Indiana's Most Refreshing Hike, Whitehead Trail, Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole
By Tori Jane|Published March 30, 2022
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Tori Jane
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Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Somewhere near Smithville, Indiana, is a nature preserve that’s both amazing and educational. It’s unusual in the sense that it’s located on a literal peninsula… right here in the Midwest. It also just so happens to be the ultimate swimming hole hike in Indiana, where fishermen come to see what they can catch and sunbathers lounge on the sandy beach just like they would at the ocean. Nestled within the Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve is the Whitehead Trail, a 2.2-mile out-and-back adventure that leads to one of the Hoosier State’s most pristine bodies of water. Check it out and come discover why it’s one of the best hikes in Indiana:
This area meanders straight into Monroe Lake, which is a designated "Important Birding Area" as decided by the National Audobon Society.
It's a safe haven for birds and numerous other species to come, live, and thrive; it's not enormous, as just 48 acres in size, but it packs a tremendous punch in the world of avian conservation.
Nestled within the reserve is a 1.1-mile (one way) trail that leads straight down the peninsula to the lake.
The trail is shaded in most areas thanks to trees and brush growing around it. It's well-maintained and very photogenic even BEFORE you reach the water.
Monroe Lake is the largest body of water within Indiana that is entirely within state lines. We share it with nobody else, and we're pretty proud of it. It's a crown jewel showcasing the true beauty of Indiana - a beauty that is all too often overlooked.
Lounge on the beach and relax. You've earned it after that hike!
The water is clear and blue, and typically it gets rather crowded and busy on weekends (note: the preserve is closed on weekends and holidays as of the time of this writing; please be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours and information while planning your trip).
Its popularity is certainly not a mystery; it's not every day you get to spend an entire afternoon in paradise.
There are some important things to keep in mind. Parking at the preserve is very limited, so you'll want to arrive as early as you can to snag a spot before they're all gone. There is no overflow parking, and street parking is not allowed - so definitely make sure to be there bright and early to get a spot. The gate opens at 8 a.m. sharp, Monday through Friday.
Once you've been on the Whitehead Trail, you'll find yourself craving it.
You'll want to return and redo the hike time and time again, and of course, we don't blame you. We're the same way.
For more information about the trail itself, including a map, check out its official AllTrails listing. Do you have any plans to embark upon this awe-inspiring swimming hole hike in Indiana? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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