It’s flying by fast, but that transitional season we call spring is finally here and there’s much to be done in this great state before it ends! These are the best spring hikes in Indiana that definitely belong on your bucket list The trails in this list have easy portions that anyone can enjoy, immaculate views, and relaxing atmospheres you’ll never want to be without. Scroll on for more information! See why we think these are among the best hikes in Indiana:
- Knobstone Trail
Google/Jeff Quyle One of the state’s largest trails, this path winds through 58 miles of some of Southern Indiana’s best lakes and forestry. Like any long trail, you don’t have to hike the whole thing to enjoy it. Hiking all of it requires an advanced level of hiking, but tackling a small portion is doable for anyone. Find a good entrance point at Deam Lake Recreational Area. Learn more from previous coverage in this article. 1217 Deam Lake Rd, Borden, IN 47106, USA
- The Big Four Bridge
Flickr/LuAnn Snawder Photography Hiking doesn’t have to mean treebathing. Indiana is full of wonderful and unique places to walk, run, and bike, and this is no exception. It is a 2,525-foot bridge that is a former railroad truss crossing that goes right over the Ohio River in Jeffersonville to connect to Louisville, Kentucky. You can learn more in this article. Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, Louisville, KY, USA
- Fall Creek Trail
Alltrails/Rob Dudley Folks around Indy love this 2.7-mile loop trail that takes you past the creek and some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state. It is located within Fort Harrison State Park. For more photos and information about this stunning place, check out previous coverage in this article. 6000 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216, USA
- The Dune Succession Trail
Flickr/vxla As part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, this is the sandiest of spring hikes you should take in our fabulous state. You definitely want to try this out earlier in the year before it gets so hot that the place is like a desert. Start at the trailhead located at 1215 Indiana 49, Porter, Indiana, to make your way across the dunes to Lake Michigan. Learn more about this trail in this article. 1215 IN-49, Chesterton, IN 46304, USA
- The Blue Heron Trail
Google/Erin Ingram Also known as Trail 5 at the Miami State Recreation Area, this 2.5-mile trail leads to a hidden lake you don’t want to miss. Little-known and underrated, this unique trail is a true gem! Visit this article to learn more. Miami State Recreation Area, E 500 S, Peru, IN 46970, USA
- American Discovery Trail (ADT)
Facebook/Cardinal Greenways Don’t let the name and reputation of these hiking trails intimidate you. Just like any path, you can turn around and go back whenever you please. Bikers and hikers will find enjoyment anywhere along both the northern and southern portions of this epic trail that passes through America’s Crossroads. Find out if you’re near a stretch of this amazing trail system by checking out previous coverage in this article. Richmond, IN 47374, USA
- The Red Trail
Alltrails/Stephen Haddock Located within Eagle Creek Park, this long trail doesn’t have to be done all at once. It’s mostly flat and easy for anyone to do and is the best place to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Spanning just over five miles and taking visitors past local trees and wildlife, this trail is not to be missed. More information about this most calming of spring hikes can be found in this article. 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254, USA
- Canyon Hike at Pine Hills Nature Preserve
TripAdvisor/Kelly G Nearly 600 acres in total, this wondrous hike takes you past ridges, sandstone bluffs, cliffs, and more. You’d never expect to find a place like this in Indiana, and we guarantee, you’ll never want to leave. Get more details about this simple trail in this article. Pine Hills Nature Preserve, IN-234, Waveland, IN 47989, USA
- Trail 5 at Clifty Falls State Park
TripAdvisor/Wes H Nestled along the Ohio River, this trail takes hikers through an old railroad tunnel from the 1850s. It was actually never completed, but an opening still exists for visitors to pass through. Discover waterfalls, caves, creeks, and more details in this previous article. 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USA
- The Wilderness Sycamore Trail
Wikipedia/US Forest Service Located within the Hoosier National Forest is a 4.9-mile trail that will take you on one of the best spring hikes you’ll ever find. Guests spot wildlife, creeks, and various native trees along this path that is perfect for all skill levels. Find it in Bloomington near the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, and learn more in this article. Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
As a bonus, check out this unbelievably amazing secret garden hike in Indiana that is like a real life fairytale.
Google/Jeff Quyle
One of the state’s largest trails, this path winds through 58 miles of some of Southern Indiana’s best lakes and forestry. Like any long trail, you don’t have to hike the whole thing to enjoy it. Hiking all of it requires an advanced level of hiking, but tackling a small portion is doable for anyone. Find a good entrance point at Deam Lake Recreational Area. Learn more from previous coverage in this article.
