If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Indiana, Make Them These

There are many gorgeous outdoor places to explore in Indiana, particularly if you enjoy a good hike. From state parks to hidden gems, if you’re looking for the best hikes in Indiana you need to do in this lifetime, make sure these five top your list. They’re scenic, otherworldly, and truly worth the effort! Check them out:

Have you ever completed any of these hikes in Indiana? For nine more amazing hikes you should complete before you die, check out this list! Did your favorite make it in?

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Best Hikes in Indiana

March 03, 2022

What are some of the best scenic hikes in Indiana?  

Indiana is home to plenty of awesome, amazingly scenic hikes. Some of the best ones are usually found within our awesome local, state, and National parks. Good starting points include little slices of paradise like Clifty Falls State Park, Turkey Run State Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Shades State Park. Some examples of specific amazing scenic hikes include Trail #8 at Brown County State Park, which is 3.9 miles long and very clearly marked. It features a lake and is rated as moderately difficult. If you find yourself at Indiana Dunes National Park, hike the Trail 8 to Trail 4 Loop, which is 1.8 miles of amazing dunes where you’ll climb the three tallest dunes in the park! Then, wander to Trail 9, which is 3.8 miles long and features some amazing lake views. Finally, you’ll want to add the Falls Canyon Trail to your bucket list; it’s just under five miles long and features a creek and waterfall.  

What are some of the best easy hikes in Indiana?  

With more than 1,000 hikes in Indiana to choose from, how are we supposed to pick just one? Well, who says you have to? You can start with just a few and branch off from there; we’re here to help! For example, one of our favorite easy hikes in Indiana is the South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail, which is just as teeming with wildlife as it sounds. It’s 2.4 miles long and is home to a lake that’s very popular with local critters. It’s also not far from Indy, so it’s not a long drive (unless you’re nowhere near Indy, anyway). Then there’s the Yellowwood Lake Trail, at Yellowwood State Forest. It’s 4.4 miles long and loops around the entire lake! Finally, check out some of Indiana’s most breathtaking waterfalls on the Little Clifty Falls Trail at Clifty Falls State Park. It’s 1.6 miles long and totally unforgettable. If you’d like some ideas about short, kid-friendly hikes in Indiana, check this article out!