Indiana's Top 10 Day Hikes!

A purely subjective list of what we consider to be the 10 "best" day hike adventures in the Hoosier state, so far! What excites us to get out there and get our hike on, may not be what excites any other hiker, so take it with a grain of salt and enjoy the show. Then leave a comment on what your favorite Indiana hike is!
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[@abraves119]

Awesome video! I'm just recently getting really into hiking. I've gone to McCormick's Creek and Brown County State Parks so far. My goal is to hit every trail at every state park in Indiana, and this video made me even more excited for Shades and Turkey Run!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Shades & Turkey Run will spoil you, they are so fun & interesting. Have fun!

[@indianaadventuretourguide3394]

That is an incredible goal! Good luck!!

[@user-pi6ws8ws5m]

Had a lot of Tornado activity last year . Hope next year is not so bad.

[@markstumpf6531]

Nice list. Clifty Falls is tricky because if it is too wet, the trail that is mentioned can be completely impassible. I was there last summer and the falls were amazing, but trail 2 was completely flooded out. Problem is, if it is too dry, the waterfalls are empty. Turkey Run is a blast -- and don't be afraid to go there in the winter. Some of the icicles from the cliffs are amazing. Great call on the Shades/Pine Hills hike. Pleasantly surprised that made it in over any of the McCormick's Creek trails, but I really wanted to keep that trail a secret because every time I go there, I have it all to myself -- just the way I like it. lol

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

McCormick's Creek is a hard one for me to rate. As a park, I would consider it one of Indiana's ten best. But for actual hiking, nothing much there excites me, other than the waterfall and creek below it, which simply isn't long enough for us to include in what we consider to be the top 10 (but still a top destination, if that makes sense!) It's all subjective anyway, some trails we like for features, some we like for nature, some we like for history, some we like for wildlife. They are all great in their own way! Might be about time to make a "10 More Top Day Hikes" video!

[@boethia7367]

Thank you for this!!!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

You're welcome! Happy exploring!

[@shaolinman]

Great parks on this list.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I agree, Indiana has some good parks for sure.

[@martymcnasty8239]

I live in madison, a group of friends and I go to clifty nearly every weekend to go hiking and it is beautiful. highly recommend anyone passing through southern indiana stop and check it out.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Absolutely agree! It has everything: ravines, canyons, & waterfalls!

[@cletamaggard556]

I love Turkey run ❤👍

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Turkey Run is a special place that truly makes you forget you're in Indiana!

[@donnabrowne5307]

I'm a big fan of Turkey Run and Shades. Last year I visited TRSP after a 5" snowfall and was captivated by how beautifully it changed the look of the canyons. Discovering winter hiking has been a joy. A bonus for history buffs is that the grave of William Bratton, a member of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, is in nearby Waynetown.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Turkey Run really does transform in the winter! I didn't know that about William Bratton, thanks for the info.

[@daddydoom1270]

Awesome video! Love it very informative would love to see someone similar that covers these places and how& where camping is permitted.

[@tiffanymathias2525]

Nice list, I was surprised Versailles State Park wasn’t on it too. Definitely check it out!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

We have hiked, camped, and kayaked at Versailles, nice all-around park!

[@MSchumacherfan]

We enjoy the ACRES land trust properties

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

They have some good ones, as does NICHES Land trust as well!

[@JimHayesHiking]

You fella's have some great hiking up your way.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It's not too bad! Thanks for watching!

[@HooksandHammocks]

Thank you for adding to my bucket list! lol

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Haha! We still have a lot to discover as well.

[@tonyc2570]

Thank you for putting all of this together. Much appreciated and saved much time and research.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad it was helpful! But remember, these are just our opinions and suggestions, everybody likes different things and others might have a completely different list. But I do think it's a good starting point!

[@sciencereactions8221]

My favorite hike in Indiana is Greens Bluff! Also love hiking in the Dunes:)

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Both great places to hike, and offer a lot of diversity!

[@user-pi6ws8ws5m]

Very nice Five minutes away From my Homestead

[@user-pi6ws8ws5m]

Moved to South Central Indiana 2yrs ago to retire from construction bus. In Cleveland Ohio I didn't know This State had so much to offer It's a great place for outdoor activities .My area is Owen County bordering Green and Monroe Countys not far from Brown County , very nice really enjoy it here.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

That's a great area to live in, lots of great scenery, plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!

