I love living in Indiana, and one of my favorite things about our state is how we can find peaceful nature spots without driving for hours. We have gorgeous lakeside trails tucked into state parks, national forests, and wildlife areas that let us escape the everyday hustle.
Whether you want a quick morning walk or a longer afternoon adventure, these trails offer stunning water views, wildlife sightings, and that calming feeling you only get when you’re surrounded by trees and the sound of gentle waves.
I’ve explored trails all over Indiana, and I’m excited to share eight of my absolute favorites with you.
Each one has its own personality and charm, from rolling hills to sandy dunes to quiet forest paths. Grab your hiking boots and water bottle because these lakeside trails are calling your name.
1. Ogle Lake Trail (Trail 7) – Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park holds a special place in my heart, and Ogle Lake Trail might be my favorite loop there. This 1.2-mile path circles a serene lake that mirrors the sky and surrounding hills perfectly on calm days, creating a scene that feels almost magical.
The trail winds through hardwood forests, where you might spot everything from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys going about their business, adding a touch of wildlife wonder to every step.
What makes this trail stand out is how it transforms with the seasons. Spring brings bursts of wildflowers along the banks, summer offers cool shade beneath the leafy canopy, fall explodes with brilliant reds and golds, and winter turns the landscape into a peaceful, snow-covered wonderland.
The path itself is well-maintained but still has gentle ups and downs that keep things interesting without ever feeling exhausting.
Families love Ogle Lake Trail because it’s short enough for younger kids yet scenic enough that adults never feel bored. Benches placed at just the right spots invite you to pause, watch the water, or listen to birds calling from the trees, making it easy to slow down and soak in the natural beauty.
The park sits at 1810 State Road 46 East in Nashville, and after your hike, you can head into town for lunch at the Hobnob Corner Restaurant at 15 Van Buren Street, where comfort food awaits to refuel and reward you for a morning in the great outdoors.
2. Two Lakes Loop Trail – Hoosier National Forest
Hidden in southern Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest, the Two Lakes Loop Trail lives up to its name by connecting Indian Lake and Celina Lake in one stunning 15.7-mile hike. This trail feels more remote than many others in the area, offering a true wilderness experience without the need to cross state lines.
The path winds through mature forests where towering oaks and hickories create a leafy canopy, dappling the trail with sunlight and shadow.
Both lakes have their own distinct personalities. Indian Lake sits tucked into a valley, surrounded by steep hillsides that make the water feel secluded and almost secret.
Celina Lake, in contrast, spreads out more openly, with cattails and water lilies dotting the shoreline and providing a habitat for wildlife. Between the two, hikers cross wooden bridges over sparkling creeks and tackle moderate hills that reward each step with unexpected views of the forest and water.
Birdwatchers flock here for the variety of species that call this area home, from great blue herons fishing in the shallows to warblers flitting through the canopy. The trailhead at 1147 Indian-Celina Lake Road in St. Croix is far from major towns, so packing snacks, water, and maybe a camera is essential.
The solitude found on this trail; especially on weekdays; makes the drive more than worthwhile, giving you the rare chance to enjoy the lakes, forest, and wildlife almost entirely to yourself.
3. Dune Succession Trail – Indiana Dunes National Park
Lake Michigan’s southern shore offers one of Indiana’s most unique hiking experiences on the Dune Succession Trail. This 1-mile loop combines education with stunning scenery, giving hikers a glimpse of landscapes that feel more like ocean beaches than typical Midwestern terrain.
The trail begins near the lake and climbs through a series of plant communities that illustrate how bare sand gradually transforms into forest over hundreds of years.
As you walk, you’ll cross open dunes where resilient beach grass holds the sand in place, then move into areas where cottonwood trees have taken root, and finally reach mature oak forests. The dramatic contrast over such a short distance feels almost magical.
From the higher dunes on clear days, you can even spot the Chicago skyline across the water, adding an unexpected urban backdrop to the natural beauty.
The trail is popular on summer weekends due to its proximity to beach access, but early morning visits offer a quieter experience and better opportunities for spotting wildlife. The park entrance is at 1215 West Beach Rd in Portage, making it easy to pair your hike with a visit to Lake Michigan’s shores.
Afterward, you can explore more of the national park or head to nearby Chesterton to check out the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve at 1300 West 700 North, where additional nature trails and educational programs provide a deeper look at the local ecosystems.
4. Lake Monroe Peninsula Trail – Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Adventure seekers looking for a true backcountry experience should check out the Lake Monroe Peninsula Trail in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
This 10-mile out-and-back trail follows the shoreline of Indiana’s largest lake through terrain that remains wonderfully wild and largely undeveloped. Hikers should be prepared for rocky sections and creek crossings that require careful footing, making the journey feel like a real wilderness adventure.
In return, the trail delivers solitude and stunning lake views that shift around every bend. The peninsula juts into Lake Monroe, keeping you near the water almost the entire way, with glimpses of sailboats in the distance and fish occasionally breaking the surface near shore.
The forest here feels ancient, with massive trees and dense undergrowth that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, from deer and turkeys to smaller forest creatures that add life to every step.
Spring can leave parts of the trail muddy and make some creek crossings tricky, so summer through fall offers the most manageable conditions. The trailhead is located off Tower Ridge Road near Heltonville, accessed via gravel roads that are rough but passable in standard vehicles.
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities once you enter the wilderness. The area’s primitive designation ensures that it stays unspoiled and peaceful; exactly what nature lovers and backcountry hikers seek.
