The Hell's Point Challenge Is Perfect For A Springtime Outing In Indiana's Pokagon State Park
By Tori Jane|Published April 12, 2024
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Every so often, you might find yourself in the mood for a good, solid challenge – perhaps of the outdoor sort. In that case, I’ve found the perfect thing – and I’m not sure how we’ve never covered it before! Have you ever heard of the Hell’s Point Challenge at Pokagon State Park? At 8.2 miles long, this trail is considered moderately challenging, and it’s open year-round (though my favorite time to show up is tied between spring and autumn). So, let’s lace up our hiking boots, grab some water, and do one awesome spring hike in Indiana.
Before you go, though, do one thing: be sure to download a map of the trail; some folks say it's tough to keep track of at some points.
You'll meander around some of Pokagon State Park's most beautiful landscapes, and I think you might just be amazed at how many ways said landscape can change along this one trail.
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It's wonderful year-round, but like I said: autumn is a special time, and so is spring. In the spring, though, the wildflowers abound and the temperatures are PERFECT. It makes for an excellent springtime adventure.
Trek past historic buildings, pretty little ponds, rolling hills, lush woodlands, and more. It's like a whole bunch of places all smooshed together onto one hike, and it's great!
It can get muddy, especially in the springtime (or after rain), so plan accordingly. When you finally set out, be sure to stop at each of the six waypoints and photograph each of them. Show the Nature Center folks your pics and get a cool souvenir to brag with!
I'm not even sure what part of the trail is my favorite.
It's all pretty wondrous, and I think you'll agree. This is definitely one of those trails where you realize just how worth it it was to do. I love that feeling. You never know what you're capable of!
And besides, you never know what kind of brilliant color you'll encounter along the way. Truly, the flowers are otherworldly... and so too will be your sense of pride after successfully completing this challenge.
For more information about this awesome spring hike in Indiana, be sure to check out its official AllTrails listing. Want to step that hiking game up to 11? Check out AllTrails Plus; I personally have no idea how I ever accomplished a hike without it!