[@norwaynorway2763]

Thanks for sharing(watching your video brought back great memories). I'm from CALIFORNIA and I visited TRURKEY RUN STATE PARK last year and it was BEAUTIFUL I just LOVE it.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Oof, we don't really have much in Indiana that compares to what you have in California! Turkey Run is probably our most unique park, glad you enjoyed!

[@charlesolinger6250]

I love cliffty falls but I heard there was Hoffman falls that is 80 ft waterfalls but I haven't hike it yet. Great work Catfish

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Hoffman Falls is cool and it is taller than Clifty Falls, but has about 1/4 of the water flow. We actually hiked to Hoffman Falls after hiking to Clifty Falls, so it can all be done in a single hike!

[@TheMountainMatt]

Now I know what video to come to again when I’m ready to visit Indian 😁 well done fellas!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! It really all comes down to what kind of hiking you like to do. We kinda like the more rugged trails!

[@haileyshields468]

Thanks for taking time to make this video!!!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@qww760]

I wish I have someone to go hike with.

[@QuinshunCarswell]

Me too but I just go by myself

[@PFAM5]

Great countdown. I’ve obviously only seen the trails as you’ve shown them. Based on that, Turkey Run and Cliffty Falls look the most fun!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Those two are a couple of the best! Hope all is good down your way, rock on!

[@SantosChronicles]

Didn’t really realize Indiana had so many cool nature trails in IN till I found your channel. Turkey Run is totally a place we would love to visit. Also the park where you can see the fossils. You guys have built quite a KZbin Library. Have a good week guys. Oh yea, the one trail we won’t do is IN Dunes. We did that one hill and barely survived 🤣

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

There's not too many trails in the Dunes that doesn't include climbing a dune! You would love Turkey Run though. Rock on, Chronicles Crew!!

[@ustakkpiat]

Perkongsian yang hebat... Tahniah... 🇲🇾

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks!

[@CampfireSteveOutdoors]

WoW! A lot of varied features and terrain there. I remember sights in a couple parks in Indiana from family vacations in the very early 80's (my father had relatives there). Can't name them now, but I was impressed.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Indiana has a lot of small pockets of cool places, in between all the cornfields, LOL!

[@outdoorstours]

This is an another very nice footage , awesome content here :-) just great adventure and amazing nature shots! Thanks for sharing , Like 41. See you soon again

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Many thanks!

[@HoosierHikes]

This is the first I've heard of Martell Forest. Now that i know of it, sounds like I have a new day hike nearby to look into. Thanks!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Same here!!

[@ThomasEntertainment1]

Definitely swing by! You'll prolly see me out there either for school or running haha.

[@HikeCamp]

All look fantastic guys!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks so much! Still more to explore...

[@LaddDentalGroup]

Love this! Great work!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thank you so much!! Although our favorites are constantly changing, we feel like this is still a good list!

[@cletamaggard556]

This is awesome!!!😁✌

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I'm glad you like it

[@jasonshaw2065]

Really great video thank you!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

You are most welcome!

[@melissalindblom3408]

Awesome and informative!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thank you! We're still exploring, we may have to update our list one of these days, LOL.

[@southerncharlesfamily6089]

awesome video! Great tips for hiking Indiana!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! Special places exist everywhere.

[@shaolinman]

Thanks for the list of State Parks in Indiana.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

You bet!

[@ryan_hakes]

Thanks guys! Few I haven't been to yet. Excited to add these to list. Have you stopped by the small historic hidden church at the SW corner of Turkey Run Park near the lodge? Richard Libers ashes were scattered there. A favorite spot to pause reflect and give thanks for his invaluable contributions to Indiana parks preservation.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yes, we've been there! I've even known of some people that have gotten married in that little church. It's nice because not many people venture up to that spot, definitely a good spot to reflect.

[@ryan_hakes]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions didn't know people could get inside it wow ... Id love a few seconds inside there. Have you been to Depauw Nature Center yet? Haven't gone through all your videos yet. Lol

[@rupachenthil]

Thank you for putting this together and making it easy for travelers like me

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad it was helpful! Have fun on your adventures!

[@gingertrine2912]

I enjoyed your video. You definitely captured some of my favorites!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad you enjoyed! I could probably make another list with a whole different top ten, it really just depends on the mood, the season, and so many other things.

[@fatdad8049]

Top notch video. Great work guys.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad you enjoyed it! Doing lists is a tricky thing, it all depends on what you like!

