5 Underrated National Forest Hikes in Indiana That Rival National Parks

Indiana undoubtedly has some fantastic year-round hiking. Whether you’re a casual stroller lover or a serious hiker, some trails belong on everyone’s bucket list. The Hoosier National Forest in the hills of south-central Indiana comprises more than 200,000 acres of forest, ripe with underrated trails that are just waiting to be explored. Here are five I think you should know about.

1. Pate Hollow Trail

Pate Hollow Trail is a 5.9-mile loop that takes about two and a half hours to complete. It’s a fantastic trek through the different woods that make up Hoosier National Forest, and showcases the impressive diversity of vegetation for all you plant enthusiasts. It’s a clearly marked trail, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost, and its popularity means that you'll likely run into some fellow hikers. One of my favorite things about this trail is that it begins with a bit of a mystery. Right at the trailhead is a tree with a door-like opening at the foot of the stump. If you crouch down and look inside, you’ll find a bunch of miniature furniture. What a fun little surprise. Farther down the trail, you’ll get to experience a brook crossing, a hill climb, and passage through a forest of white pines.

2. Terrill Ridge Trail

Terrill Ridge Trail is a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike that takes a little over 90 minutes to complete. It’s an easy route that is popular with bikers, trail runners, and hikers alike. Though in the off-season, you can find some solitude if you’re looking for something a little quieter. This is a well-maintained trail that is simple to navigate; even I didn’t get lost, which is saying something. For a bit of history or a spooky detour, stop at the Terrill Ridge Cemetery for a glimpse into the past.

3. Monroe Trail

The Monroe Trail is 1.6 miles total and takes just 40 minutes to complete. It’s simple, quiet, and a great option for birdwatchers. With plenty of picnic spots, scenic lake views, and ideal sunset-watching locations, this is a fantastic hike if you’re looking for something quick and easy. Just watch out for downed trees; some climbing may be necessary.

4. Sycamore Loop Trail

The Sycamore Loop Trail is 6.3 miles, and takes just about two and a half hours to finish. This is another trail that highlights the surrounding woodlands that the Hoosier National Forest hosts, allowing you to see just how diverse the forest is. This trail is also a perfect beginner backpacking trail, in my opinion. It has minimal elevation changes, so lugging that giant backpack around won’t be too tiring; it has plenty of great campsites along the path, and it isn’t so impossibly long that you find yourself wondering if it will ever end. I recommend wearing boots, pants, and long sleeves, whether you plan to go for just a portion of the trail or the whole loop. It’s also a great mushroom hunting trail for any mycophiles out there.

5. Browning Mountain Stonehenge

Last but not least, we’ve got the Browning Mountain Stonehenge trail, which is 1.6 miles in length and takes just 50 minutes to complete. If you’ve ever wanted to get a glimpse at Stonehenge, but don’t want to pay huge travel fees, this is your perfect alternative. Consider it Stonehenge Jr., if you will. This is a bit of a hidden gem, so you’ll likely get the whole place to yourself. Overall, this is a simple trail with a fun ending. I recommend giving it a whirl.

If you do give one of these trails a try, I do recommend using the AllTrails App to download the maps ahead of time. Some are less well marked than others, and it’s important to know which way you’re going. It’s no fun to get lost, and that’s speaking from experience.