike, walking around the visitor center is always really interesting. There is a nice Ohio River trail that is a fun hike, but it wasn’t on the agenda for the day.

Charlestown State Park was next. Typically, most hikers head to Trail #3/#7 and check out Rose Island. I decided to change things up on this visit. Trail #2 ended up being my choice, and I am so glad I did. It is a short trail with several waterfalls along the way. It is one of those trails that I had little expectation going into it, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience. It was even better since the waterfalls were flowing due to recent rains.  

Clifty Falls State Park is one of my favorites, but it can get awful busy in the warmer seasons when everyone wants to get out and enjoy nature. With daylight really waning, I had to hustle to take on a trail. A part of Trail #7 was my choice. I was able to see Big Clifty Waterfall as well as Little Clifty. I was the only person on the trail, which made my day. Who else would be hiking at dusk/night? A short trip and a long day but that is what WANDERING is all about.  

So, goal completed! 24 state parks visited in 2024. It was so much fun. And as I say, the visits aren’t always long, but they are enjoyable, and they let me think about what I want to do the next time I visit.  

Let me know some places to visit. I’m always looking for that next adventure.  

~ Jeff Banning