Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Indianapolis, United States

1. Morrow Mountain State Park

Experience diverse landscapes: hiking trails, campgrounds, and a lake for boating.

Varied Terrain: Offers a mix of flat, moderately difficult, and challenging hiking trails.
Natural Lake: Enjoy a serene day at the lake for fishing, boating, or picnicking.
Camping Opportunities: Overnight stays available in a variety of campsites.

Hike through the largest state park in southern Indiana with beautiful fall foliage.

Scenic Beauty: Known for its vibrant autumn colors and picturesque landscape.
Art Colony: Nearby Nashville offers art galleries and studios in the Art Colony.
Horseback Riding: Explore trails on horseback or take a guided tour.

Relax at the scenic Sugar Creek or tackle the challenging hiking trails.

Learn about local history and nature on a hike or paddle the White River.

Educational Programs: Offers interpretive programs, exhibits, and educational events.
White River Access: Paddle the White River or fish from its banks.
Historic Site: Preserves a part of Indiana's early history with original buildings.

Indianapolis' largest city park offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Size and Variety: Spans over 3,900 acres with a variety of outdoor activities.
Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot deer, wild turkeys, and migratory birds.
Equestrian Trails: Over 30 miles of trails for horseback riding.

Observe diverse wildlife and enjoy scenic beauty on a hiking trail.

Explore historic fort ruins and scenic trails in this urban park.

Historic Ruins: Visit the remains of an early 20th-century training facility.
Scenic Trails: Over 9 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Wildlife Observation: Opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, and turkeys.

Explore a large limestone bluff overlooking the Ohio River.

Geological Formation: Features one of the largest exposed limestone bluffs in the country.
River Access: Offers a boat ramp and opportunities for fishing.
Hiking Trails: Trails for easy to challenging hikes, including the Ledges Trail.

Enjoy a round of golf while surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

Golf Course Design: Designed by legendary golfer Pete Dye.
Natural Scenery: Surrounded by hills, woods, and wetlands.
Driving Range: Practice your swing at the driving range or mini-golf course.

Follow the White River on a paved trail for hiking, biking, or skating.

Waterfront Views: Enjoy scenic views of the White River.
Urban Trail: Runs through Indianapolis, connecting parks and neighborhoods.
Rest Stops and Amenities: Features rest stops, water fountains, and public art along the way.

Hike through Indiana's first state park with beautiful waterfalls and Canyon Inn.

Scenic Waterfalls: Features several waterfalls along the Sugar Creek.
Historic Lodge: Stay at the Canyon Inn, built in the 1930s.
Cave Exploration: Explore the Devil's Icebox and Hoosier Hole caves during a guided tour.

Relax on a sandy beach, swim, or kayak in the Wekiva River.

Sandy Beach: Enjoy a day at the secluded sandy beach.
Kayak Rentals: Rent kayaks or canoes to explore the Wekiva River.
Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic at one of the available shelters or on the beach.

Observe wildlife and enjoy scenic beauty along the Blue River.

Wildlife Observation: Home to a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and mammals.
Scenic Beauty: Features woods, wetlands, and the Blue River.
Hunting Opportunities: Managed for hunting, but allows hiking year-round.

Explore scenic canyons and sandstone cliffs on a hike.

Explore Chandler's Cave on a guided tour and hike through the woods.