The Trail To Strahl Lake Is Among The Great Short Hikes In Indiana

If there’s one state park in Indiana that usually seems to stick out above the others as particularly beautiful and captivating, it’s Brown County State Park (okay, that, and probably Indiana Dunes, too). At Brown County State Park, there are dozens of awe-inspiring hiking and walking trails for you to explore. There are two lakes at the park, and the hike to one of them is short, sweet, and mostly easy. It might just top the list of great short hikes in Indiana!

The two lakes at Brown County State Park are Ogle Lake and Strahl Lake.

Chrissie Geels/AllTrails Strahl Lake is the one this pleasant little path leads to, and it’s well worth the minor effort it’ll take to get there.

The water is crisp, cool, clean, and clear, and the area is closed off to boats - so it’s ideal for a nice swim.

Jack Jenkins/AllTrails The trail comes in at less than a mile long; it’s just 0.8 miles from the start of the trail to the lake. There are a lot of stairs, though, so make sure to be prepared for those.

The path down to Lake Strahl is downhill and quite easy.

Mang Wey/AllTrails However, what goes down must come back up (okay, maybe not always, but you know what we’re getting at), and the return hike back to your car will be uphill (with stairs), so again… make sure to prepare!

You’ll be treated to incredible views of some of Indiana’s most beautiful landscapes.

IndyG/AllTrails There’s a waterfall along the way to Strahl Lake, and after a good, solid rainstorm, it’s particularly impressive. During the drier months, however, it’s usually slowed to a light trickle.

Fishing is permitted at Strahl Lake and, given that there are no boats to scare the fish constantly, the fishin’ is good!

Rachel Goss/AllTrails This is truly the perfect place to kick back, relax, cast your line into the water, and then let life do the rest.

It’s important to note that camping and fishing will require a permit, so make sure to get one from the DNR website.

Layne Evans/AllTrails You can find that page here. Remember, purchasing an inexpensive permit helps keep our forests in tip-top shape, and it’s definitely important to give back.

It’s quite easy to relax an entire day away at Strahl Lake. We recommend hiking up in the morning, spending the day here doing anything from fishing to birdwatching or anything else you desire, and then heading out after watching a lakeside sunset.

Wendy Seifert/AllTrails

So, what do you think? Have you visited Strahl Lake or its waterfall yet? What great short hikes in Indiana are your go-tos? Tell us about them in the comments!

Chrissie Geels/AllTrails

Strahl Lake is the one this pleasant little path leads to, and it’s well worth the minor effort it’ll take to get there.

Jack Jenkins/AllTrails

The trail comes in at less than a mile long; it’s just 0.8 miles from the start of the trail to the lake. There are a lot of stairs, though, so make sure to be prepared for those.

Mang Wey/AllTrails

However, what goes down must come back up (okay, maybe not always, but you know what we’re getting at), and the return hike back to your car will be uphill (with stairs), so again… make sure to prepare!

IndyG/AllTrails

There’s a waterfall along the way to Strahl Lake, and after a good, solid rainstorm, it’s particularly impressive. During the drier months, however, it’s usually slowed to a light trickle.

Rachel Goss/AllTrails

This is truly the perfect place to kick back, relax, cast your line into the water, and then let life do the rest.

Layne Evans/AllTrails

You can find that page here. Remember, purchasing an inexpensive permit helps keep our forests in tip-top shape, and it’s definitely important to give back.

Wendy Seifert/AllTrails

Craving more Indiana lakeside goodness? This article might serve as some additional inspiration!

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Address: Strahl Lake, Van Buren Township, IN 47448, USA