Hayswood Nature Reserve
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The Hayswood Nature Preserve is a county park owned by the Harrison County Park and Recreation Board.
[edit] The Samuel P Hays Donation
The preserve was donated to the citizens of Harrison County in 1969 by Dr. Samuel P. Hays. The parks board developed a portion of the land in 1973 for public use, but the majority of the land remains in its original condition to be preserved for the future. Although the entire park is open to the public, the nature reserve area is to always kept free of development to continue Dr. Hays dream of natural preservation of the land. [1]
The park property has a history as interesting as it's nature. The property was previously owned by Henry L. Fabrique. In 1820 he constructed a mill in the curve of Indian Creek. Later on he sold that mill to John Peter Mauck, the founder of Mauckport, who's family operate the mill until the 1920s. The same mill was one of many threatened with being burnt by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan after the Battle of Corydon.[2]
[edit] Park Area
This park preserve is 311 acres and covers the Pilot Knob, the surrounding forest, and several rock outcrops overlooking 25 foot wide Indian Creek that's runs along the eastern side of the park. The forest consists mostly of oak hickory trees with beach and maple closer to the creek.[3]
The park has a paved looped hiking trail along the north part of the park. There is a large playground on the western side, a fishing lake near the center, modern restrooms, and picnic areas.
