The 38th largest state in the US in terms of area, Indiana is also the 17th most populated state in the country. Its primary source of income is manufacturing, despite that the majority of people here work in agriculture. Its largest city in the state is its city capital, Indianapolis, which is also a significant manufacturing hub. You’ll find here numerous attractions, like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which is the biggest museum of its kind in the world. It is located in a five-story building, which features numerous exhibits that are divided into three parts, which are the American Collection, Natural World Collection, and the Cultural World Collection. Other attractions in the state include Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Bloomington’s Eskenazi Museum of Art, and Indiana Dunes National Park. In case you’re after natural attractions and strenuous activities, read on and discover our list of hiking and trekking spots in Indiana, USA.
1. Knobstone Trailhead
Known as the longest hiking trail in Indiana, with a distance of 58 miles (93.3 km) in total, Knobstone Trailhead is a hiking course that is not suited for beginners, due to its terrain and difficulty level. A lot of people who hike here use it to prepare for the Appalachian Trail. The trail will cross Indiana, Indianapolis, and Louisville in Kentucky and runs through the Clark State Forest and along the Knobstone Escarpment.
The route will give you scenic views and you’ll come across lakes and forests. Apart from hiking, the area is also great for day trips and camping.
Knobstone Trailhead
Address: 4507 Wilson Switch Rd, Borden, IN 47106, United States
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 24 hours; Sun - Mon: 9am - 5pm
2. Winona Lake Trails
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A well-maintained trail, with signs, short cuts, and jumps, the Winona Lake Trails are perfect for runners and mountain bikers. There are four sections with a total distance of 7.8 miles (12.6 km) when hiked sequentially. The trails are located close to Winona Lake, where you have an excellent chance to see wildlife.
According to locals, the trails are best visited from April to November. If you’re not an experienced hiker, biker, or runner, you don’t have to worry about the trails here, as they have a moderate level of terrain. Another great thing about this hiking course is its numerous facilities, like clean drinking water, lift service, restrooms, and more.
Winona Lake Trails
Address: Winona Lake, IN 46590, United States
Website: Winona Lake Trails
3. Glenwood Dunes Trail
An easy to moderate trail, with a distance of 6.8 miles (10.9 km) and a shorter loop for anyone who wants to take the short cut, Glenwood Dunes Trail is one of the most sought after trails in Indiana because of it being open to horseback riding most of the year, except in winter. Apart from horseback riding, you can stroll, hike, snowshoe, and ski here.
As you hike, you’ll encounter wetlands, oak woodlands, prairie, sandy grounds, and wildlife. On the main trail, you’ll be able to cross ancient beach dunes, which are reminiscent of a much larger Michigan Lake.
Glenwood Dunes Trail
Address: U.S. 20 & School House Rd, Chesterton, IN, Chesterton, IN 46304, United States
Website: Glenwood Dunes Trail
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
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4. Moyer-Gould Woods
A lightly trafficked trail, and a 1.7 miles (2.7 km) loop, Moyer-Gould Woods is perfect for every level of hiker, ranging from beginner up to pro. The trail is composed of oak woodlands and rolling hills, which border the Tippecanoe River. You’ll find here rich vegetation including skunk cabbage, bedrock outcrops, ferns, mosses, and a rich population of paw paw trees. You’ll also come across different species of wildflowers, as well as wildlife, like squirrels, raccoons, deer, wild fox, and more. This trail is best for birdwatching, fishing, and mushroom picking.
Moyer-Gould Woods
Address: 4620 US-421, Delphi, IN 46923, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
5. Great Marsh Trail
A popular hiking trail, located around Lake Michigan’s wetlands, the Great Marsh is a lovely place to bring your family to birdwatch and see migratory birds and other species, like sandhill cranes and great blue herons. The overall length of the trail from the eastern loop up to the south parking lot is 1.7 miles (2.7 km). There are times that the trail is muddy or slippery, so make sure you wear the right footwear. Additionally, there is no potable water or restrooms here, so make sure to bring water and go to the toilet before coming here.
Great Marsh Trail
Address: S Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304, United States
Website: Great Marsh Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
6. Pokagon Trail
Another moderately trafficked loop trail in Indiana, located quite near to Angola, Pokagon Trail has a length of 8.1 miles (13 km) and features mixed terrain and beautiful scenery. You’ll come across a beach and a lake here. Apart from trekking and hiking, you can birdwatch, see different species of wildflowers, have picnics, camp out, and much more.
Another great thing about this area is that you can bring your dog with you, provided that they are on a leash. Additionally, there are some bugs here, so make sure you take the necessary precautions before going out.
Pokagon Trail
Address: 450 Ln 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703, United States
Website: Pokagon Trail
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)
7. Cowles Bog Trailhead
In 1965, Cowles Bog Trailhead was recognized as a National Natural Landmark for its excellent plant life. It is also where Dr. Henry Cowles conducted his early studies on plant ecology and succession in the 1900s, which, even today, remains important scientific work.
As for the trail, it has a length of 4.7 miles (7.6 km) and is where you’ll come across different habitats and terrains, such as black oak savannas, ponds, marshes, beaches, and swamps. What makes this a very strenuous hike is the steep sand dunes you’ll find near Lake Michigan. Make sure to pack your lunch and bring lots of water when you visit.
Cowles Bog Trailhead
Address: 1618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Dune Acres, IN 46304, United States
Website: Cowles Bog Trailhead
Opening hours: 6am - 8:30pm (daily)
8. Hoosier National Forest Oriole Trail
Hoosier National Forest Oriole Trail is a lightly trafficked loop in Indiana that is shaped like a lollipop and has a length of 9 miles (14.5 km). The West Trail is a longer loop, with a distance of 7.2 miles (11.6 km), where the East Trail is only 6.5-miles (10.5-km) long. Both trails go through scenic hardwood forest.
The trail has been rated as moderate and perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. It is open all year round and offers multiple activities, like birdwatching, family day hikes, wildlife and plant sightseeing, and more.
Hoosier National Forest Oriole Trail
Address: 23284-23998, IN-66, Leavenworth, IN 47137, United States
9. Low Gap Trail
Poised in Martinsville, in Indiana, Low Gap Trail is a heavily trafficked loop that is rated as moderate. Along the way, you’ll encounter many lovely wildflowers. The most beautiful portion of the trail is the Sweedy Hollow area, where you’ll find a stone cove on one of its hills. If you want to avoid getting quickly tired, hike on the northern portion of the trail, as it’s a gravel road. Another good thing about this trail is you can bring your dogs with you, provided that they are on leashes.
Low Gap Trail
Address: 6251 Forest Rd, Unionville, IN 47468, United States
10. Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail
With a distance of 1.2 miles (1.9 km), Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail is a moderately trafficked loop that will make you and your friends happy. Along the trail, you’ll see a majestic waterfall, a slot canyon amidst an oak and hemlock forest, and an extensive rock house. This hiking spot is also used as a camping site and for nature trips, since it is open all-year-round. There’s also a shorter loop for people who are just beginning to enjoy this kind of activity.
Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail
Address: National Forest Rd, English, IN 47118, United States
Website: Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail
Wander in Indiana
If you’re a fan of nature and its wonders, you’ll surely want to have a holiday in Indiana. It has numerous attractions that will make you feel alive and get your adrenaline pumping. Make sure to check out our list of the best hiking and trekking spots in Indiana, USA, for an overview of what you’ll come across when you visit.
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