Sunset on Bison Trace at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Overview. This easy walk out to see the bison at Big Bone is the most popular hike at the park. On hot days, the bison typically stay in the shaded areas away from visitors to beat the heat. Knowing this, I visited a couple hours before sunset and enjoyed watching the herd make its way around the fields as the shadows grew long and the day’s heat subsided.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1.15 miles
Overall Difficulty | Easy
Map of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 38.883794, -84.752897

Trailhead parking. There’s plenty of parking at the trailhead just past the museum on the left as you drive in. [map]

Trail navigation. Start on the gravel trail and make a right a the first intersection. Continue out on the trail until reaching the bison viewing area. Depending on the day, the herd may be right here or all the way around on the far side. At most, this hike is 1.15 miles out and back, but could be as short as a half-mile.