1217 Deam Lake Rd, Borden, IN 47106, USA
Flickr/LuAnn Snawder Photography
Hiking doesn’t have to mean treebathing. Indiana is full of wonderful and unique places to walk, run, and bike, and this is no exception. It is a 2,525-foot bridge that is a former railroad truss crossing that goes right over the Ohio River in Jeffersonville to connect to Louisville, Kentucky. You can learn more in this article.
Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, Louisville, KY, USA
Alltrails/Rob Dudley
Folks around Indy love this 2.7-mile loop trail that takes you past the creek and some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state. It is located within Fort Harrison State Park. For more photos and information about this stunning place, check out previous coverage in this article.
6000 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216, USA
Flickr/vxla
As part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, this is the sandiest of spring hikes you should take in our fabulous state. You definitely want to try this out earlier in the year before it gets so hot that the place is like a desert. Start at the trailhead located at 1215 Indiana 49, Porter, Indiana, to make your way across the dunes to Lake Michigan. Learn more about this trail in this article.
1215 IN-49, Chesterton, IN 46304, USA
Google/Erin Ingram
Also known as Trail 5 at the Miami State Recreation Area, this 2.5-mile trail leads to a hidden lake you don’t want to miss. Little-known and underrated, this unique trail is a true gem! Visit this article to learn more.
Miami State Recreation Area, E 500 S, Peru, IN 46970, USA
Facebook/Cardinal Greenways
Don’t let the name and reputation of these hiking trails intimidate you. Just like any path, you can turn around and go back whenever you please. Bikers and hikers will find enjoyment anywhere along both the northern and southern portions of this epic trail that passes through America’s Crossroads. Find out if you’re near a stretch of this amazing trail system by checking out previous coverage in this article.
Richmond, IN 47374, USA
Alltrails/Stephen Haddock
Located within Eagle Creek Park, this long trail doesn’t have to be done all at once. It’s mostly flat and easy for anyone to do and is the best place to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Spanning just over five miles and taking visitors past local trees and wildlife, this trail is not to be missed. More information about this most calming of spring hikes can be found in this article.
7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254, USA
TripAdvisor/Kelly G
Nearly 600 acres in total, this wondrous hike takes you past ridges, sandstone bluffs, cliffs, and more. You’d never expect to find a place like this in Indiana, and we guarantee, you’ll never want to leave. Get more details about this simple trail in this article.
Pine Hills Nature Preserve, IN-234, Waveland, IN 47989, USA
TripAdvisor/Wes H
Nestled along the Ohio River, this trail takes hikers through an old railroad tunnel from the 1850s. It was actually never completed, but an opening still exists for visitors to pass through. Discover waterfalls, caves, creeks, and more details in this previous article.
2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USA
Wikipedia/US Forest Service
Located within the Hoosier National Forest is a 4.9-mile trail that will take you on one of the best spring hikes you’ll ever find. Guests spot wildlife, creeks, and various native trees along this path that is perfect for all skill levels. Find it in Bloomington near the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, and learn more in this article.
Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
Which of these spring hikes are you most looking forward to trying? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Indiana March 22, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Indiana? Perhaps an easier question to answer would be something like “which hikes in Indiana AREN’T awe-inspiring hikes in Indiana?”; the truth is that the vast majority of our amazing trails system is picturesque and wonder filled. You could make an entire lifetime out of exploring the highs and lows of Indiana parks and recreation areas. Some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Indiana you can start with are ones like the awesome Canyons Loop Trail, at Turkey Run State Park. It’s 7.1 miles long, but it’s so amazingly lovely that you’ll easily lose track of time. Then, be sure to head up to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and hit the the Dune Succession Trail. It’s just one mile, but we promise every step of it is worth the drive to get there. Then, be sure to add Two Lakes Loop Trail within Hoosier National Forest to your to-do list. That one’s long – 16 miles long, to be exact – and it can be taken in segments or in one go. No matter what, though, you’ll be surrounded by stunning woodlands and all the reasons Indiana is so wonderful. Finally, don’t forget the Glacier Flats Trail at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve; that one’s shorter, at just two miles long, but we promise it’s worth a go! What are the best easy hikes in Indiana to add to my bucket list? Of the hundreds (if not thousands) of miles of hiking trails in Indiana, plenty of those miles are made up of nice, easy hikes. Some of our favorite easy hiking trails in Indiana include the amazing Indiana Dunes State Park Loop, which is within Indiana Dunes National Park. It’s 1.6 miles long and features a truly awe-inspiring trek through several stages of sand dune development. Then, there’s the Lincoln Park Loop Trail for the history buffs. That one is within Lincoln State Park; it’s 7.3 miles long and can be done all at once or in segments, but no matter how you choose to hike it, you’re sure to fall in love with your surroundings. Then, be sure to check out the Crooked Lake Nature Trail, near Columbia City. Finally, conquer the epic Chain O’Lakes Trail, at Chain O’Lakes State Park. It’s just a mile and a half long, but it’s 100% awe-inspiring. Want more? Check this article out for some of the best easy hikes in Indiana.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Indiana