[@AmazingSabah]

great adventure ahead. Thanks for sharing this. New friend here

[@TerryX2Explore]

That is true, Catfish! We made that mistake as well until we started watching your channel..... so thanks for that, you guys! Great video, guys.... They are all beautiful trails! 😀👍

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! Every place has something special.

[@fredflintstone6163]

I canoe down sugar Creek turkey run fifty years ago still wonderful 😊

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I bet it was awesome then too!

[@drobinson-uo7ic]

Thanks for this video! I've gotten into hiking and I've been wanting to explore Indiana

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

You're welcome! This is just a smidgen of worthy hikes here in Indiana, but a good place to get started. Enjoy!

[@bigalbert1598]

Looks like some good hiking

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Indiana has some decent hiking, believe it or not! It's no Colorado, but it makes us appreciate those places even more.

[@AndyParrishOutdoors]

Well done!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! If I had to do it again, I would make the intro a lot shorter, and my personal list is ALWAYS changing, LOL.

[@AndyParrishOutdoors]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions that's good... Then you have an endless supply of videos to make! 🤣🤣🤣

[@indianaadventuretourguide3394]

Thank you for this! I didn't know about France Park or Hemlock Cliffs. Added to my list!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Have fun, both great places!

[@diavolorosa]

Awesome video! Just got the season pass for all the parks and will be visiting as many as I can! Thanks so much for the tips :D

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Have fun! And remember, what we all consider to be "best" is purely subjective, you may find places that you enjoy more! Rock on!

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

Thanks for giving some ideas to ones I haven’t visited. Clifty Falls is one we’re hitting next year. Salamonie, Turkey Run and Shades are my top 3 in no particular order with Salamonie being the closest to where we live.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Right on! I grew up near North Manchester, so I spent a lot of time at Salamonie when I was young. I didn't truly appreciate it until I was much older, though!

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions me and my girl took her mules there 2 years ago and I couldn’t believe the difference in the terrain from the South Bend area. We then hiked it this year and loved it. Crazy how the terrain can change a hour and hour away.

[@CdnBiggles]

Great video guys.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks so much!

[@Parr4theCourse]

Nice recap!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks!

[@micheleelliott4726]

This is a great video. Can't wait to try Shades trail recommendation, going to be there in two weeks. .

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! I should really update it, or add to it. Shades is my overall favorite Indiana state park, all the trails offer something good. The backpacking trail is boring if you're not actually camping, but the rest of the trails go through ravines & canyons, with the creek bed often being the trail. Enjoy!

[@micheleelliott4726]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditionsThanks!

[@ThomasEntertainment1]

Great list! A bit of an obscure one, but I would add Martell Forest in Lafayette to this list.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Interesting, I've lived in the Lafayette area for 25 years and never heard of Martell Forest. After looking it up, I see why, I avoid the Purdue campus like the plague, LOL! But I will make a point to check it out now, thanks for the heads up!

[@ThomasEntertainment1]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions No problem! It's definitely a bit of a hidden gem. It's not a huge area (main loop is 5.5ish miles), but it's got topography that rivals Southern Indiana.

[@ortiko]

Very nice video and footage! Big 👍like from me! I also like outdoors, hike with my dog and shoot some videos to. Keep on!!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks, and you have a great channel!

[@ortiko]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions wish you success!!!

[@christmills7633]

Thanks for the good trips guy's,, if your ever back south just north east of Hemlock Cliffs is Little Africa nice hike with history :)

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Excellent, I'll have to add Little Africa to my list!

[@kevinjoest2738]

I just hiked yellow birch ravine, it's a little south of Tazewell Indiana. It's like Hemlock Cliffs x4!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

@@kevinjoest2738 It's on my list to do!

[@CelticPaths4k]

Wonderful hiking tour, your channel is so interesting for outdoors lovers like me, thanks a lot for sharing with us all these wonderful places. Like 47 and new sub from Galicia (Spain)

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! We love our international friends, I am already subbed to you!

[@CelticPaths4k]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions Thanks so much my friends! Merry Christmas!

[@sam-k3191]

hi , what are your recommended places to hike in winter ?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Personally, I like ice hiking in the winter, so any place that has ice formations or frozen waterfalls. Turkey Run, Shades, McCormick's Creek, Cataract Falls, Clifty Falls, just to name a few. We put on crampons/micro spikes and enjoy the scenery!