Experience One Of Indiana’s Only Second-Growth Forests At Fogwell Forest Nature Preserve

Hidden away in Fort Wayne, Indiana is an amazing nature preserve that never seems to get the love it so rightly deserves. It's truly a hidden gem - being located between Airport Expressway and a lovely residential area - and it's got a very interesting secret: it's home to one of our only second-growth forests, where prairie and woodlands meet and show off just how jaw-droppingly beautiful our countryside truly is. Come see the wonder of the Fogwell Forest Nature Preserve in Indiana and experience our state the way it used to be.

Welcome to Fogwell Forest Nature Preserve, a small (28 acre) second-growth tract of forest located in Fort Wayne.

It feels very rural for being so close to city life, and because of this, it makes for an awesome little field trip away from responsibilities for a few hours.

Here, you'll find a winding and beautiful trail that leads you through some of the preserve's most jaw-dropping landscapes.

Other than the forest, you can also expect to see some poorly-drained depressions (think wetlands-esque) peppered throughout the prairie.

So, what IS second-growth forest, exactly?

Whereas old growth forest is forestlands that remain untouched for hundreds of years, second-growth forest is woodlands that were destroyed at one point (by anything from human interference to forest fires) that have since grown back, recovered, and thrived.

Fogwell Forest Nature Preserve is an amazing example of this, offering a glimpse into the amazing world the Hoosier State used to be once upon a time.

The forest consists of mature giant oak and beech trees; blossoming and thriving in the shady, grassy fields below include pawpaw and flowering dogwood. It's a blissful respite from real life if not for a little while, and I'm excited to have found it.

The preserve is open all year 'round, though in my opinion the best time to visit is during spring, summer and autumn.

In the fall, the entire preserve comes to life in a whole new way as foliage explodes into brilliant golds and oranges. In the spring and summer, wildflowers abound. It's a treat for the entire family.

Come on out to this amazing nature preserve in Indiana for the ultimate low-key day trip without straying too far from Fort Worth - it's worth it!

For more information about this amazing nature preserve in the Hoosier State, check out the official Fogwell Forest write-up on the ACRES Land Trust website. Curious about what to bring along on your next hiking trip? Check out our handy-dandy ultimate hiking packing list for some ideas.

Have you ever been to Fogwell Forest Nature Preserve? Tell me about it in the comments!