Indiana
The Crossroads of America
There are over 1,000 known hiking and trekking trails in Indiana
Most popular trails:
The Knobstone Trail: is a 103-mile trail that runs through the Hoosier National Forest.
The Cardinal/Chatfield Trail: is a 68-mile trail that runs through the Brown County State Park and the Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
The Monon Trail: is a 13-mile paved trail that runs through Hamilton County and Marion County.
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness: is a 16,000-acre wilderness area with over 30 miles of trails.
The Turkey Run State Park: has over 15 miles of trails, including the Gorge Trail and the Waterfall Trail.
Best trails for certain activities:
The Monon Trail: is a great trail for biking, running, and walking.
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness: is a great trail for backpacking and camping.
The Turkey Run State Park: has great trails for hiking and rock climbing.
The Indiana Dunes National Park: has great trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching.
The Clifty Falls State Park: has great trails for hiking and waterfall viewing.
Most challenging trails:
The Knobstone Trail: is a challenging trail with some steep climbs.
The Cardinal/Chatfield Trail: has some challenging climbs and descents.
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness: has some challenging trails that require scrambling and bushwhacking.
The Turkey Run State Park: has some challenging trails that include rock climbing.
The Indiana Dunes National Park: has some challenging trails that include sand dunes.
Most scenic trails:
Cowles Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park: is a moderate 4.5-mile loop trail that takes you through a variety of habitats, including oak savannas, wetlands, and dunes. The trail offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.
Mount Baldy Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park: is a short but challenging 0.5-mile hike that leads to the top of the highest dune in the park. The views from the top are simply breathtaking.
Dune Succession Trail in Indiana Dunes State Park: is an easy 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a variety of dune habitats. The trail is a great way to learn about the natural history of the dunes and to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail in Hoosier National Forest: is a moderate 1.5-mile loop trail that takes you through a beautiful hemlock forest. The trail features towering cliffs, waterfalls, and a variety of wildflowers.
Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, Tunnel Falls Trail in Clifty Falls State Park: is a moderate 4-mile loop trail that takes you past five waterfalls. The trail is a great way to cool off on a hot day and to enjoy the beauty of the falls.
Most family-friendly trails:
The Monon Trail: is a great trail for families with young children.
The Turkey Run State Park: has some easy trails that are great for families.
The Clifty Falls State Park: has some easy trails that are great for families.
The Indiana Dunes National Park: has some easy trails that are great for families.
The Brown County State Park: has some easy trails that are great for families.
Most accessible trails in the state:
The Monon Trail: is an accessible trail that is paved and has wide shoulders.
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness: has some accessible trails that are wide and have smooth surfaces.
The Turkey Run State Park: has some accessible trails that are paved and have wide shoulders.
The Clifty Falls State Park: has some accessible trails that are paved and have wide shoulders.
The Indiana Dunes National Park: has some accessible trails that are paved and have wide shoulders.
Where to get Permits
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR): The DNR is responsible for managing state parks and forests in Indiana. You can get permits for trails in DNR-managed properties at the park or forest office.
US Forest Service (USFS): You can get permits for trails in the forest at the forest's ranger stations.
Here is a phone number for the DNR's park and forest offices: (877) 463-6367
