We here at Only In Your State just so happen to be major fans of the best hikes in Indiana. One of the best things about the Hoosier State is the sheer magnitude of options one has for the perfect hiking adventure, and they all range in length and difficulty from very short and easy to long and complex, with lots of challenges along the way. Well, today’s hiking trail in Indiana isn’t hard at all. It’s a leisurely stroll on a paved path within gorgeous Fort Harrison State Park known as the Harrison Trace Trail, and it’s the perfect trail for a relaxing afternoon hike without a whole lot of effort necessary.
The Harrison Trace Trail is located not terribly far from Indianapolis, and it’s a perfect way to get away from it all without REALLY getting away.
Rob Youngblood/AllTrails It’s just under two and a half miles long and paved for the majority of the trek, shaded, and absolutely beautiful.
There’s something that’s intensely peaceful about meandering along this perfect Indiana nature trail, listening to the songs of birds, and seeing the occasional critter (or other hikers).
Rachel Goss/AllTrails Although the warmer months are an excellent time to show up for a good old-fashioned hiking adventure, the trail is open year-round and there are plenty of pros to each season’s beauty, so you’ll want to come back again and again to experience all of it.
Along the way, you’ll hike your way around not one but two crystal-clear, beautiful lakes.
Leticia Nunez/AllTrails First, you’ll pass through a forest just north of the Lawrence Creek Nature Preserve, south of Fall Creek. After wandering past a sledding hill and a couple of playgrounds (which the kids will love), you’ll arrive at Delaware Lake.
Should you continue along the way, you’ll encounter another lake, the Warbler Woods Nature Preserve, and plenty more of Indiana’s beautiful, shaded woodlands.
Sheila Willcox/AllTrails
Should you make no stops, this trail is expected to take about 50 minutes to an hour to complete.
Rob Dudley/AllTrails It is paved, so you could theoretically get away with wearing sandals, but we definitely recommend a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots. Make sure to bring lots of water, and wear sunscreen - although the trail is shaded for the most part, you still don’t want to risk heatstroke in the warmer months.
Anyone who considers themselves a connoisseur of the best hikes in Indiana definitely ought to add the Harrison Trace Trail to their to-do list.
Rob Youngblood/AllTrails
For more information about this amazing hiking trail in Indiana, visit the official Indiana DNR page for Harrison Trace Trail.
Rob Youngblood/AllTrails
It’s just under two and a half miles long and paved for the majority of the trek, shaded, and absolutely beautiful.
Rachel Goss/AllTrails
Although the warmer months are an excellent time to show up for a good old-fashioned hiking adventure, the trail is open year-round and there are plenty of pros to each season’s beauty, so you’ll want to come back again and again to experience all of it.
Leticia Nunez/AllTrails
First, you’ll pass through a forest just north of the Lawrence Creek Nature Preserve, south of Fall Creek. After wandering past a sledding hill and a couple of playgrounds (which the kids will love), you’ll arrive at Delaware Lake.
Sheila Willcox/AllTrails
Rob Dudley/AllTrails
It is paved, so you could theoretically get away with wearing sandals, but we definitely recommend a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots. Make sure to bring lots of water, and wear sunscreen - although the trail is shaded for the most part, you still don’t want to risk heatstroke in the warmer months.
What do you think? Which Indiana hiking trails are your favorites? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and let us know which ones you’d call the best!
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Address: Harrison Trace Trail, Lawrence, IN, USA
