As a seasoned survival prepper and avid hiker, I’ve traversed countless trails across the Hoosier State. While Indiana boasts some stunning landscapes, certain trails demand respect and preparation. These aren’t your average hikes; they challenge your skills, endurance, and judgment. If you’re up for the test, here’s a curated list of Indiana’s most formidable trails.
1. Schooner Trace Trail – Brown County State Park
Often dubbed the most dangerous hike in Indiana, the Schooner Trace Trail is not for the faint of heart. This 6-mile trail features narrow paths, rocky terrain, and sections requiring hand-over-foot climbing. With steep cliffs and challenging conditions, it’s a favorite among experienced hikers seeking a serious challenge.
2. Shades State Park – Trail 8
Trail 8 in Shades State Park offers rugged terrain, steep descents, and natural obstacles like fallen trees. It’s a cross-country experience that demands physical fitness and mental fortitude. The trail’s challenging nature makes it suitable only for those prepared for a strenuous hike. Hiking the Indiana State Parks
3. Clifty Falls State Park – Trail 3
Trail 3 at Clifty Falls State Park is known for its steep inclines, slippery rocks, and cascading waterfalls. The trail’s difficulty increases during wet conditions, making it treacherous for the unprepared. Hikers should exercise caution and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Best Local Things
4. Turkey Run State Park – Trail 3
Trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park is renowned for its rugged terrain, including ladders and log crossings. The trail’s challenging features require agility and a head for heights. It’s a favorite among experienced hikers seeking adventure.Hiking the Indiana State Parks+1Turkey Run State Park+1
5. Hoosier National Forest – Trail 5
Trail 5 in Hoosier National Forest offers a remote hiking experience with dense vegetation and uneven terrain. The trail’s isolation makes it essential to be well-prepared with navigation tools and emergency supplies.
6. Morgan-Monroe State Forest – Low Gap Trail
The Low Gap Trail in Morgan-Monroe State Forest features a mix of flatter terrain and hilly sections. While moderate, the trail’s length and variable conditions require hikers to be prepared for changing weather and terrain. Best Local Things
7. Brown County State Park – Trail 7
Trail 7 in Brown County State Park offers a challenging hiking experience with steep ascents and descents. The trail’s rugged nature requires physical endurance and careful navigation.Only In Your State+1Brown County State Park+1
8. Indiana Dunes National Park – Cowles Bog Trail
The Cowles Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park offers a diverse landscape, including wetlands and forested areas. The trail’s varying conditions require hikers to be prepared for mud and uneven footing.
9. Chain O’Lakes State Park – Trail 4
Trail 4 at Chain O’Lakes State Park features a mix of terrain, including wooded areas and open fields. The trail’s length and variable conditions require hikers to be prepared for changing weather and terrain.
10. Tippecanoe River State Park – Trail 2
Trail 2 at Tippecanoe River State Park offers a scenic hiking experience along the river. The trail’s conditions can vary, requiring hikers to be prepared for muddy sections and uneven footing.
11. Chain O’Lakes State Park – Trail 3
Trail 3 at Chain O’Lakes State Park offers a moderate hiking experience with varying terrain. The trail’s length and conditions require hikers to be prepared for changing weather and terrain.
12. Hoosier National Forest – Trail 6
Trail 6 in Hoosier National Forest offers a remote hiking experience with dense vegetation and uneven terrain. The trail’s isolation makes it essential to be well-prepared with navigation tools and emergency supplies.
13. Brown County State Park – Trail 5
Trail 5 in Brown County State Park offers a challenging hiking experience with steep ascents and descents. The trail’s rugged nature requires physical endurance and careful navigation.
14. Indiana Dunes National Park – Dune Ridge Trail
The Dune Ridge Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park offers a challenging hike with steep ascents and descents. The trail’s conditions can vary, requiring hikers to be prepared for changing weather and terrain.
15. Shades State Park – Trail 6
Trail 6 in Shades State Park offers a rugged hiking experience with steep inclines and natural obstacles. The trail’s challenging features require agility and a head for heights.
16. Turkey Run State Park – Trail 2
Trail 2 at Turkey Run State Park offers a moderate hiking experience with varying terrain. The trail’s length and conditions require hikers to be prepared for changing weather and terrain.
17. Hoosier National Forest – Trail 4
Trail 4 in Hoosier National Forest offers a remote hiking experience with dense vegetation and uneven terrain. The trail’s isolation makes it essential to be well-prepared with navigation tools and emergency supplies.
18. Morgan-Monroe State Forest – Trail 1
Trail 1 in Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers a moderate hiking experience with varying terrain. The trail’s length and conditions require hikers to be prepared for changing weather and terrain.
19. Clifty Falls State Park – Trail 1
Don’t let the lower number fool you—Trail 1 in Clifty Falls isn’t some walk in the park. It’s a narrow, rocky path that hugs steep ridges and dives through dense underbrush. In the winter, ice slicks can make this trail especially dangerous. In the summer, dense vegetation can obscure the route. Either way, this is a trail that bites if you’re not watching your step or you stray too far off course. Cell reception? Forget about it. You’re on your own out there. Carry a topo map, know your azimuths, and double-check your bearings.
20. Charles C. Deam Wilderness – Peninsula Trail
Part of Hoosier National Forest’s most remote area, this trail is less traveled and more wild. You’ll hit everything from steep switchbacks to exposed ridgelines and stream crossings that’ll soak you to the bone if you’re not agile or waterproofed. What makes Peninsula Trail especially grueling is its length—clocking in at around 10 miles round trip. That’s nothing if the weather’s fair and your legs are fresh, but toss in a storm and thick Indiana humidity, and you’ll find yourself slogging through terrain that feels like it wants to swallow you whole. Water sources are sparse and wildlife sightings are common—some peaceful, others not so much.
Final Words from the Trail
Now listen up—this ain’t your average Sunday stroll list. These 20 trails are the kind you earn. They’ll humble you, test your grit, and spit you out tougher than when you walked in. This is Indiana like most folks never see it: wild, weathered, and whispering old secrets through the trees. These are the trails that separate casual hikers from hardened wanderers.
But don’t get me wrong—it’s not just about risk. It’s about preparation. It’s about understanding the land, respecting the elements, and knowing how to handle yourself when things go sideways. I’ve seen people march onto Schooner Trace with just a bottle of water and a dream, only to need help down a ravine or limp back with twisted ankles and rattled nerves.
You need layers—moisture-wicking base, insulating middle, and a waterproof shell. You need 3 liters of water minimum, and purification tabs or a Sawyer Mini if you’re going off-grid. Don’t skimp on your trail snacks. I don’t mean gummy bears. I mean calorie-dense, high-fat fuel: jerky, peanut butter, trail mix, and if you’re like me, a flask of something smoky for morale. Don’t forget your first aid kit, compass, and a backup light source. Batteries die. Trails don’t.
And one last piece of wisdom from a guy who’s patched up enough blisters and bruised egos to know—there’s no shame in turning back. Survival ain’t about ego. It’s about listening to your gut and respecting your limits.
So if you’re feeling brave—no, scratch that—ready… pack your gear, lace your boots tight, and pick one of these Indiana beasts. They won’t roll out the welcome mat. But if you make it through, if you climb out of the ravine with mud on your face and fire in your chest, you’ll understand what I mean when I say:
Some trails you avoid…
Unless you’re ready.
Stay sharp. Stay wild.
– A Fellow Trail-Hardened Hoosier
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