Here at Only In Indiana, we mostly cover short and sweet hikes, occasionally featuring a 5 or 6-mile adventure, too. But if you like the idea of a multi-day trek through beautiful woodlands and along a sparkling lake, this trail is one of the very best long hiking trails in Indiana. You don’t even need to make it a multi-day adventure; the trail is long enough that you can start and finish at any two points, and it’s still a great time.
Tecumseh Trail is 41 miles long; it begins at the Morgan Monroe State Forest headquarters and ends in the remote Brown County Forest.
Derek Sease/AllTrails It is what’s known as a point-to-point trail, which is what it sounds like - there’s a point A and a point B, and the trail connects the two. It is not a loop, so plan accordingly, because points A and B Are pretty far apart in this case!
It has five trailheads and is moderately trekked.
Derek Sease/AllTrails You’ll likely run into a few other hikers along the way, but it shouldn’t be terribly crowded.
Originally, Tecumseh Trail was supposed to span from Florida to Canada, but those plans never came to fruition.
amanda Kabrich/AllTrails Instead, we have the entire trail right here at home, all to ourselves, and it’s certainly worthy of a trip, no matter where in the Hoosier State you live.
It’s best traveled from March to October, before snow and ice make it impassable.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/the-tecumseh-trail/photos Some sections of the trail require that you hike nearby a road. However, the rest of the trail is mostly remote and wild, which balances out the minor inconvenience of being near civilization for a while.
Over the entire 41-mile-span, there is a total elevation gain of 4,498 feet, and closed-toed shoes are definitely recommended!
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/the-tecumseh-trail/photos Some parts of the hike may be a challenge, but mostly, it’s a pleasant and quiet adventure suitable for most skill levels, whether or not you plan to hike the entire thing. Most don’t, and there’s no pressure to do so - that’s one of the best things about nature. As long as you pack out what you pack in, you can hike for exactly as much time as you want to.
During the spring months, there are gorgeous wildflowers all over, and during the autumn months, the color is incredible.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/the-tecumseh-trail/photos You’ll follow ridges and wander down into hollows, skip across streams, and enjoy two miles of lakeside views once you reach the shoreline.
You’ll encounter bridges, both traditional and covered, and you’ll definitely fall in love with the landscape in many phases of the trail’s life.
David Hicks/AllTrails It’s an excellent example of the genuine beauty of Indiana, especially when it’s perfectly quiet, and all you can hear are the songs of birds in the woods surrounding you.
You never know - you might just meet some new friends along the way, too!
Matt Grahovic/AllTrails
It is imperative that you check the official website while planning your trip, as every now and again there are important trail closures and other things important to know before you go.
Derek Sease/AllTrails
It is what’s known as a point-to-point trail, which is what it sounds like - there’s a point A and a point B, and the trail connects the two. It is not a loop, so plan accordingly, because points A and B Are pretty far apart in this case!
You’ll likely run into a few other hikers along the way, but it shouldn’t be terribly crowded.
amanda Kabrich/AllTrails
Instead, we have the entire trail right here at home, all to ourselves, and it’s certainly worthy of a trip, no matter where in the Hoosier State you live.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/the-tecumseh-trail/photos
Some sections of the trail require that you hike nearby a road. However, the rest of the trail is mostly remote and wild, which balances out the minor inconvenience of being near civilization for a while.
Some parts of the hike may be a challenge, but mostly, it’s a pleasant and quiet adventure suitable for most skill levels, whether or not you plan to hike the entire thing. Most don’t, and there’s no pressure to do so - that’s one of the best things about nature. As long as you pack out what you pack in, you can hike for exactly as much time as you want to.
You’ll follow ridges and wander down into hollows, skip across streams, and enjoy two miles of lakeside views once you reach the shoreline.
David Hicks/AllTrails
It’s an excellent example of the genuine beauty of Indiana, especially when it’s perfectly quiet, and all you can hear are the songs of birds in the woods surrounding you.
Matt Grahovic/AllTrails
When it comes to long hiking trails in Indiana, this one is easily one of the best. Craving more hiking trip ideas in the Hoosier State? Check this article out for some of the most beautiful options!
Have you ever hiked the entire Tecumseh Trail? Tell us your stories in the comments!
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