Are you craving time outdoors in The Hoosier State? What some people do not know is that Indiana is packed with absolutely breathtaking state parks and hiking spots. While Indiana is known for cornfields and expansive farmland, there are so many scenic places in the state that will absolutely surprise you. In fact, there are some Indiana treks that will take you to the most jaw-dropping places, like waterfalls and other natural wonders. If you’re ready to hit the trails, here are 12 of the best hiking trails in Indiana that are just waiting to be explored:
- Turkey Run State Park - Marshall
Daniel Schwen Wikimedia The suspension bridge in Turkey Run State Park is both exciting and terrifying to walk across. The park, home to The Grand Canyon of the Midwest, is a very gorgeous place for an afternoon hike. You can find this beautiful park in Marshall, Indiana. You won’t regret your time spent on these picturesque trails.
- Knobstone Trail of Fun - Clark, Scott, and Washington Counties
Adam Gassman/AllTrails Did you know Knobstone Trail has the longest natural foot path in the state of Indiana? It is roughly 48 miles long and offers spectacular views of the wooded terrain in Southern Indiana. You can even take a peek at the Ohio River and Louisville! The trail ends in Salem, Indiana. It stretches across Clark, Scott, and Washington County. The largest trail in Indiana, Knobstone Trail is rated as a fairly difficult trail, not recommended for beginners.
- Pokagon State Park - Angola
Flickr / Anna Hesser Starting to notice a trend? A lot of the state parks in Indiana are great places to go if you are looking for somewhere nice to hike. Pokagon State Park has nine different hiking trails for you to hike down ranging from easy to moderate in skill level. With the exception of the ninth trail, all of the trails in this state park are great for beginners. You can find this beautiful state park and all of its hiking trails in Angola, Indiana.
- Low Gap Trail - Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Flickr / ibert You can find this beautiful trail in Morgan-Monroe State Forest near Martinsville. The trail consists of a 10 mile loop. This particular trail is recommended only for people who have a lot of experience hiking. You can access this trail all year-round.
- Clifty Falls State Park - Madison
Flickr / Gallopingphotog Many Hoosiers consider Clifty Falls State Park to be home to the best hiking trails in the entire state. The state park contains a 14-mile loop trail that you can find near Madison, Indiana. You can even bring your dog down this trail with you as long as you keep your canine on a leash!
- Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail - English
Flickr / Jack Koning You can find Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail right near English, Indiana. Along the trail, you can see a beautiful waterfall. The trail is rated as a moderate trail that may be slightly difficult (though not impossible) for beginners. It is not uncommon for individuals to go camping along this trail. Hemlock Cliffs has some of the prettiest scenery in the state.
- Adventure Hiking Trail - Corydon
Paul Martin/AllTrails For experienced hikers, this trail is a must. Adventure Hiking Trail is a 21.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Corydon, Indiana, that’s rated as difficult. The payoff for this advanced trek is the spectacular river views.
- Adena Trace Loop - Brookville
Alex Moreno/AllTrails Another more advanced hike, this trail is 25 miles long and located in Brookville, Indiana. While challenging, this trail winds through some seriously beautiful Indiana wilderness.
- Three Lakes Trail - Martinsville
Wes Priest/AllTrails This trail is just shy of 10 miles long, making it a double day hike for serious Hoosier State explorers. You’ll find the trail located in Martinsville, Indiana.
- Pinhook Bog - Indiana Dunes National Park
Katie Kobiljak/AllTrails This particular hiking trail is part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the most accessible hikes on our list, Pinhook Bog Upland Trail is a 2.1-mile loop trail in an extraordinary forest setting. Read more about Indiana Dunes here.
- Morgan Ridge East Trail - Derby
Kelsy Heffley/AllTrails You can find this hiking trail near Derby, Indiana. The trail is only 6.7 miles long. However, it does connect to the Morgan Ridge West Trail which is 12.3 miles long. Between the two trails, you can enjoy a nice, albeit long, hike through Indiana’s scenic hardwood forest.
- Falls Canyon Trail -McCormick’s Creek State Park
Kevin/Google Local You can find the Falls Canyon Trail in McCormick’s Creek State Park right near Spencer, Indiana. One of the best hiking trails in Indiana, it’s a small, three-mile loop and it is absolutely beautiful. The best part of the trail is getting to enjoy the waterfall!
Do you agree that these are the best hiking trails in Indiana? What would you add to the list? Share your favorite Indiana hikes in the comments below!
Daniel Schwen Wikimedia
The suspension bridge in Turkey Run State Park is both exciting and terrifying to walk across. The park, home to The Grand Canyon of the Midwest, is a very gorgeous place for an afternoon hike. You can find this beautiful park in Marshall, Indiana. You won’t regret your time spent on these picturesque trails.
