Indiana isn't exactly the most mountainous of states. Most of it is prairie, woodlands, occasional dunes, karst landscape, and lots of other things... but not mountainous. Typically, people associate things like challenging hiking trails with places that have a lot of mountains, but this is untrue - and Indiana is here to prove it. There are a number of hikes all over the state considered to be difficult - but boy, can I promise you this: they are incredibly rewarding. Take for example Two Lakes Trail, a difficult hike in Indiana that's worth every step of the way. Check it out and see Indiana like never before:

Two Lakes Loop is nestled within the beautiful Hoosier National Forest and, should you want to do the whole thing, offers many opportunities to pitch a tent along the way.

The trail is an impressive 15.7 miles in length and involves plenty of steep slopes, decent scrambles, and sure footing.

Wear shoes you're fine with getting wet; you'll encounter plenty of gorgeous stream crossings and opportunities to cool off along the way.

This trail is open all year long, but do keep in mind that from April 15th until October 31st, there is a $5 per vehicle day use fee for the reserve the trail is located within.

If you think there will be lakes along a trail known as "Two Lakes", well, you're right.

The beautiful bodies of water on this adventurous hike are worth the effort all on their own, but if you hang out for a while, you'll also be rewarded with wildlife to watch and admire.

Pitch a tent and stay a couple nights; the hike is even better if you do it in segments.

There's something remarkably relaxing and peaceful for the soul about hiking, setting up camp, and then doing it all again the next day - just you, the trail, and the beauty of the world around you.

Every season brings with it excellent chances for photogenic landscapes.

In the winter, everything is coated in a layer of snow and is so, so quiet - in the best way. During the spring, everything comes bursting back to life, and wildflowers are a common sight.

In the summer, folks come from all over to go camping, and in the fall, the color along the entire trail is to die for.

Two Lakes Loop Trail might be difficult, but I promise it's worth every step! You'll need to conquer some steep inclines, climb some hills, and make sure you don't slip - but it's so intensely beautiful that I reckon none of it will feel like actual work.

What are your thoughts about this difficult hike in Indiana? Personally, I think it's absolutely worth it - work your way up to it by doing shorter hikes first! This one is definitely worth the effort. To learn more about this amazing hiking trail in Indiana, check out the official AllTrails listing. Need something a little shorter? Check out some of my favorite short hikes in Indiana.