I’ve spent years exploring Indiana’s trails, and I can tell you that some of the best hikes in the state are the ones most people drive right past without a second thought. While everyone flocks to the same popular spots, there are hidden gems tucked into forests, bluffs, and prairies that feel almost untouched.
These trails offer stunning views, unique rock formations, and quiet moments in nature that make it feel like you’ve stumbled onto your own private world. Hiking these lesser-known paths gives you a chance to connect with Indiana’s natural beauty without the crowds.
You might wander through a shaded canopy of towering oaks, find a babbling stream tucked between mossy rocks, or reach a bluff that overlooks rolling fields and distant woodlands.
Every turn has the potential for a small surprise; a wildflower in bloom, a deer grazing at dawn, or the soft sound of wind through the trees.
1. Hemlock Cliffs Main Trail
Hemlock Cliffs feels like you’ve stepped into a different state entirely. The trail takes you through a box canyon filled with towering sandstone cliffs, natural rock shelters, and hemlock trees that somehow thrive in this unique microclimate.
Water trickles down moss-covered rocks, creating small cascades that change with the seasons.
The loop is officially 1.2 miles long, but you’ll want to take your time soaking in the scenery. Stone steps and wooden bridges guide you through the most dramatic sections.
Spring brings wildflowers, while fall turns the surrounding hardwoods into a kaleidoscope of color.
Located at National Forest Rd, English, IN 47118, this trail sits within the Hoosier National Forest. The rock formations here are estimated to be over 300 million years old.
Photographers love the way light filters through the canopy onto the weathered stone.
Nearby, you can grab a meal at Schnitzelbank Restaurant, 393 3rd Ave, Jasper, IN 47546, known for its German-American comfort food. If you’re looking for more outdoor time, Ferdinand State Forest offers additional trails and camping opportunities just a short drive away.
2. Portland Arch Nature Preserve
Portland Arch stands as one of Indiana’s most impressive natural bridges, and surprisingly few people know it exists. The sandstone arch spans 40 feet and rises about 12 feet above the forest floor.
Getting there requires a moderate hike through hardwood forest, but the payoff is worth every step.
The preserve protects 435 acres of diverse habitat, including mature forest and limestone outcrops. The main loop to the arch is roughly 0.8 miles, though a separate south trail offers an additional mile.
You’ll cross small streams and navigate some rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Find it at 1599 W Scout Camp Rd, Covington, IN 47932. This DNR Nature Preserve features an arch formed over thousands of years as softer rock eroded away beneath harder capstone.
Winter offers the clearest views when foliage doesn’t obscure the formation.
After your hike, stop by the Fountain County Courthouse in downtown Covington to admire the historic architecture. For a bite to eat, try Main Street Cafe, 301 N Main St, Covington, IN 47932, where locals gather for homestyle cooking.
The nearby Shades State Park provides additional hiking opportunities along Sugar Creek.
3. Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve
Green’s Bluff offers sweeping views that make you almost forget you’re in Indiana. The preserve sits atop a limestone ridge overlooking the White River valley, and on clear days, the rolling hills of Owen County stretch as far as the eye can see.
It’s the kind of vista that rewards the effort of the hike and makes you pause to simply take it all in.
The trail system now totals about six miles, following a major five-mile extension that opened in late 2025. These paths wind through forests and rocky outcrops, protecting rare plant species that thrive in the dry, limestone soils.
Birders have good reason to visit, too—hawks often glide along thermal currents rising from the cliff face, providing a stunning aerial display against the sky. Springtime is especially magical, with shooting stars and phlox carpeting the forest floor, turning each hike into a vibrant, colorful experience.
The bluff itself rises roughly 200 feet above the valley, giving every vantage point a sense of drama and serenity.
Located at 265 W Porter Ridge Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, the 1,217-acre preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and makes for a perfect day trip or weekend escape.
4. Mosquito Creek Nature Preserve
Don’t let the name fool you. Mosquito Creek is a hidden treasure within the larger Harrison County Glades.
The preserve protects a pristine creek corridor with clear water flowing over limestone bedrock. It’s peaceful, wild, and rarely crowded.
The trail system covers about 2.5 miles through mature forest and along the creek. You’ll encounter unique limestone glades; rare “natural barrens”; and small waterfalls after rain.
The creek itself supports native fish and sensitive salamander populations.
You’ll find it at 12505 Sunset Strip Rd SE, Laconia, IN 47135. This area encompasses over 1,000 acres of ecologically significant land managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Ferns blanket the shaded hillsides, creating a lush green understory that stays vibrant well into summer.
Nearby Corydon, Indiana’s first state capital, offers history and dining. Stop by Magdalena’s Restaurant, 103 E Chestnut St, Corydon, IN 47112, for pizza and Italian dishes.
The Historic Corydon Capitol provides a glimpse into Indiana’s early government.
5. Fern Cliff Nature Preserve
Fern Cliff lives up to its name with an incredible diversity of fern species clinging to its sandstone cliffs. The preserve protects a cool, moist microclimate where plants typically found much farther north manage to survive.
Walking through feels like entering a secret garden carved into the hillside.
The trail is a 1.2-mile loop that is short but steep in places. Rock outcrops create natural alcoves where ferns cascade down the weathered stone.
The preserve is especially beautiful after rain when everything glistens with moisture.
Located at W County Rd 375 S, Greencastle, IN 46135, this 157-acre preserve is managed by the Indiana DNR. The sandstone here dates back to the Pennsylvanian period.
