story by JULIE CAMPBELL
From the time he was a young boy scout, Bob Hart has loved hitting the trails in Indiana. Hart, who is now 81, still hikes 5 to 6 miles with friends and runs 15 to 20 miles weekly on public trails in Indiana. In fact, last year, at age 80, he ran a half-marathon at Fort Harrison State Park.
“I started hiking as a kid. We lived along the river, and we would hike from our house all the way to Mounds State Park and back,” said Hart, a lifelong resident of Anderson.
Eventually, Hart became a trail running enthusiast in the early 1980s and joined several organizations that support hikers and runners in the state. He’s a lifetime member of the Central Indiana Wilderness Club and the Anderson Road Runners Club, having served significant time on the boards of both organizations.
“I personally avoid running on streets and roads for safety reasons, so I love running on trails,” explained Hart.
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the state offers more than 4,200 miles of local, state, federal, and non-profit trails open to the public. Indiana has trails for all ages, abilities, and activities, so there’s bound to be a trail near you. While this is by no means a complete list, here are some notable trails to check out in each area of the state.
Part of the Great American Rail Trail route through Indiana, the Veterans Memorial Trail in Crown Point will eventually stretch close to 12 miles, connecting a series of memorials honoring U.S. veterans from every era. The project is supported through an Indiana DNR Next Level Trails Grant. Currently, 1.9 miles are complete and usable, located at either end of the future trail: 0.9 miles have been built in Crown Point, which is also the south endpoint of the Eric Lackawanna Trail. In summer of 2020, the town of Hebron celebrated the opening of its first mile, which parallels US 231 up to the Porter/Lake County line (Lake County is also home to great trails in Miller Beach). At about the midpoint of this segment is the future site of a Middle East veterans memorial.
In Wells County, the Wells County Trails not-for-profit organization has played a pivotal role in the development of the Poka-Bache Connector Trail, an ambitious 81-mile multi-use path linking Pokagon State Park in Angola to Ouabache State Park in Bluffton. In Wells County, the trail spans approximately 17.5 miles, traversing through the Town of Ossian and the City of Bluffton.
“The Poka-Bache connector trail is currently over 50 percent complete,” said Michael Lautzenheiser, president of Wells County Trails. “There is a significant section being developed in Dekalb County planned for 2025 – 2026 as well as a project to repair a segment of tunnel the trail will use going under I-69.”
Larger trail systems in northern Indiana include the Panhandle Pathway in Pulaski County and Cass County which is a rail-to-trail conversion. Its 24 miles run along the former Pennsylvania Railroad Panhandle Line. The Nickel Plate Trail from Fulton County to Howard County encompasses 44 miles of abandoned railroad corridor, and is ideal for walking, hiking, biking, skating, and even cross-country skiing. And the Pumpkinvine Natural Trail network in Shipshewana and Elkhart County offers more than 16 miles running through urban areas, small towns, and agricultural communities.
Geared toward younger walkers, the “StoryWalk” at Whiting’s Lakefront Park is a fun, educational activity where visitors can read pages from a selected children’s book along the lakefront path. The Whiting Public Library changes out the stories every month to correspond with a special theme.
Since 1995, the Hoosier Hiker Council (HHC) has been in the business of building and maintaining trails in southern Indiana. “Our organization began when there were some folks who liked to hike in the Hoosier National Forest, and they realized that not a lot of trail maintenance was being done,” said Bonnie Wilcoxson, who is the secretary of HHC.
Bonnie and her husband, Phil, a board member of HHC, have been involved with the organization since the beginning. “We’re all volunteers—we don’t have an office,” explained Bonnie. “Board members all wear different hats, and all the incoming phone calls ring at our house. Phil will often talk hikers through a trail step by step if they have questions.”
Since 1995, HHC has built a sizeable list of trails, including Tecumseh Trail, Adena Trace Trail, Jimmy Nash Trail, Kora Meditation Trail, Beck’s Mill Hiking Trail System, Yellowwood Lake Trail, Eagle’s Crest Trail, Downy Hill Trail, Brown County HHC Trail (Trail 8), Brown County Trail 9 Extension, and many more.
When hikers think of trails, they often think of Brown County, known for its beautiful landscape and rolling hills, and featuring over 240 miles of trails. “Brown County is full of wonderful hiking/walking and adventure trails,” said Cristina Villani, marketing director of Nashville/Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have several hiking destinations for all skill levels.”
Some popular trails include the following: Friends Trail (Brown County State Park), perfect for strollers and wheelchairs; Salt Creek Trail (Nashville), ideal for walking or biking with kids, featuring art installations and easy access to downtown Nashville; Ogle Lake Trail (Brown County State Park), a scenic loop around the lake, great for those wanting a bit more challenge; Yellowwood Lake Trail (Yellowwood State Forest), a moderately challenging trail that rewards hikers with lake views, birdwatching, and seasonal wildflowers; Aynes Loop/North Tower Loop (Mountain Bike Trails), part of the IMBA Bronze-Level Mountain biking system, featuring steep climbs, switchbacks, and technical sections for advanced riders.
The T.C. Steele State Historic Site encompasses approximately 211 acres in Brown County. Within this expansive area, visitors can explore five hiking trails, totaling just over three miles in length.
