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Indiana
Indiana hiking combines rugged sandstone canyons, forested ridges, waterfalls, and extensive rail-trail corridors across a surprisingly varied landscape. In the northwest, Indiana Dunes offers lakeshore dunes, marshes, and beach-access trails. In west-central and southern Indiana, state parks and Hoosier National Forest deliver ladder routes, ravines, and longer backcountry-style climbs. Across central and northern regions, multi-use greenways and rail trails provide accessible mileage and easy terrain for broad audiences.
Best Seasons to Hike
- Spring: Strong waterfall flow and comfortable temperatures in canyon and creek systems.
- Summer: Early starts are best; forested trails remain popular in state parks.
- Fall: Peak foliage and cooler air make this the strongest all-around hiking season.
- Winter: Good for shorter hikes and open trails when conditions are dry or lightly frozen.
Trail Character
Indiana trails range from short interpretive paths to strenuous ravine and ridge routes. Expect rooty and rocky footing in southern hill country, while dune and rail-trail routes are often gentler and more accessible.
Access, Permits, and Fees
Many Indiana state parks charge gate or parking fees. Trailheads in national park or forest areas may have variable access rules by season. Always verify closures, weather, and trail conditions before departure.
Safety and Conditions Guidance
After rain, canyon and creek trails can become slick. Bring water, traction-aware footwear, and offline maps for longer backcountry routes. During warmer months, prepare for heat and humidity on exposed sections.
Regional Highlights
- Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline trails
- Turkey Run, Shades, and McCormick’s Creek canyon systems
- Brown County and Hoosier National Forest ridge routes
- Southern Indiana bluff and waterfall trails
Trail Locations in Indiana
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Trails in Indiana
Showing 24 of 140 trails
Adventure Hiking Trail O'Bannon Woods
harrison County
Long backcountry loop through rugged southern Indiana ridges and hollows.
Aerie Trail O'Bannon Woods
harrison County
Ridge-and-hollow loop in O'Bannon Woods with steady elevation change and wooded overlooks.
Bailly Homestead Trail Indiana Dunes
porter County
Historic homestead walk through woodland and dunes in Indiana Dunes.
B and O Trail Indianapolis
marion County
West-side rail-trail with easy grades and neighborhood access.
Beaver Trail Shakamak State Park
sullivan County
Pleasant park route through woods and near-water habitat.
Big 4 Trail Lebanon
boone County
Longer flat segment of the Big 4 corridor through central Indiana.
Big 4 Trail Zionsville
boone County
Paved rail-trail through suburban and small-town corridor landscapes.
B-Line Trail Bloomington
monroe County
Central Bloomington rail-trail corridor with easy grades and city-park links.
Buzzard Roost Trail Hoosier National Forest
crawford County
Short climb to bluff overlooks above rugged southern Indiana terrain.
Cagles Mill Lake Trail Lieber State Recreation Area
owen County
Easy lake-country route with shoreline segments and broad views.
Calumet Dunes Trail Indiana Dunes
porter County
Scenic dunes trail with moderate rolling grades and forest transitions.
Canyon Loop Trail McCormicks Creek
owen County
Classic limestone-canyon loop with stream crossings and rugged footing.
Cardinal Greenway Muncie Segment
delaware County
Flat rail-trail segment with easy riding and walking in east-central Indiana.
Cardinal Greenway Trail Indiana
randolph County
Long rail-trail segment with flat grades and small-town scenery.
Cataract Falls Trail Lieber State Recreation Area
owen County
Short waterfall walk to Indiana's largest cascade by volume.
Cedar Creek Trail Versailles State Park
ripley County
Creekside route with mixed hardwood forest and gentle ups and downs.
Central Canal Towpath Indianapolis
marion County
Historic canal-side path in downtown and near-downtown park areas.
Charles C Deam Wilderness Loop Trail
monroe County
Backcountry wilderness loop with ridge walking and creek valleys.
Chellberg Farm Trail Indiana Dunes
porter County
Cultural-and-nature trail linking farm history and wooded landscapes.
Clear Creek Trail Bloomington
monroe County
Paved creekside route connecting Bloomington green spaces and neighborhoods.
Clifty Falls Trail 1
jefferson County
Short-to-moderate canyon hike with overlooks and stream views.
Clifty Falls Trail 2
jefferson County
Ravine and waterfall route through one of Indiana's most scenic canyons.
Clifty Falls Trail 3
jefferson County
Steeper waterfall-route connector through rocky ravine sections.
Clifty Falls Trail 4
jefferson County
Steep state-park trail with rocky footing and multiple falls viewpoints.