Take a winding journey through the rolling terrain of southern Indiana as we follow Interstate 64 eastbound from its junction with Interstate 69 all the way to the historic town of Corydon. This 77-mile stretch combines long, peaceful miles of quiet highway with the natural majesty of the Hoosier National Forest, culminating in the scenic foothills of the Ohio River Valley.
Our drive begins where Interstate 64 merges with I-69 north of Evansville, near the community of Elberfeld. This portion of southern Indiana is open and flat, with occasional glimpses of farmland and small wooded patches dotting the horizon. Traffic is light as we head eastward across the countryside, the hum of tires on pavement forming a steady rhythm. The first leg of the journey is a quiet one, defined more by the subtlety of its landscape than any grand landmark. Small towns like Lynnville and Dale lie to the north, largely hidden from view, their access roads branching off quietly from the interstate.
Roughly 40 miles in, the terrain begins to shift. We enter the western edge of the Hoosier National Forest, where the scenery transforms from agricultural to wooded. The road starts to gently rise and fall, threading through thick forest canopy that encloses the interstate like a green tunnel. It’s here we cross interchanges with Indiana State Road 64 and IN-37, offering access to rustic destinations like Sulphur and St. Croix. These crossroads feel like time machines, pointing toward some of Indiana’s most secluded corners. The forested drive is especially striking near dusk, when the sun pierces through tree trunks in golden shafts, and the sense of isolation becomes a tranquil, welcome companion.
As we leave the national forest behind, the road begins its descent into the outer edges of the Ohio River Valley. We’re not far from the Indiana-Kentucky border, and the landscape reflects that transition—undulating hills, pockets of hardwood forest, and small clearings that feel both wild and lived-in. We briefly skirt the Harrison-Crawford State Forest, another scenic and often overlooked gem in the region. By the time we reach Corydon, the former state capital of Indiana, the sun is low and the hills are bathed in fading light. Corydon itself is a town rich in history—it was the site of Indiana’s only Civil War battle and remains a charming waypoint for travelers seeking something slower and more grounded than the bustle of nearby Louisville.
This stretch of I-64 might not make the usual list of must-drive interstates, but its quiet rhythm, forested serenity, and gentle descent into the heart of Corydon offer a kind of scenic beauty that sneaks up on you. It’s a reminder that not every remarkable drive needs to be dramatic—some just need room to breathe.
🗺️ Route Map
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