3 Best Hiking Trails in Indianapolis, IN

“Fort Harrison State Park is one of Indianapolis's most abundant and beautiful parks. The elevation gain of the trail ranges from 26 feet to 387 feet. Fort Harrison State Park has six hiking trails, some for horse riding. The longest trail in the park is the Lawrence Creek Trail, a 4.2-mile route used for hiking, biking, and walking, and it is generally considered an easy trail route. The 1,700-acre park includes walking, nature trails, and picnic sites. Visitors can enjoy a year-round visit to the park, especially in winter, as Fort Harrison features one of the area's largest sledding hills. Wildflowers bloom across the forest during the spring season, creating a picturesque scene. The main water feature runs through Fort Harrison's north side. Visitors can also enjoy the golf course and stay at the Fort Harrison Inn and Conference Center for an overnight trip. Stay/Play packages are available.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Has Dog Park
• Picnic Tables Available
• Playground Swings Available.”

Read more

“Eagle Creek Park is the nation's sixth-largest urban park, containing two-state preserves of nature. This is the largest park in Indianapolis and one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The park has more than 3,900 acres of wooded land, open meadows, and more than 1,300 acres of water. The trail's elevation gain is 190 feet, and it is a loop-type trail. The time taken to complete the total trial is approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes. Eagle Creek park always concentrates on services providing trail maintenance, environmental education, and improved services, and the Foundation wants its members to volunteer. Visitors can enjoy food at one of the 24 first-come, first-served picnic areas. The park offers a beautiful landscape and natural environment in which to take lovely pictures. The park provides an annual pass of $85 and includes a membership of $35 tax-deductible and unique benefits. Eagle Creek Park welcomes 1.2 million guests per year.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Parking Available
• Paved and Wooded Trails
• Excellent View Spots.”

Read more

“Holliday Park is one of the oldest parks in Indianapolis. This park is 94 acres and features trails, an arboretum, a playground, and a nature center with all-ages programs. Visitors can visit the nature center, play on one of the city's best, difficult-to-leave play areas, walk more than 3.5 miles of beautiful trails, or walk around the famous Holliday Park Ruins. The elevation gain of the trail is 131 feet. The trial is loop type, and the time taken to complete the total trial is approximately 39 minutes. There are some hiking trails along the White River, a great playground, and a nature center. The park offers nature lovers a gateway without having to leave the area. The wooded ravines have natural springs and wetlands, a pond, a long stretch of the White River, a beech-maple forest, and more than 400 species of trees. There are a few high-quality playgrounds with enough variations to keep any kid playing for hours. The park provides a wide range of programs to help tourists enjoy everything in the park.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Picnic Shelters
• Playground Swings Available
• Dog Friendliness.”

Read more