3 Best Hiking Trails in Evansville, IN

“Wesselman Woods covers a 240-acre site that offers environmental education and outdoor recreation experiences that awaken the senses and enrich the lives of both residents and visitors. The trail is a surviving remnant of Southern Indiana’s original forests. This old-growth lowland forest is a significant habitat for various animal species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. This Preserve offers hands-on educational exhibits and a wildlife observation area. The Nature Preserve provides free admission and merchandise discounts to fellow ANCA organizations. Wesselman Woods also features public restrooms, picnic tables, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, kid-friendly hikes, and free parking for visitors' convenience.”

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“Howell Wetlands features 35 acres of marshland, bald cypress slough, oxbow lake, lowland hardwood forest, and upland meadow. In addition to the flora and fauna located in those habitats, including muskrats, beavers, herons, geese, and deer. The trail offers an inviting atmosphere to explore the more than 2 miles of hiking trails, wooden walkways, and bridges, or join them during one of their staff-led programs or tours. The hiking trail includes facilities like a permeable sidewalk, energy-efficient lighting, a water supply, and recycled plastic railings from a local source. Howell Wetlands allow dogs on leash in designated areas.”

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“USI Burdette Park Trail is a 170-acre ideal destination to have a pleasant and relaxed time with friends and family. This is a 3.9-mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 255 feet. The trail is generally considered an easy route, and it takes an average of 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete the entire trail. This is a perfect place for experiencing various recreational activities like birding, hiking, and running. The nature area also features mini-golf, playgrounds, an expansive aquatic center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool and water slides. USI Burdette Park Trail ensures facilities like kid-friendly hikes, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and designated pet-friendly areas.”

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