The state of Indiana boasts more than 30 state parks and reservoirs. The parks offer you scenic views of lakes, rivers and green forests. If hiking is your activity, several of the Indiana State Parks offer managed hiking trails you can explore where you will learn about the local landscape and wildlife and some history of the region.
Long-Distance Hiking
As a long-distance hiker, you can find challenging trails in the Indiana state parks that offer trails that cover more than 10 miles. The Salamonie Lake State Park and Reservoir in northeast Indiana has the Bloodroot Trail, which is a moderate trail you can hike for 13 miles and runs adjacent to Salamonie Lake.
Brown County State Park, located in central Indiana and the largest state park in the state, has a combined 12 miles of marked hiking trails, some quite steep that wind around hills. One of the trails is a 3 1/2-mile trail that will take you close to Hesitation Point and Ogle Lake.
Relaxed Hiking
If you are looking for hikes that are easy on your muscles but will heighten your senses, you can find trails in southeastern Indiana at the Brookville Lake State Park. It Wildlife Wander Trail is an easy .7 mile trail that winds around the established wooded areas of the park near remnants of prehistoric Indian mounds.
O'Bannon State Park in central Indiana, near the Harrison Crawford State Forest, offers shorter trails that include the Cliff Dweller Trail, a rough terrain, but short 1.7 mile trail, and the 1-mile moderate Sleepy Hollow Trail.
Health Benefits
Walking is known to benefit your health by working your cardiovascular system. Hiking is just walking, only on various surfaces such as dirt, rock or gravel. According the Diabetic Lifestyle, if a person who weighs 150 pounds hikes for 4 hours at a sedate pace while carrying a backpack that weighs 20 pounds, he can burn up to 1,200 calories.
Equipment Needed
You don't need to be a wilderness expert to enjoy hiking. But preparation can be the key to a successful day of hiking and exploring the natural wonders of Indiana's state parks.
According to the American Hiking Society, you need just a few basics to be prepared for your hike: a lightweight pack that can hold essentials such as water and food; proper hiking boots or shoes; wool blend sock and liners; an extra pair of socks; and gaiters to slip on should you need to cross running water or a swampy area.
Layering your clothes according to the season is also recommended by the American Hiking Society. A map of the area or a hand-held GPS system is a good tool in determining how far you've gone and can help ensure you return safely to your starting point.
Tips
You should be aware that poison ivy grows naturally throughout Indiana; use caution as you hike, wearing pants can help protect your skin and deter a reaction to the poisonous plant.
It can be fun to hike with your pet, you just need to make sure it is leashed and with you at all times. Each park has an entrance fee of $5 for state residents and $7 for nonresidents as of 2010. There may be additional fees for interpretive centers, groups and camping; you should check each individual park for current fees.
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