Botanists have identified several rare fern species, like the Narrow-leaved Spleenwort, thriving in this unique habitat.
Greencastle offers college-town charm as home to DePauw University. Grab coffee at Starbucks, 2 E Franklin St, Greencastle, IN 46135, or enjoy a meal at Marvin’s Restaurant, 56 W Franklin St, Greencastle, IN 46135.
The Putnam County Museum showcases local history.
6. Oriole Trail East
Oriole Trail East offers a rugged trek through the deep woods of southern Indiana. Unlike flat rail-trails, this 7.7-mile loop winds through steep ravines and dense hardwood forest, offering a true backcountry experience.
It is a favorite for those seeking solitude and a physical challenge.
The trail features significant elevation changes as it drops toward the Little Blue River valley. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and active wildlife.
The remote nature of the path means you’ll see plenty of birds, including the trail’s namesake orioles, in a truly wild setting.
Access the trail at IN-66 at Jeffries Cemetery, Derby, IN 47525. This path is part of the Hoosier National Forest trail system.
Local volunteers and forest rangers maintain the route, ensuring it remains a premier destination for hikers and mountain bikers.
Derby is a small community, but nearby Tell City offers more amenities. Stop by the Pour Haus for a post-hike meal.
7. Conrad Station Savanna Trail
Conrad Station Savanna preserves one of Indiana’s rarest ecosystems. Oak savannas once covered much of the Midwest but have nearly disappeared.
This trail lets you experience what early settlers would have seen: scattered oak trees rising above prairie grasses and seasonal wetlands.
The trail loops through about 2 miles of restored habitat. Prescribed burns help maintain the savanna ecosystem, keeping woody plants in check and encouraging prairie species.
Spring brings incredible wildflower displays, and fall colors are equally stunning.
Located at CR 725 N & CR 250 W, Lake Village, IN 46349, this preserve sits in northwest Indiana near the Illinois border. The Nature Conservancy manages the property to protect rare plants and animals.
Sandhill cranes sometimes stop here during migration, and the birding can be exceptional.
Lake Village is tiny, but nearby Roselawn has basic services. For a more substantial meal, head to Momma D’s Family Restaurant, 13385 W State Road 10, Demotte, IN 46310.
Fair Oaks Farms, 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943, offers agricultural tourism experiences including dairy and pig adventures that are surprisingly educational and fun.
8. Seven Pillars Nature Preserve
Seven Pillars rises dramatically above the Mississinewa River, creating one of Indiana’s most striking geological features. The limestone pillars tower up to 100 feet, forming a natural wall that’s visible from the river below.
The trail takes you along the top of these formations with breathtaking views.
The preserve offers about 2 miles of trails that wind through forest and along the cliff edge. Safety barriers protect hikers at the most dramatic viewpoints.
The rock formations here are part of the Silurian reef system that once covered much of the Midwest under a shallow sea.
Find it at 3985 Mississinewa Rd, Peru, IN 46970. The preserve protects 37 acres of unique habitat.
Rock climbers sometimes practice on the lower sections, though the main pillars are off-limits. The area is rich in fossils, though collecting is prohibited to preserve the site.
Peru has circus history worth exploring at the International Circus Hall of Fame, 154 N Broadway, Peru, IN 46970. For dining, try Cole’s Downtown, 32 W Main St, Peru, IN 46970, offering steaks and seafood.
Grissom Air Museum, 1000 W Hoosier Blvd, Peru, IN 46970, displays military aircraft and aviation history.
9. Cagles Mill Reservoir Loop
The Cagles Mill Reservoir Loop feels like a secret shore walk tucked into south-central Indiana, where low cliffs meet open water and every turn brings a new surprise. I love how the trail alternates between shaded forest paths and sudden lakeside vistas that make you stop and just listen; the gentle lapping of water, birds calling across the lake, and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Wildlife sightings are common here, from herons gracefully lifting off the water to deer quietly grazing at the forest edge, and even the occasional turtle or frog reminds you that this is a living, breathing ecosystem. The trail’s easy grades make it accessible for most hikers, so it’s perfect for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the daily grind.
Bring layers and a picnic, because the winds off the reservoir can pick up unexpectedly, and the lakeshore offers plenty of calm spots to sit, reflect, and take in the scenery. The variety along the loop is part of its charm; sun-dappled woods, rocky cliffs, tranquil coves, and open water views create a sense of constant discovery.
Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs, birdwatch, or simply lose yourself in quiet moments, this trail provides a surprisingly rich experience.
10. Leonard Springs Nature Park
Leonard Springs bubbles up from underground, creating a crystal-clear stream that flows through this beautiful nature park. The spring maintains a constant cool temperature year-round, supporting unique aquatic life.
Trails wind through diverse habitats from wetlands to upland forest.
The park offers several miles of interconnected trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Boardwalks cross sensitive wetland areas, letting you observe wildlife without disturbing the habitat.
The spring itself is mesmerizing, with sand boiling up from below as water emerges from the limestone aquifer.
Located at 4685 S Leonard Springs Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403, this park sits just outside the city limits. Monroe County manages the property for conservation and recreation.
The park is popular with families because the trails are well-maintained and the scenery changes constantly as you walk.
Bloomington offers endless dining and cultural options as a college town. Try Mother Bear’s Pizza, 2110 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401, a local institution.
The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology, 308 W 4th St, Bloomington, IN 47404, provides hands-on exhibits perfect for families. Indiana University’s campus features beautiful limestone buildings and the Eskenazi Museum of Art with world-class collections.
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