Have you ever wanted to tackle one of Indiana’s many hiking trails, but you held off due to the difficulty or rough terrain? Don’t worry! There are plenty of easy hikes you can accomplish within the state. You just have to know where to look. To help, we’ve compiled a list of eight easy hikes that everyone will enjoy completing. They’re also some of the best hikes in Indiana, and you’ll want to explore them all.

1. The Indiana Dunes State Park Loop
Indiana Dunes State Park, Westchester Township, IN 46304, USA
The Polish Nomad/TripAdvisor
This 1.6-mile hike in Porter, Indiana is a pretty easy hike for all skill levels. This trail is mostly used for walking, and dogs on a leash can also tag along.
2. Lawrence Creek Trail
Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216, USA
Steven M./Yelp
This quick, two-mile trail can be found in the Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. It's a great trail for bikers and hikers alike. Dogs can also tackle this trail with their owners as long as they're on leashes.
3. Mounds State Park Trail
Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017, USA
management/TripAdvisor
Located in the underrated state park found in Anderson, Indiana, this simple hike lasts approximately two miles and loops around the park. Hikers can bring their leashed dogs and enjoy some of the best of Indiana's scenery.
4. Yellowwood Lake Trail
Yellowwood State Forest, Washington Township, IN 47448, USA
EdmondsIndiana/TripAdvisor
The Yellowwood Lake Trail is located within the often overlooked Yellowwood State Forest in Nashville, Indiana. Even though this 4.5-mile trail is slightly long, it's still easy enough for most beginners to accomplish.
5. Lincoln Park Loop Trail
Lincoln State Park - Lincoln Boyhood Memorial Trail, Clay Township, IN, USA
isay691/TripAdvisor
Nestled in Lincoln City, near Santa Claus, Indiana, this 7.3-mile hike is an easy walk through Lincoln State Park. This scenic trail is open year round and it offers a beautiful look at some of Indiana's best wildflowers. Of course, you don't have to complete the entire seven miles. We won't judge!
6. Chain O'Lakes Trail
Chain O’ Lakes State Park, 2355 E 75 S, Albion, IN 46701, USA
JulietGSierra/TripAdvisor
This relatively easy and short trail in the popular Chain O'Lakes State Park in Albion is one of the best ways to explore Indiana's outdoors. At only 1.5 miles long, it's also a quick one to complete.
7. Crooked Lake Nature Trail
Crooked Lake, IN 46703, USA
dustin_j_williams/Flickr
You'll witness the stunning sight of Crooked Lake in Columbia City up close while exploring the Crooked Lake Nature Trail. This 2-mile trail is great for an easy hike, and it also offers amazing bird watching opportunities.
8. Fox Island Park Trail
Fox Island County Park, 7324 Yohne Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809, USA
rsteup/Flickr
Deep in Fort Wayne, Indiana, you'll find Fox Island County Park and this stunning 3.4-mile trail. This trail loops throughout the park and is great for nature walks.

Are you planning to add any of these amazing and easy hikes in Indiana to your outdoor bucket list? Let us know in the comments below. Also, when you’re finished, be sure to consult this ultimate Indiana outdoor bucket list.

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best hikes in indiana

Jennifer Young | March 08, 2022

What are three kid-friendly hikes around Indiana that are accessible year round?

There are several kid-friendly trails in Indiana. While some of them are best used during certain times of the year, many others can be used year round. The three trails listed below can be explored any time of the year.

1. Fowl Sanctuary South Overlook Trail

Indiana's Fowl Sanctuary South Overlook Trail, which is located inside Eagle Creek Park, is a 5.1-mile loop trail that features a lake and offers a variety of recreational activities. It also has a moderate level of difficulty.

2. Rock Shelter via Low Gap Trail

Located within the Morgan Monroe State Forest is Indiana's Rock Shelter via Low Gap Trail. It's a 3.1-mile loop trail surrounded by lush forest and has a moderate level of difficulty. This scenic trail also offers a variety of recreational activities.

3. Mount Saint Francis Loop Trail

Indiana's Mount Saint Francis Loop Trail, which is located in Floyds Knobs, is a 2.8-mile loop trail that features a lake. Because it has an easy level of difficulty, everyone should be able to accomplish it.

What's one of the most scenic hikes in Indiana that everyone should check out?

When it comes to scenic trails, Indiana doesn't disappoint! The Hoosier State is home to many scenic trails, including its ever-so-popular Dune Ridge Trail, which is located inside Indiana Dunes National Park. This 0.7-mile loop trail has an easy rating of difficulty and features thousands of beautiful wildflowers. Most people use Indiana's Dune Ridge Trail for hiking, walking, and nature trips. If you do decide to explore this scenic trail, don't forget to bring along your camera. You'll certainly want to capture all of the natural scenic beauty the Dune Ridge Trail has to offer.

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