After your adventure, nearby Bloomington offers restaurants, cafes, and shops to refuel and restock supplies before heading home.
5. South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail – Eagle Creek Park
Right in Indianapolis, Eagle Creek Park offers an escape that feels miles away from the city. The South Overlook Waterfowl Sanctuary Trail features a 1.5-mile loop through wetlands and along Eagle Creek Reservoir, making it a prime spot for bird watching.
Boardwalk sections carry you over marshy areas where herons, egrets, and ducks gather in impressive numbers, giving you close-up views of these beautiful creatures without disturbing their habitat.
What I love about this trail is how it blends accessibility with a genuine nature experience. The path is relatively flat and well-maintained, perfect for families, casual walkers, or anyone seeking a peaceful stroll without technical challenges.
Multiple observation platforms along the route invite you to pause, scan the water, and take in the sights and sounds of the wetlands.
During spring and fall migration, the trail attracts serious birders with field guides and cameras, drawn by the remarkable variety of species that pass through. Bald eagles and ospreys are frequent visitors, and occasionally a rarer bird appears, sending local birding enthusiasts into a frenzy.
The park entrance is at 7840 W 56th Street in Indianapolis, and the nearby nature center provides educational programs, trail maps, and insights into the local ecosystem. After your walk, you can explore more of this sprawling park or head to Traders Point Creamery at 9101 Moore Road in Zionsville, where farm-fresh food and a beautiful rural setting make a perfect end to your day.
6. Prairie Trail (Short Loop) – Summit Lake State Park
Summit Lake State Park in east-central Indiana surprises visitors with its combination of prairie restoration and lakeside beauty. The Prairie Trail Short Loop covers about 1 mile and guides you through native grasslands that burst with wildflowers throughout the growing season.
The trail skirts the edge of Summit Lake, offering water views while immersing you in an ecosystem that once covered much of Indiana before farmland transformed the landscape.
During summer, butterflies and bees flit from bloom to bloom, turning the prairie into a lively classroom of pollinator activity. The open landscape also provides sweeping sky views that feel expansive and freeing compared to forested trails, making each step a chance to soak in both nature and fresh air.
Interpretive signs along the path highlight prairie ecology and the park’s restoration efforts, adding an educational layer to your stroll.
This trail is perfect for a quick dose of nature when time is limited. Its gentle terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, yet the scenery changes enough to keep the experience engaging from start to finish.
Summit Lake State Park sits at 5993 N Messick Road in New Castle, with a campground nearby that makes a convenient base for a weekend adventure. After your walk, the town of New Castle offers local restaurants and the historic Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame at 408 Trojan Lane, letting you pair outdoor exploration with a dive into Hoosier hoops history.
7. Yellowwood Lake Trail – Yellowwood State Forest
Yellowwood State Forest feels like stepping back in time to when most of Indiana was blanketed in thick forests. The Yellowwood Lake Trail circles its namesake lake for about 1.8 miles of pure tranquility, offering a gentle, immersive experience in nature.
Most of the trail stays close to the shoreline, giving hikers constant views of the water and the soothing rhythm of small waves lapping against the banks.
The forest here is managed for timber, but that doesn’t diminish its beauty. Tall trees form a leafy canopy that filters sunlight into golden shafts, especially stunning in the late afternoon.
The lake itself was created by damming a creek, and the old stone dam is still visible, a quiet reminder of human hands in this otherwise natural setting.
Fishing is popular on the lake, so you’ll often see anglers casting from the shore or small boats drifting lazily across the calm water. The trail has a few roots and rocks to watch for, but it’s an easygoing hike for anyone who moves carefully.
Fall is particularly spectacular, as the surrounding hills explode in color, making Yellowwood Lake Trail one of the most beautiful autumn hikes in southern Indiana.
The forest sits at 772 Yellowwood Lake Road in Nashville, conveniently near Brown County State Park, so it’s easy to enjoy both in a single day. After your hike, the nearby town of Nashville offers charming shops and restaurants, including the Nashville House at 25 South Van Buren Street, where you can enjoy hearty, family-style meals to cap off a day in the forest.
8. Trail 1 (Lake Shakamak Loop) – Shakamak State Park
Shakamak State Park in southwestern Indiana offers a quiet retreat that many Hoosiers overlook, which often means you can enjoy Trail 1 almost entirely to yourself. This 2.5-mile loop circles Lake Shakamak, passing through a mix of lakeside stretches, forested hillsides, and open meadows.
The variety of terrain keeps every step interesting, making it feel longer and more engaging than its modest mileage suggests.
The lake was created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and remnants of their craftsmanship remain visible in the stonework at the dam and scattered around the park. The trail skirts the beach area before quickly moving into quieter sections, where you might spot deer drinking at the water’s edge or turtles sunning themselves on fallen logs.
Spring brings a carpet of wildflowers across the forest floor, while summer offers full canopy shade that keeps hikers comfortable even on warmer days. The park has a nostalgic charm, with vintage shelters and a rustic atmosphere that evokes memories of family camping trips from decades past.
Shakamak State Park is located at 6265 W State Road 48 in Jasonville, a bit off the beaten path but worth the drive. The small town of Jasonville provides basic services, and the park itself offers camping, a pool, and multiple trails; perfect for a weekend getaway that blends hiking, relaxation, and exploration of southwestern Indiana’s natural beauty.
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