Did you know there's a little slice of paradise hidden away not terribly far from Indianapolis? It's true - it's a gorgeous little respite from the real world, and it's full of amazing surprises. There are a couple of awesome trails at this wonderful place, but there's one we'd like to check out in particular: a peaceful hiking trail in Indiana known as the South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail, and it's a short, sweet, and stunning trek around a gorgeous lake that many Hoosiers don't even realize exists! This Check out this amazing hike in Indiana for yourself, and send us lots of photos!

The South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail isn't terribly long, coming in at just 2.4 miles, but it's a wild adventure all the same.

...and when we say "wild", we mean it pretty literally: the area doubles as a breathtaking sanctuary for waterfowl and other critters, making it a double-threat trail at the very least. As a waterfowl sanctuary, this area certainly doesn't get the same amount of foot-traffic as other spots, making this a lovely and idyllic hidden gem trail in Indiana.

The lake isn't enormous, but it's certainly not a little pond, either.

It's a sparkling, crystal-clear reminder of everything there is to love about Indiana's natural beauty.

And it's not just a safe haven for us: it's also a safe haven for numerous species of waterfowl, many of whom nest and make their homes here.

If you're extra lucky, you might just spot the most majestic North American raptor of all: the bald eagle.

The park and its trail are open year-round, though the operating hours vary depending on the time of year.

You'll also find that this trail is special in more ways than just one or two (one being the sanctuary itself, two being the lake): part of it quite literally extends into and and around the lake - it's this boardwalk that defines the boundaries of the sanctuary.

We suggest a visit during the warmer months, as well as in the fall, when color is awe-inspiring and photo ops are plenty.

The park and its trails are dog-friendly, as long as they stay on a leash, and the trail is easy enough for kids to do, too.

It should take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete the entire loop, but we suspect it might be a little more than that.

After all, you're definitely going to want to stop and check out the various points of interest along the way, like the giant log (which you'll definitely know when you see it), little creeks and tributaries flowing into the main lake, and more! This Indiana hiking trail has a lot to love for those who enjoy peaceful outings into nature.

With gorgeous outings such as this, it's clear that hiking in Indiana doesn't get as much credit as it should! If you'd like to learn more about Eagle Creek Park and all the wonders of the Waterfowl Sanctuary and its trails, be sure to visit the official Eagle Creek Park website.

What are some of your favorite relaxing hikes in Indiana? Let us know!

Not in the Eagle Creek Park area? While this hiking trail in Indiana is easy, beautiful, and perfect for spring, we have a whole list of easy hikes to choose from in every corner of the state. And, to really get a feel for all that natural beauty and seclusion while still being just a stone's throw from Indianapolis, this darling barn rental is perfect for a weekend getaway.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/indiana/easy-hikes-indiana/