Hike To An Emerald Lagoon On The Easy Scarce O’ Fat Trail In Indiana
If you, much like ourselves, are constantly looking for trails you’ve never hiked, or paths you’ve never walked, you’re in luck. Indiana is home to more than 700 different hiking trails, all with their own amazing draws. If swimming holes, lakes, and lagoons are the name of your game, then you’re still in luck – because we’ve got tons of those, too! Here’s our suggestion for an easy hike in Indiana that will transport you to some super-gorgeous lakeside views.
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You'll definitely get your fill of lagoony goodness on the Scarce O' Fat Trail, nestled inside the Yellowwood State Forest near Nashville, Indiana. We'll be taking a beautiful loop trail to reach it.
You'll start out on Lake Trail, west of the parking lot, which you'll follow across a creek and into a gravel lot. From there, you'll see the sign for Scarce O' Fat Trail, and your adventure begins.
It will merge with a fire road after a little while, which you'll follow until the trail branches off to the left and into the forest. You'll descend into a stunningly beautiful hollow filled with lush, healthy trees. A visit during summer months ensures that the area will be beautifully green. A visit during autumn months guarantees you an amazing display of color everywhere you turn. The trail can get a bit muddy, so make sure to be well prepared for that with good hiking boots and a little bit of determination.
If you're able to make your way down slowly and steadily, you'll find that the water is nice, crisp, and cool year-round, and when it's not reflecting crystal-blue skies, it takes on a lovely, natural emerald hue at its deepest points (which is up to 30 feet deep in some areas).
We wouldn't blame you, anyway; Yellowwood is absolutely beautiful and the trail you took to reach it is easy, seldom-trekked and very quiet. You could lose track of the hours as they drift past while you relax here.
When you want to return to your car and finish your adventure, no worries - the trail is a loop, and you'll be out and back in just under five miles. We suggest arriving at the trailhead early in the morning, hiking out to the water, and then returning by late afternoon. That will give you plenty of time to laze the day away on the sunny shoreline of this lovely lagoon lake.
The trail is beautiful from start to finish and, with a gradual elevation gain of just 551 feet, it's suitable for hikers of most skill levels.
Craving more awesome out-and-back hikes in the Hoosier State? Check this article out for some more inspiration!
What’s your favorite easy hike in Indiana?
Address: Scarce O' Fat Trail, Washington Township, IN 47448, USA
