Traverse Magical Boardwalks And Picture-Perfect Woodlands On This Fairy Tale Trail In Indiana

Indianapolis is a busy place. It seems like you can't escape the hustle and bustle of city life while remaining within city lines, but that's where you're wrong, friend: as it turns out, there are several magical hiking trails near Indianapolis that you're sure to love. We found one at one of our favorite parks in Indy, and it's a two-mile, easygoing stroll through landscapes that look and feel nothing short of magical. Come explore a fairy-tale setting right here at home on one of the downright best hikes in Indiana: the Southwestway Park Trail is a hard city trail to beat.

From start to finish, you might just feel as if you've accidentally (okay, totally, 100% on purpose) gone through a magical wardrobe, or something.

It is absolutely not what you might expect from a hiking trail within city limits; it's lush, green, vibrant, and easily one of the best trails in the city - maybe even the state.

It's open year-round, but we have to admit we're fans of it when everything is in bloom - so, late spring and into summer is our favorite time to visit this one.

The plentiful shade lends to a cooler-than-average air about the place. Quickly gone are the sounds of the city, replaced by the singing of birds, chittering of squirrels, and the occasional judgmental stare by a turtle.

You'll encounter all kinds of charming features along the way, like a beautiful boardwalk for part of the trek and a fairy tale-esque footbridge you'll want to take a million photos of.

Rain or shine, this trail is easily one of our favorites; it's worth noting, however, that it can get a bit overgrown in some areas, and you may want to download a map of the path before you go so you have reference while you're there.

One of our favorite aspects of the trail is the lake.

It's crystalline, chilly, and blue, teeming with fish and other life that's interesting to sit and watch for a while. Fall in love with the great outdoors without even going too far away from the city - unless you live outside of Indy, in which case, we promise this trail is worth traveling to experience!

Be sure to wear good, closed-toed shoes, and be ready for parts of the trail to be muddy from time to time, especially after a good rain (or early in the morning when dew can accumulate).

As shady as it is along the way, you'll definitely want to make sure you bring water along - hydration is key to fully enjoying your experience on the Southwestway Park Trail.

Plus, you just never know who you'll run into. You might even make a few new friends along the way.

Should you do the hike without stopping, it should take about 40-45 minutes to finish. We strongly suggest you make as many stops as you can along the way, though - absorb the amazingness that is around you!

For more information about the Southwestway Park Trail, which is, as we mentioned, one of the best hikes in Indiana (especially if you like your hikes on the easier side), be sure to check out the official blurb page for the trail on the Visit Indy website.

For more of the best hikes in Indiana, be sure to check out some of the most amazing waterfall hiking trails in Indiana before you die.