Top Scenic Drives in Hendricks County Indiana
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When people think of scenic drives, they often picture mountain highways or winding coastal roads.
But you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a relaxing drive through beautiful scenery.
Hendricks County, Indiana, is home to quiet country roads, historic highways, charming small towns and miles of rolling farmland that are perfect for a Sunday afternoon behind the wheel. These scenic routes offer plenty of opportunities to slow down, take in the views and discover somewhere new along the way.
Historic National Road & Plainfield's Hidden Gems
Sites: Cox’s Plant Farm, downtown Plainfield, Graffiti Road and historic buildings in Stilesville.
Experience a blend of Indiana history, colorful public art and small-town charm as you travel along America’s first federally funded highway.
Suggested Route:
- Start in downtown Plainfield.
- Head south on Monon Road.
- Make a quick detour to South County Road 575 East to see the ever-changing Graffiti Road.
- Return to U.S. 40 and continue through Clayton.
- Stop at Cox's Plant Farm.
- Finish in historic Stilesville.
West Hendricks County Farm Country & Mill Creek Drive
Sites: Mill Creek Friends Cemetery, scenic overlooks and beautiful fall colors.
Follow quiet country roads through rolling farmland, alongside Mill Creek and past historic homes for a classic Hendricks County Sunday drive.
Suggested Route:
- Begin at the Hendricks County Courthouse Square in downtown Danville.
- Travel west on U.S. 36.
- Turn south onto County Road 200 West.
- Continue west on County Road 100 South.
- Turn north onto County Road 250 West.
- Return to Danville via Ind. 236.
Big Walnut Creek & North Salem Backroads
Sites: McCloud Nature Park, Big Walnut Creek, the one-lane bridge and vibrant fall foliage.
This scenic drive combines charming small towns with wooded backroads, creek crossings and one of Hendricks County’s favorite parks.
Suggested Route:
- Start in Brownsburg.
- Travel west through Pittsboro to North Salem.
- Head south on Ind. 75.
- Turn onto Hughes Road (County Road 1000 North) toward McCloud Nature Park.
- Loop back via County Road 900 North to Ind. 75.
Southwest Hendricks County Loop
Sites: Open countryside, historic homes and golden-hour photography opportunities.
Escape the busier roads and enjoy peaceful farmland, rural crossroads and some of the county’s best sunset views.
Suggested Route:
- Start in Plainfield.
- Follow U.S. 40 west.
- Turn south on State Road 39 through Belleville.
- Continue west on County Road 1000 South.
- Return north to U.S. 40 via County Road 350 West.
Courthouse to Covered Trees Drive
Sites: Tree-lined roads, creek crossings and downtown Danville.
This relaxing loop features quiet back roads shaded by mature trees, making it especially beautiful during spring blooms and fall color.
Suggested Route:
- Begin at the Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville.
- Head west on U.S. 36.
- Just outside of town turn south on County Road 200 West.
- When the road tees at the fork both County Road 100 South and County Road 250 West provide beautiful tree canopies.
- Continue south on County Road 250 West until it tees at County Road 200 South.
- Continue east on County Road 200 South to Ind. 39 and head back into Downtown Danville.
Cartersburg Road Scenic Drive
Sites: White Lick Creek, scenic rural landscapes and the historic communities of Danville and Plainfield.
One of Hendricks County’s hidden gems, this peaceful drive follows the White Lick Creek corridor beneath towering trees and past historic homes.
Suggested Route:
- Start in downtown Danville and take Tennessee Street south to Cartersburg Road.
- Take Cartersburg Road south, going alongside and eventually passing over White Lick Creek.
- Loop back via U.S. 40 or County Road 200 South.
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