Trade Boots For Paddles On The Legendary 9 Lakes Challenge At Indiana’s Chain O’Lakes State Park

Fun fact: Indiana is home to 24 amazing state parks, all of which are 100 percent worthy of a day trip (or longer). One of these state parks is known as Chain O'Lakes State Park, and it's home to - as you can probably guess - a chain of kettle lakes that make the landscape something special. Did you know, though, that you can do more here than just hike or camp? Yep - you might want to check out the 9 Lakes Challenge, which is one of the coolest Indiana state parks featuring water (and lots of it). Canoers and kayakers, rejoice! This one's for you.

Chain O'Lakes State Park is an amazing place, and the lakes really just add to the charm.

It's a place you can go to forget about the real world for a while; you can hike, camp, fish, or simply stay put for a while.

If you're feeling up to the task, you can do the legendary 9 Lakes Challenge, which is almost exactly what it sounds like.

To participate, there are a few things you must do:

First, head to Sucker Lake and start paddlin'.

Take a photo with the Paddle Trail Mile 0 sign. There you have it: your first "clue".

Next up, photograph the wagon wheel at the ramp on Long Lake.

Dock Lake comes third; locate the park headquarters up on the hill, and boom: another step complete.

Other "items" you must "collect" include a selfie on Bowen Lake, pictures of beaver activity on Sand Lake, a landscape shot, and more.

Needless to say, it's wise to have your phone along with you so you can grab all the proof of your adventures.

Finally, when you're done, meander back to the Park Headquarters and take your title. You can even get merch to prove you did it.

It's not every day you get to say you completed the 9 Lake Challenge at Chain O'Lakes State Park, but maybe this year is your year. I have faith in you. Go do the thing.

For a map, as well as more information about the 9 Lake Challenge, be sure to check out the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the pamphlet it offers. Planning on hiking while you're here too? Check out our handy-dandy Ultimate Hiking Trip Packing List so you don't forget a thing.

Craving more amazing state parks action? No worries - check out the incredibly legendary road trip we've put together of some of Indiana's least-visited state parks for some peace and quiet.