This Lesser-Known Indiana Hiking Trail Is Tragically Underrated
By Tori Jane|Published October 19, 2021
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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.
There are few things in this life that are quite as relaxing as a nice, quiet forest hike. Lucky for us, Indiana is full of amazing hikes that are open (and breathtaking) year-round — rain, snow, or shine. Sure, you could always go hiking on any of the most popular trails around the state, but sometimes, you crave something a little different. Well, here’s a sometimes-challenging (but rewarding) hidden gem hike in Indiana that, if you haven’t tried it yet, you’ll want to add to your to-do list ASAP.
Spring Mill Village State Park is a unique place that allows its visitors to step back in time to what life was like back in pioneer days.
It features a fully rebuilt replica village of what once was, and actors/guides all over the place to help visitors receive a truly authentic pioneer-style experience while learning.
Spring Mill Village Trail 4 is a 1.9-mile loop trail that will take you past plenty of historically significant places. You'll feel like you've hiked back in time for a short while.
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It is rated as good for all skill levels, though many do agree that it can be challenging in some spots.
It makes it so that this one seems much more remote than the others, despite being one of the major trails going through the grounds.
You'll pass by and/or through plenty of historic sites, including, of course, the old grist mill (which is still a working mill), Hamer Cave, and even old Hamer Pioneer Cemetery.
If you're anything like us, you can easily get lost among the crumbling old headstones at this seemingly-ancient burial ground; it feels kind of strange to know that the folks buried here lived and died centuries - if not longer - than we've been around ourselves. It's a reminder that life goes on, and sometimes, entire ways of life go the way of history.
Spring Mill State Park and its trails, including Trail 4, are open year-round; there's truly a special magic to every season out here.
During spring and summer, lush greenery takes over and wildflowers reign. In autumn, the color surrounding the park becomes astonishingly beautiful -- and during winter, it transitions into a picturesque wonderland that you'll definitely want to bring a camera for. Bundle up, though - it gets pretty cold!
No matter what time of year you find yourself here, you're sure to fall in love with this beautiful trail.
It's the perfect hidden gem hike to take by yourself, with friends, or even with the kids. It's a truly interesting and educational experience even outside of the hike; you'll find yourself drawn back time and time again.
Do you have a favorite hidden gem hike in Indiana? Tell us about it by filling out this form, and you might just see your pick featured someday! For more photos, reviews, and a map of this trail, visit the official AllTrails page. Have you ever hiked Spring Mill Village Trail 4? Tell us your stories – and share your photos with us – in the comments!
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