Hiking can seem too complicated or difficult to anyone who’s never hiked before. But hiking doesn’t always have to be about steep climbs and trekking across dozens of miles. There are plenty of hiking trails in Indiana that are under five miles and perfect for beginners or leisurely hikers. If you’d like to try hiking out for yourself, start with these quick and easy hiking trails.
Trail 8- Turkey Run State Park, 1.5 miles: This popular hiking trail is located within Turkey Run State Park in Marshall. This park has 11 trails, spanning 14 miles altogether. While most of the hikes here are fairly rugged, Trail 8 offers a peaceful hike through the park and even joins up with other trails along the way, allowing you to see some of the same sights, without all of the extra strain.
Bluebeard Hills Trail- Pokagon State Park, 1.8 miles: This moderate trail takes place mostly on rolling hills and offers a perfect view of the park’s plant life and restored wetlands.
Trail 9- Clifty Falls State Park, 1 mile: Trail 9 in this gorgeous state park in Madison is a fairly moderate one mile hike that offers glimpses of the beauty contained within this park. This hike starts at the campground and ends at the nature center.
Mason Ridge Trail- Morgan Monroe State Park, 2.8 miles: The Mason Ridge Trail in Martinsville is just under three miles and perfect for beginners. Hikers can hike, walk, jog, or even bring their dogs along for the ride.
Hardin Ridge Trail- Hoosier National Forest, 2.1 miles: This two mile trail in Bedford, Indiana is a great trail for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous trek. Explore Hoosier National Forest for an awesome day trip.
Great Marsh Trail- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 1.26 miles: The Great Marsh Trail is in Beverly Shores, Indiana and is a great, easy trail that accommodates wheel chairs and strollers. This trail connects to an observation deck, offering you a breathtaking view of the dunes
Rocky Ridge Bike and Hike- O’Bannon Woods State Park, 2 miles:This two mile trail in Corydon starts at campsite 35 and loops through ravines and rocky slopes, finishing back up near the campsite. This is a stunning way to experience gorgeous ridges and more, without climbing.
Trail 9- McCormick Creek State Park, 1.2 miles: Trail 9 in McCormick Creek State Park in Bloomington is an easy trek across the park grounds. It starts at the picnic and playground area and circles around hardwood forest and former farm fields.
Trail 2- Brown County State Park, 2 miles: Trail 2 in Brown County State Park is a moderate trail, perfect for taking it easy on your hike. It passes many scenic places, like the North Overlook and offers glimpses of several of the park’s largest trees, as well as white-tailed deer.