Adam Gassman/AllTrails
Did you know Knobstone Trail has the longest natural foot path in the state of Indiana? It is roughly 48 miles long and offers spectacular views of the wooded terrain in Southern Indiana. You can even take a peek at the Ohio River and Louisville! The trail ends in Salem, Indiana. It stretches across Clark, Scott, and Washington County. The largest trail in Indiana, Knobstone Trail is rated as a fairly difficult trail, not recommended for beginners.
Flickr / Anna Hesser
Starting to notice a trend? A lot of the state parks in Indiana are great places to go if you are looking for somewhere nice to hike. Pokagon State Park has nine different hiking trails for you to hike down ranging from easy to moderate in skill level. With the exception of the ninth trail, all of the trails in this state park are great for beginners. You can find this beautiful state park and all of its hiking trails in Angola, Indiana.
Flickr / ibert
You can find this beautiful trail in Morgan-Monroe State Forest near Martinsville. The trail consists of a 10 mile loop. This particular trail is recommended only for people who have a lot of experience hiking. You can access this trail all year-round.
Flickr / Gallopingphotog
Many Hoosiers consider Clifty Falls State Park to be home to the best hiking trails in the entire state. The state park contains a 14-mile loop trail that you can find near Madison, Indiana. You can even bring your dog down this trail with you as long as you keep your canine on a leash!
Flickr / Jack Koning
You can find Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail right near English, Indiana. Along the trail, you can see a beautiful waterfall. The trail is rated as a moderate trail that may be slightly difficult (though not impossible) for beginners. It is not uncommon for individuals to go camping along this trail. Hemlock Cliffs has some of the prettiest scenery in the state.
Paul Martin/AllTrails
For experienced hikers, this trail is a must. Adventure Hiking Trail is a 21.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Corydon, Indiana, that’s rated as difficult. The payoff for this advanced trek is the spectacular river views.
Alex Moreno/AllTrails
Another more advanced hike, this trail is 25 miles long and located in Brookville, Indiana. While challenging, this trail winds through some seriously beautiful Indiana wilderness.
Wes Priest/AllTrails
This trail is just shy of 10 miles long, making it a double day hike for serious Hoosier State explorers. You’ll find the trail located in Martinsville, Indiana.
Katie Kobiljak/AllTrails
This particular hiking trail is part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the most accessible hikes on our list, Pinhook Bog Upland Trail is a 2.1-mile loop trail in an extraordinary forest setting. Read more about Indiana Dunes here.
Kelsy Heffley/AllTrails
You can find this hiking trail near Derby, Indiana. The trail is only 6.7 miles long. However, it does connect to the Morgan Ridge West Trail which is 12.3 miles long. Between the two trails, you can enjoy a nice, albeit long, hike through Indiana’s scenic hardwood forest.
Kevin/Google Local
You can find the Falls Canyon Trail in McCormick’s Creek State Park right near Spencer, Indiana. One of the best hiking trails in Indiana, it’s a small, three-mile loop and it is absolutely beautiful. The best part of the trail is getting to enjoy the waterfall!
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Address: Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USAAddress: 4507 Wilson Switch Rd, Borden, IN 47106, USAAddress: Pokagon State Park, Park Office:, 450 Ln 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703, USAAddress: Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 6220 Forest Rd, Martinsville, IN 46151, USAAddress: Clifty Falls State Park, 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USAAddress: Union Chapel Rd, English, IN 47118, USAAddress: Corydon, IN 47112, USAAddress: Brookville, IN 47012, USAAddress: Three Lakes Trail, Indiana, USAAddress: Pinhook Bog, Coolspring Township, IN, USAAddress: Morgan Ridge, Miller Township, IN 47022, USAAddress: McCormick’s Creek State Park, 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In Indiana March 11, 2021 Sarah What are some of the best scenic hikes in Indiana? If the above list of the best hiking trails in Indiana appealed to you, you’ll absolutely love these scenic hikes in The Hoosier State – some of the best in the world, in our opinion. For starters, try 9 at Clifty Falls State Par. This gorgeous southern Indiana trail spans roughly one mile and offers some of the most unique natural beauty in the state, including stunning forests and waterfalls. Pearl Ravine Trail in Shades State Park is an incredible 1.3 mile trail is located in one of the lesser-known state parks in the Hoosier state. You’ll experience stunning canyons, ridges, and some of the most otherworldly examples of nature at this hidden gem. And if you love the beach and hiking by the water, the 1.26-mile Great Marsh Trail at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is right up your alley. You’ll love taking in the sights of Lake Michigan and the trail itself is incredibly accessible, and can even accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Where are the most unique hiking trails in Indiana? Trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park is one of the most unique hiking trails in Indiana; this 1.7 mile trek is the most popular trail in this park, and uncovers incredible ridgetops and cliffs, along with the remarkable Punch Bowl. Step down into this huge ravine and feel the temperature change for an unforgettable experience. Home to Indiana’s very own Grand Canyon, all of Turkey Run’s 11 hiking trails are unique and extraordinary, featuring all kinds of amazing obstacles and challenges, like ladders which will lead you either up or down the enormous rocks. What are the absolute must-visit state parks in Indiana? Indiana is home to some of the very best state parks in the country, and if you’ve explored the tried-and-true spots, you’ll definitely want to check out these must-visit hidden gems. Versailles State Park is a fun recreational area located along Laughery Creek, and a splendid place to camp, hike, fish, and boat. The second-largest state park in Indiana, it features a 230-acre lake and even a swimming pool. White River State Park is another incredible Indiana State Park; spanning 250 acres in Indianapolis, this is one of those state parks you don’t even realize is there. It’s home to museums, a zoo, gardens, and many more amazing attractions you just have to see – definitely plan a visit to this park that’s hiding in plain sight!