Bloody Run Ramble

Starts and ends in Canaan, about 17 miles east of Madison on State Highway 62. Turn left off IN 62 onto Locust Street, which turns right onto Main Street. Go up a couple of blocks to the firehouse, which will be on your left. Park across the street. As you're facing the firehouse, you'll be leaving to your right. The paved beginning and end have low traffic and great scenery. The gravel road middle portion is as pretty and deserted as you're likely to find. while on that middle part, you're never far from Indian-Kentuck Creek, which runs all the way to the Ohio River. While much of the county is seeing new homes, many of the homes here have been in place for more than a century. some still hunker in the shadows of ancient barns, which have been tilted back by the prevailing southwesterly winds. Cattle occasionally graze, often with horses for companionship. More common animals are turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, and butterflies. During snowmelt, after heavy rains, or whenever flash flood warnings are posted, DO NOT ride this route. The stream crossings will be too fast and deep. One curious observation that has held true for years: this route, particularly the stretch on the lower part of Bloody Run and Barbersville roads, is a magnet for butterflies.