These trails meander through scenic woodlands and offer access to various historical and natural landmarks associated with the life and work of the renowned Hoosier artist, T.C. Steele.
Down by the Ohio River, Madison is a stop on the American Discovery Trail and the Lewis & Clark Historic Trail. Visitors also flock to Clifty Falls State Park to experience its rugged trails and waterfalls.
For a more relaxed trail experience, try the Heritage Trail of Madison, a 1-¼ mile paved and natural surface pathway for jogging, walking, biking, and hiking. The trail connects downtown Madison with the hilltop and overlooks the Ohio River.
North of Madison, Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge is open for wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, hunting, interpretation, and environmental education.
Located 50 miles north of Evansville, Washington County features some beautiful trail systems, like Cave River Valley Natural Area & Trail, which became part of Spring Mill State Park in 2009. The park includes a 3.3-mile loop trail and is generally considered an easy route, great for birding and hiking.
In Delaney Creek Park, hikers will find access to the famous Knobstone Trail, available from the Delaney Creek Park Trailhead located in the rear parking area of the park. The 326-acre park with an 88-acre lake also features swimming, fishing, boat rentals, nature hikes, modern and primitive camping, cabin and lodge rentals, shelter house rentals, and the new Delaney Park Restaurant.
If you’re into backcountry hiking, try the Backcountry Hiking Trail at Spurgeon Hollow Lake. The hiking trail runs a loop and is marked with blue blazes on the trees. Sturdy hiking boots and drinking water are recommended. This trail requires about 5+ hours to hike. It is a rugged and challenging 8-mile hike.
Outdoor recreation abounds on the Dearborn Trail, the multi-use 4.5 mile hiking and biking trail that connects the cities of Greendale, Lawrenceburg, and Aurora. A paved pathway that follows the Ohio River in many places, the trail is open to the public year-round. Public restroom facilities are located in both the Aurora portion of the trail at Lesko Park, and in the Lawrenceburg portion where the trail meets the Ohio River levee.
In Terre Haute, history enthusiasts will love hiking, biking, or running on the National Road Heritage Trail. This 6.5-mile paved trail follows the historic National Road, stretching from the Twigg Rest Area to the Indiana State University campus
downtown.
Approximately three miles long, the Hulman Street Trail provides a flat and easy route across Terre Haute, from Fairbanks Park in the west to Brown Avenue in the east. Passing through neighborhoods and the historic Farrington Grove, it’s ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Located in southeastern Vigo County, the 1.5-mile Riley Spur Trail connects the town of Riley with the National Road Heritage Trail. It’s perfect for walking, running and biking through beautiful natural surroundings and offers convenient access to nearby areas.
Greater Lafayette boasts a variety of scenic hiking and biking trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. From the peaceful paths of Prophetstown State Park to the picturesque Wabash Heritage Trail winding along the river, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Many of the trails are family-friendly and feature rest areas, picnic spots, and stunning
views, making them perfect for a day of exploration.
Central Indiana is probably known best for its rail trails, public paths created from former railroad corridors. The longest rail trail in Indiana, The Cardinal Greenway, spans 62 miles from
Marion through Muncie to Richmond.
The 27.1 mile Monon Trail stretches from Indianapolis through Carmel to Sheridan. In Westfield, the trail intersects with the Midland Trace Trail. In Carmel, it intersects with the 146th St. Trail and the Hagan Burke Trail. And in Indianapolis it connects to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, as
well as the Lenape Trace Trail, Central Canal Towpath and Fall Creek Trail.
The Carmel Access Bikeway includes eight cross-city bike routes and five bike loops. The loops will guide their users to the same point where they started, passing some of Carmel’s best amenities along the way. The loops are geared toward casual riders, offering riding experiences highlighting the city’s different areas.
The Big-4 Trail offers a scenic journey through the heart of Boone County, connecting Zionsville, Whitestown, Lebanon, and Thorntown along a beautifully restored rail corridor. Perfect for biking, walking, or a leisurely afternoon outdoors with your dog, it’s a great way to experience the area’s small-town charm and natural beauty.
Henry County features several trails with historical significance. The Wilbur Wright Trail is a paved trail which starts at the Henry County YMCA and winds through woods, along farmland, and next to the Big Blue River.
The Honey Creek Trail in Middletown is a beautiful, paved trail built on an abandoned railroad corridor featuring a tree canopy for a shaded trail experience. The National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT) passes through southern Henry County at two points: Both the Lewisville and Raysville portions are 4 miles long and have stone and gravel pathways.
History and jazz fans will love the The Whitewater Gorge in Richmond, made up of multiple parks and entities. Angling off the Cardinal Greenway, by North D Street, is Veterans Park, which showcases multiple retired military aircraft, artillery, and ground cavalry vehicles.
South of Veterans Park by a quarter mile is the historic Starr Gennett Piano Factory and Jazz Walk of Fame. South of the Walk of Fame is the two-mile, paved Gorge Trail. The trail is an out-and-back with smooth pavement, divided by a short, steep hill directly in the center. Here you can walk through history and nature on the same day, in the same place.