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In Indiana
March 11, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the best scenic hikes in Indiana? If the above list of the best hiking trails in Indiana appealed to you, you’ll absolutely love these scenic hikes in The Hoosier State – some of the best in the world, in our opinion. For starters, try 9 at Clifty Falls State Par. This gorgeous southern Indiana trail spans roughly one mile and offers some of the most unique natural beauty in the state, including stunning forests and waterfalls. Pearl Ravine Trail in Shades State Park is an incredible 1.3 mile trail is located in one of the lesser-known state parks in the Hoosier state. You’ll experience stunning canyons, ridges, and some of the most otherworldly examples of nature at this hidden gem. And if you love the beach and hiking by the water, the 1.26-mile Great Marsh Trail at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is right up your alley. You’ll love taking in the sights of Lake Michigan and the trail itself is incredibly accessible, and can even accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Where are the most unique hiking trails in Indiana? Trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park is one of the most unique hiking trails in Indiana; this 1.7 mile trek is the most popular trail in this park, and uncovers incredible ridgetops and cliffs, along with the remarkable Punch Bowl. Step down into this huge ravine and feel the temperature change for an unforgettable experience. Home to Indiana’s very own Grand Canyon, all of Turkey Run’s 11 hiking trails are unique and extraordinary, featuring all kinds of amazing obstacles and challenges, like ladders which will lead you either up or down the enormous rocks. What are the absolute must-visit state parks in Indiana? Indiana is home to some of the very best state parks in the country, and if you’ve explored the tried-and-true spots, you’ll definitely want to check out these must-visit hidden gems. Versailles State Park is a fun recreational area located along Laughery Creek, and a splendid place to camp, hike, fish, and boat. The second-largest state park in Indiana, it features a 230-acre lake and even a swimming pool. White River State Park is another incredible Indiana State Park; spanning 250 acres in Indianapolis, this is one of those state parks you don’t even realize is there. It’s home to museums, a zoo, gardens, and many more amazing attractions you just have to see – definitely plan a visit to this park that’s hiding in plain sight!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If the above list of the best hiking trails in Indiana appealed to you, you’ll absolutely love these scenic hikes in The Hoosier State – some of the best in the world, in our opinion. For starters, try 9 at Clifty Falls State Par. This gorgeous southern Indiana trail spans roughly one mile and offers some of the most unique natural beauty in the state, including stunning forests and waterfalls. Pearl Ravine Trail in Shades State Park is an incredible 1.3 mile trail is located in one of the lesser-known state parks in the Hoosier state. You’ll experience stunning canyons, ridges, and some of the most otherworldly examples of nature at this hidden gem. And if you love the beach and hiking by the water, the 1.26-mile Great Marsh Trail at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is right up your alley. You’ll love taking in the sights of Lake Michigan and the trail itself is incredibly accessible, and can even accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.
Where are the most unique hiking trails in Indiana?
Trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park is one of the most unique hiking trails in Indiana; this 1.7 mile trek is the most popular trail in this park, and uncovers incredible ridgetops and cliffs, along with the remarkable Punch Bowl. Step down into this huge ravine and feel the temperature change for an unforgettable experience. Home to Indiana’s very own Grand Canyon, all of Turkey Run’s 11 hiking trails are unique and extraordinary, featuring all kinds of amazing obstacles and challenges, like ladders which will lead you either up or down the enormous rocks.
What are the absolute must-visit state parks in Indiana?
Indiana is home to some of the very best state parks in the country, and if you’ve explored the tried-and-true spots, you’ll definitely want to check out these must-visit hidden gems. Versailles State Park is a fun recreational area located along Laughery Creek, and a splendid place to camp, hike, fish, and boat. The second-largest state park in Indiana, it features a 230-acre lake and even a swimming pool. White River State Park is another incredible Indiana State Park; spanning 250 acres in Indianapolis, this is one of those state parks you don’t even realize is there. It’s home to museums, a zoo, gardens, and many more amazing attractions you just have to see – definitely plan a visit to this park that’s hiding in plain sight!
