Perry County: Ohio River, Trails and Culture

The Ohio River, trails in the Hoosier National Forest, and cultural sites in Cannelton and Troy give Perry County a variety of distinct features. You can plan your stay around river scenery and outdoor activities or make historic sites the focus. When planning, it helps to first consider which of these experiences you want to define your trip.

The Ohio River and the Landscape

The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Ohio River and connects historic villages and farms through the hills and agricultural areas of southern Indiana. The Indiana section offers 302 miles of scenic roads. This broad landscape theme complements the trails and places specifically named in Perry County.

Blue Heron Vineyard and Winery is also among the area’s distinctive landscapes: the winery sits on a hill overlooking the Ohio River. Boat ramps providing access to the river are located in Troy, Tell City, Cannelton, Rocky Point, Rome, Magnet, Mano Point, and Derby. These locations give an overview of the different places where boat ramps to the Ohio River are noted.

Trails for Different Activities

The Tell City Riverwalk and the trails in the Hoosier National Forest are suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. Perry County also has 84 miles of trails in the Hoosier National Forest that can be used for hiking year-round. The figures describe different options: the Riverwalk and trails are associated with several activities, while the 84 miles specifically describe the extent of the hiking trails available year-round.

Cyclists can choose from eight routes in the county, ranging from 20 to 85 miles long. The horseback riding trail network covers 50 miles and includes the German-Ridge, Mogan-Ridge, and Oriole Trails. When planning, you can distinguish between cycling routes and designated horseback riding trails and use the stated lengths to help guide your selection.

Water, Culture, and History

The Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area offers swimming opportunities and a sandy shoreline. Pack A Dam Lock offers a different kind of river experience: at this annual event, 100 paddlers travel down the Ohio River and pass through the lock at the dam. For water-focused activities, a lake area with swimming and a recurring event on the river are both options.

In Cannelton, the Celtic Cross is considered the world’s largest “in situ” Celtic cross. Local self-taught artist Greg Harris carved it from a single, 22-foot-tall stone naturally embedded in the hillside. Also in Cannelton, Myers Grade School has been an important place of learning since 1868. In Troy, Shubael Little Pioneer Village includes four authentic pioneer cabins, a working blacksmith shop with a forge, a historic cabinet shop, and the historic stone jail.

The Perry County Museum is open on Sundays from June through the end of October; from November through May, access is by appointment only. Since seasonal visiting conditions may change, check the current schedule before making plans. The Swiss Fest in Tell City celebrates the community’s Swiss-German heritage. The 2026 edition was scheduled for August 5–8; the program included live entertainment, rides, food, sporting events, parades, contests, and shopping.

Choosing the Right Focus

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Perry County, your preferred travel style can be a useful starting point: Would you rather spend time on the trails, experience the river scenery, or explore cultural history? The options differ both in type and scale—from individual cultural sites to trails with specified lengths and an annual event on the Ohio River. If your travel group has a range of interests, this selection can help you look more purposefully for the right location in the county instead of trying to fit every option into a single vacation plan.

Explore more destinations: Bristow, Tell City.

Go to the main travel overview: Indiana.