March 22, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Indiana? Perhaps an easier question to answer would be something like “which hikes in Indiana AREN’T awe-inspiring hikes in Indiana?”; the truth is that the vast majority of our amazing trails system is picturesque and wonder filled. You could make an entire lifetime out of exploring the highs and lows of Indiana parks and recreation areas. Some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Indiana you can start with are ones like the awesome Canyons Loop Trail, at Turkey Run State Park. It’s 7.1 miles long, but it’s so amazingly lovely that you’ll easily lose track of time. Then, be sure to head up to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and hit the the Dune Succession Trail. It’s just one mile, but we promise every step of it is worth the drive to get there. Then, be sure to add Two Lakes Loop Trail within Hoosier National Forest to your to-do list. That one’s long – 16 miles long, to be exact – and it can be taken in segments or in one go. No matter what, though, you’ll be surrounded by stunning woodlands and all the reasons Indiana is so wonderful. Finally, don’t forget the Glacier Flats Trail at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve; that one’s shorter, at just two miles long, but we promise it’s worth a go! What are the best easy hikes in Indiana to add to my bucket list? Of the hundreds (if not thousands) of miles of hiking trails in Indiana, plenty of those miles are made up of nice, easy hikes. Some of our favorite easy hiking trails in Indiana include the amazing Indiana Dunes State Park Loop, which is within Indiana Dunes National Park. It’s 1.6 miles long and features a truly awe-inspiring trek through several stages of sand dune development. Then, there’s the Lincoln Park Loop Trail for the history buffs. That one is within Lincoln State Park; it’s 7.3 miles long and can be done all at once or in segments, but no matter how you choose to hike it, you’re sure to fall in love with your surroundings. Then, be sure to check out the Crooked Lake Nature Trail, near Columbia City. Finally, conquer the epic Chain O’Lakes Trail, at Chain O’Lakes State Park. It’s just a mile and a half long, but it’s 100% awe-inspiring. Want more? Check this article out for some of the best easy hikes in Indiana.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Perhaps an easier question to answer would be something like “which hikes in Indiana AREN’T awe-inspiring hikes in Indiana?”; the truth is that the vast majority of our amazing trails system is picturesque and wonder filled. You could make an entire lifetime out of exploring the highs and lows of Indiana parks and recreation areas. Some of the most awe-inspiring scenic hikes in Indiana you can start with are ones like the awesome Canyons Loop Trail, at Turkey Run State Park. It’s 7.1 miles long, but it’s so amazingly lovely that you’ll easily lose track of time. Then, be sure to head up to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and hit the the Dune Succession Trail. It’s just one mile, but we promise every step of it is worth the drive to get there. Then, be sure to add Two Lakes Loop Trail within Hoosier National Forest to your to-do list. That one’s long – 16 miles long, to be exact – and it can be taken in segments or in one go. No matter what, though, you’ll be surrounded by stunning woodlands and all the reasons Indiana is so wonderful. Finally, don’t forget the Glacier Flats Trail at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve; that one’s shorter, at just two miles long, but we promise it’s worth a go!
What are the best easy hikes in Indiana to add to my bucket list?
Of the hundreds (if not thousands) of miles of hiking trails in Indiana, plenty of those miles are made up of nice, easy hikes. Some of our favorite easy hiking trails in Indiana include the amazing Indiana Dunes State Park Loop, which is within Indiana Dunes National Park. It’s 1.6 miles long and features a truly awe-inspiring trek through several stages of sand dune development. Then, there’s the Lincoln Park Loop Trail for the history buffs. That one is within Lincoln State Park; it’s 7.3 miles long and can be done all at once or in segments, but no matter how you choose to hike it, you’re sure to fall in love with your surroundings. Then, be sure to check out the Crooked Lake Nature Trail, near Columbia City. Finally, conquer the epic Chain O’Lakes Trail, at Chain O’Lakes State Park. It’s just a mile and a half long, but it’s 100% awe-inspiring. Want more? Check this article out for some of the best easy hikes in Indiana.
