It’s started to get cold here in the Hoosier state, but not cold enough to stop exploring outdoors for the year. If you love hiking and exploring parks and forests, then you’ll want to check out 8 of the greatest hiking trails right in your own backyard.
- Bluebird Hills Trail at Pokagon State Park
Anna Hesser/Flickr This 1.8 mile trail is perfect for beginners and more advanced hikers. You’ll get great glimpses of the park’s spectacular, restored wetlands and take in some of their unique wildlife. It’s also one of the best places in Indiana to experience charming, rolling hills. Find it at 450 Lane 100, Lake James, Angola, IN 46703.
- Trail 9 at Clifty Falls State Park
Sarah Altendorf/Flickr This gorgeous southern Indiana trail spans roughly 1 mile and offers some of the most unique natural beauty in the state. From stunning forests to waterfalls, you’ll take in many breathtaking sights on this hike. Find it at 1501 Green Rd, Madison, IN 47250.
- Pearl Ravine Trail at Shades State Park
Kelly F./TripAdvisor This incredible 1.3 mile trail is located in one of the lesser known state parks in the Hoosier state. You’ll experience stunning canyons, ridges, and some of the most otherworldly examples of nature. You can check out this trail at 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989.
- Chain O’Lakes Trail at Chain O’Lakes State Park
Juliet G Sierra/TripAdvisor This gorgeous 1.5 mile trail in Albion is one of the best hiking spots to investigate in the fall. With gorgeous forests, incredible wildlife, and fantastic opportunities for bird watching, this hiking trail will completely exceed your expectations. Find it at 2355 E 75 S, Albion, IN 46701.
- Trail 2 at Brown County State Park
Photographer/Flickr Brown County State Park is one of the best places for hiking any time of year, though the colors are particularly inviting in the fall. Trail 2 is a 2 mile, moderate hiking trail that cuts through some of the most scenic spots in the park, offering glimpses of white-tailed deer, the park’s tallest trees, and the North Overlook. Find it at 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448.
- The Great Marsh Trail at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore/Flickr If you love the beach and hiking by the water, this 1.26 mile trail is right up your alley. You’ll love taking in the sights of Lake Michigan and the trail itself can even accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Check it out at S Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304.
- The Hardin Ridge Trail at the Hoosier National Forest
dancingnomad3/Flickr If you love exploring nature, but aren’t an experienced hiker, this scenic 2.1 mile hike is the one for you. Enjoy a beautiful trek (on foot or on bike) down to various campgrounds and also has a scenic overlook you’ll want to check out. Find it at 6464 Hardin Ridge Rd, Heltonville, IN 47436.
- Trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park
Jim Grey/Flickr This popular state park is beloved for a reason - it’s gorgeous up close. Take the 1.7 mile trek on Trail 3, the most popular trail in this park, and uncover incredible ridgetops and cliffs, along with the remarkable Punch Bowl. Step down into this huge ravine and feel the temperature change for an unforgettable experience. You’ll find this trail at 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859.
What’s your favorite place to hike in the Hoosier state? For more incredible hiking trails, check out these 5 hikes that will lead you to extraordinary ruins.
Anna Hesser/Flickr
This 1.8 mile trail is perfect for beginners and more advanced hikers. You’ll get great glimpses of the park’s spectacular, restored wetlands and take in some of their unique wildlife. It’s also one of the best places in Indiana to experience charming, rolling hills. Find it at 450 Lane 100, Lake James, Angola, IN 46703.
Sarah Altendorf/Flickr
This gorgeous southern Indiana trail spans roughly 1 mile and offers some of the most unique natural beauty in the state. From stunning forests to waterfalls, you’ll take in many breathtaking sights on this hike. Find it at 1501 Green Rd, Madison, IN 47250.
Kelly F./TripAdvisor
This incredible 1.3 mile trail is located in one of the lesser known state parks in the Hoosier state. You’ll experience stunning canyons, ridges, and some of the most otherworldly examples of nature. You can check out this trail at 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989.
Juliet G Sierra/TripAdvisor
This gorgeous 1.5 mile trail in Albion is one of the best hiking spots to investigate in the fall. With gorgeous forests, incredible wildlife, and fantastic opportunities for bird watching, this hiking trail will completely exceed your expectations. Find it at 2355 E 75 S, Albion, IN 46701.
Photographer/Flickr
Brown County State Park is one of the best places for hiking any time of year, though the colors are particularly inviting in the fall. Trail 2 is a 2 mile, moderate hiking trail that cuts through some of the most scenic spots in the park, offering glimpses of white-tailed deer, the park’s tallest trees, and the North Overlook. Find it at 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore/Flickr
If you love the beach and hiking by the water, this 1.26 mile trail is right up your alley. You’ll love taking in the sights of Lake Michigan and the trail itself can even accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Check it out at S Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304.
dancingnomad3/Flickr
If you love exploring nature, but aren’t an experienced hiker, this scenic 2.1 mile hike is the one for you. Enjoy a beautiful trek (on foot or on bike) down to various campgrounds and also has a scenic overlook you’ll want to check out. Find it at 6464 Hardin Ridge Rd, Heltonville, IN 47436.
Jim Grey/Flickr
This popular state park is beloved for a reason - it’s gorgeous up close. Take the 1.7 mile trek on Trail 3, the most popular trail in this park, and uncover incredible ridgetops and cliffs, along with the remarkable Punch Bowl. Step down into this huge ravine and feel the temperature change for an unforgettable experience. You’ll find this trail at 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
