If there's anything we love here at Only In Your State, it's interesting hikes. Luckily for those in the Hoosier State, there are more than 4,200 miles of awesome hiking, biking, and walking trails all over the state - many of which are in some pretty unique locations! Did you know that there's a mysterious forest trail within Charlestown State Park that leads to some intriguing ruins? There are several trails all over Charlestown, but Trail #7 is particularly adventurous. Follow this unique hiking trail in Indiana to some interesting and thought-provoking adventure!
Charlestown State Park is Indiana's third-largest state park and covers more than 5,000 acres.
There are numerous trails that weave throughout the park like veins, each offering a different kind of adventure than the last.
There is one trail, however, that stands out above the others in terms of its uniqueness.
Choosing to embark upon Trail #7 at Charlestown State Park is choosing to go back in time in a way, for you'll encounter some supremely interesting ruins along your trek.
Once you cross the historic Portersville Bridge, you'll find yourself on Rose Island - Indiana's only publicly-accessible "island" (which is, technically, a peninsula).
Once upon a time, long, long ago, Rose Island was a popular amusement park attraction nestled deep in the woods near Charlestown.
Rose Island made its debut as an amusement park in 1923.
On the grounds was a wooden roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a sparkling, cool pool - among other things. One could come to see captive animals like wolves, a bear, monkeys, and more. It was a happening place at its peak.
To this day, the remains of the pool are visible, along with several other tokens of what once was.
Rose Island met its end in a catastrophic flood in 1937; today, should you follow Trail #7 at Charlestown, though, you'll find what remains.
While traversing this trail, you'll run into several plaques and signs detailing the history and significance of specific parts of the hike.
It's got a few strenuous parts, but for the most part, it's an easy-to-moderate hike. There's something both attractive and eerie about this area, as it seems to be a symbol of what once was (but is now beautiful again in its own way).
You'll run into the beautiful emerald waters of Fourteen Mile Creek on the trek as well.
Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring water. Trail #7 is a 2.1-mile loop trail, so you should end up where you started to begin with.
So, what do you think? Have you ever explored this unique hiking trail in Indiana? If so, tell us about your adventures in the comments - we love hearing from you.
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