Nine Penny Branch Loop Trail Is A Beginner-Friendly Waterfall Trail In Indiana That’s Great For A Family Hike

Getting outdoors for some fresh air and sunshine does us all good from time to time. If you're looking for something for the whole family to do, you'll likely find few things better than exploring nature together. Make your next family outing a hike along this waterfall trail in Indiana that boasts such picturesque scenery as wildflowers, towering trees, and, of course, a beautiful waterfall.

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Pile the whole family in the car with the GPS set for Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve, in Charlestown, a natural wonder that spans 121 acres.

The 2.3-mile Nine Penny Branch Loop Trail, which is considered easy to moderate, is beginner and kid-friendly. However, you'll want to make sure everyone is wearing sturdy shoes.

At one point, you'll be able to cross the creek, so ensure you're wearing waterproof shoes if you plan to go into the water.

In addition to crossing the creek twice, you'll also have to climb a few hills.

Considered a hidden gem, the Nine Penny Branch Loop Trail meanders through old forest and past patches of wildflowers. Keep an eye out, too, for butterflies and local birds.

You'll also pass a series of small waterfalls, each cascading into clear pools of water. You might want to stop by a waterfall for photos and a break, just to drink in the scenery.

The trail generally takes between one and two hours to complete. If you're hiking with kids, expect the timeline to fall in the two-hour range, depending on how fast everyone walks.

Click here for the official website of the Indiana Department of Natural Conservation. Or, go here for Facebook.

Do you have a favorite waterfall trail in Indiana? Tell us about it in the comments! Have you been to the Niagara Falls of Indiana yet? If not, take the whole family on the Whitewater Gorge Trail that leads straight to Thistlethwaite Falls.