Okay, so, let’s be real about something: Indiana isn’t exactly known for its amazing lookouts and scenic views. We’re not the most mountainous of states, with a maximum elevation of just 1,257 feet, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re out of the “scenic view” picture entirely. There are a few places – and some good hikes – that will take you to the views the Hoosier State does have (including that 1,257-foot high point), but none are quite like the adventure that is the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower. Nestled within the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, this tower is an awesome adventure waiting to happen. It’s an overlook in Indiana unlike any other, and you’ll want to check it out ASAP.

Bloomington, Indiana, is an adorable little town with lots of natural beauty surrounding it on all sides.

Elizabeth Nicodemus/Flickr Some of that beauty is encompassed by the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, a scenic region of hardwood forest with plentiful miles of hiking, biking, walking, and… climbing?

Eli Duke/Flickr Should you opt to embark upon the Terrill Ridge Trail, you’ll find - right at the beginning - that there’s a point of interest to check out. It’s the 110-foot-tall Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower - and it’s worth a climb if you’re a fan of amazing views.

Just 133 metal steps stand between you and epic views.

USDA Forest Service The tower was originally used as a literal lookout tower for wildfires until as recently as the 1970s. Back in the day, there were no cell phones, so forest rangers watched over miles of forest canopy for signs of smoke. This is no longer necessary nowadays, though, and Hickory Ridge Tower is the last remaining of its kind in this part of the world.

We’re glad it’s still around; the views from the top are nothing short of stellar.

Mizzou CAFNR/Flickr Making it to the summit of this man-made mountain means 360-degree panoramic views of some of the Midwest’s most beautiful landscapes.

The best time to go is early in the morning, during the week; there are fewer people around at that time, and the sunrise from this little lookout point is worth waking up early for.

Mizzou CAFNR/Flickr So, sure, maybe it isn’t the summit of a 14,000-foot-high mountaintop, but it’s still breathtaking and well-worth the journey up. It’s not every day you get a birds-eye view of Indiana’s beautiful wilderness like this. Enjoy it.

Of course, you’ll want to bring some water with you; make the journey up, rest among the epic views at the top, and then clamber back down to continue your hike.

Eli Duke/Flickr

For more information about this awesome overlook in Indiana, check out the official Hoosier National Forest website. For information about the Terrill Ridge trail, be sure to visit its official AllTrails page.

Elizabeth Nicodemus/Flickr

Some of that beauty is encompassed by the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, a scenic region of hardwood forest with plentiful miles of hiking, biking, walking, and… climbing?

Eli Duke/Flickr

Should you opt to embark upon the Terrill Ridge Trail, you’ll find - right at the beginning - that there’s a point of interest to check out. It’s the 110-foot-tall Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower - and it’s worth a climb if you’re a fan of amazing views.

USDA Forest Service

The tower was originally used as a literal lookout tower for wildfires until as recently as the 1970s. Back in the day, there were no cell phones, so forest rangers watched over miles of forest canopy for signs of smoke. This is no longer necessary nowadays, though, and Hickory Ridge Tower is the last remaining of its kind in this part of the world.

Mizzou CAFNR/Flickr

Making it to the summit of this man-made mountain means 360-degree panoramic views of some of the Midwest’s most beautiful landscapes.

So, sure, maybe it isn’t the summit of a 14,000-foot-high mountaintop, but it’s still breathtaking and well-worth the journey up. It’s not every day you get a birds-eye view of Indiana’s beautiful wilderness like this. Enjoy it.

Need more awe-inspiring Indiana hikes in your life? Check out this list of 12 awesome hikes in Indiana – one for each month of the year.

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Address: Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower, Tower Ridge Rd, Norman, IN 47264, USA