If you’re always on the search for the next awesome hiking adventure you get to plan (same), we’ve found a delightful trail here in the Hoosier State to consider next. If you’re a fan of long hikes that aren’t too difficult and splendid views of some of the state’s most beautiful wildlands, you’ll definitely want to bump this hike up toward the top of your to-do list. The Lake Monroe Peninsula Trail in Indiana is a gem the locals know and love, and for good reason: it features some of our state’s most spectacular natural splendor neatly packed into a 10.1-mile out-and-back trail you’re sure to adore.

It sounds like a super-long hike, but given that there’s little elevation gain along the way, it’s honestly a lot easier than you might expect.

Jeff Rodgers/AllTrails There are some parts of the hike that become a bit iffy; the beginning of the trek is also a horse trail that tends to be quite muddy most of the time. Especially when it’s frozen over, this part of the hike can be moderately challenging due to the unevenness of the surface you’re trying to hike on.

But for the most part, it’s smooth sailing (er, hiking) for those who enjoy the beauty of the Indiana wilderness.

Jacque Bush/AllTrails People don’t give the Hoosier State enough credit, if you ask us; we bet folks who don’t live here don’t even realize we’re home to so many jaw-droppingly beautiful places like this one.

The trail is well marked and very easy to follow.

Austin Walker/AllTrails You’ll encounter all sorts of delights along the way, like amazing wildflowers in the spring and plentiful wildlife in the warmer months.

Eventually, you’ll reach a crest where you can overlook the lake before heading down toward it for the grand finale.

Vincent Fabugais/AllTrails This part of the hike is a particularly wonderful place for camping, too, as it provides some of the most ridiculously amazing views you’ll ever have camping in Indiana. It is truly a treat.

Of course, the lake you approach is the Lake Monroe the trail is so obviously named after; it’s one of Indiana’s largest lakes and it holds a particularly notable beauty that makes it unforgettable to those who experience it.

Josh Graham/AllTrails It’s a long-ish hike, so why not make a weekend trip out of it? Hike in, camp overlooking Lake Monroe in the woods, enjoy everything the area has to offer, and then pack it on out.

Better still, this whole area is amazing year-round.

SaRee Voth/AllTrails There is no bad time of year to visit, as each season has its pros and cons. Autumn, for example, might be a little chilly, but it’s worth it for views like the one in the photo above. Winter brings a whole other kind of majesty - and so do spring and summer.

The Lake Monroe Peninsula Trail is an excellent hike for nature lovers of all skill levels.

Jim Brown/AllTrails The trail is dog and horse-friendly, too, so bring your furry friend along for the adventure!

So, what do you think? Will you be adventuring into the Charles C. Deam Wilderness to seek out the incredible Lake Monroe Peninsula Trail in Indiana? Tell us your plans in the comments. Need more information? Learn about Lake Monroe in this article.

Jeff Rodgers/AllTrails

There are some parts of the hike that become a bit iffy; the beginning of the trek is also a horse trail that tends to be quite muddy most of the time. Especially when it’s frozen over, this part of the hike can be moderately challenging due to the unevenness of the surface you’re trying to hike on.

Jacque Bush/AllTrails

People don’t give the Hoosier State enough credit, if you ask us; we bet folks who don’t live here don’t even realize we’re home to so many jaw-droppingly beautiful places like this one.

Austin Walker/AllTrails

You’ll encounter all sorts of delights along the way, like amazing wildflowers in the spring and plentiful wildlife in the warmer months.

Vincent Fabugais/AllTrails

This part of the hike is a particularly wonderful place for camping, too, as it provides some of the most ridiculously amazing views you’ll ever have camping in Indiana. It is truly a treat.

Josh Graham/AllTrails

It’s a long-ish hike, so why not make a weekend trip out of it? Hike in, camp overlooking Lake Monroe in the woods, enjoy everything the area has to offer, and then pack it on out.

SaRee Voth/AllTrails

There is no bad time of year to visit, as each season has its pros and cons. Autumn, for example, might be a little chilly, but it’s worth it for views like the one in the photo above. Winter brings a whole other kind of majesty - and so do spring and summer.

Jim Brown/AllTrails

The trail is dog and horse-friendly, too, so bring your furry friend along for the adventure!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA