Every so often, you come across a place you’ve never heard of before, but you find yourself hopelessly in love with it at first sight. The amazing nature park we’re going to check out today is one of those – it’s a lesser-known hidden gem in Indiana that deserves a lot more love if you ask us. If you’re a lover of all things naturally breathtaking, you’re in luck: the 1.1-mile hike at Leonard Springs Nature Park is an incredible treat for anyone with even a vague appreciation for the wilderness and its beauty. Turns out, there’s a decent handful of natural springs in Indiana – and this trail leads you to at least one of them!

Upon first experiencing Leonard Springs Nature Park and its amazing trails, you might feel like you're not in Kansas (or Indiana) anymore.
Zbigniew Brzoza/AllTrails
You'd technically be correct - you aren't in Kansas, but you are still in Indiana, although it definitely doesn't feel like you are when you're on this hike.
To say it's "otherwordly" is to put it very lightly.
Melissa Rork/AllTrails
It's open year-round, but the best time to hike it is the warmer months, when everything is astonishingly lush and emerald green.
There are so many awe-inspiring natural wonders along the way that we're not going to spoil it by listing all of them here.
Joseph Kutlas/AllTrails
However, rest assured that you'll encounter wetlands, caves, waterfalls - and even a gorgeous natural spring known as Shirley Spring.

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The 1.1-mile trail leads to Shirley Spring, but there is one other on the park grounds (and it's called Leonard Spring, unsurprisingly).
Zuza Anoszczenko/AllTrails
The trail can get muddy and is rugged at some points, so be ready to do some (light) climbing and slipping around. Good shoes are key to a great time!
You'll encounter many different flora and fauna, all of which call this exceptional paradise home.
Diane Miller/AllTrails
We suspect you'll never want to leave. We didn't, either, and unfortunately there's no camping here - we suppose we'll just have to indulge during the day.
...and perhaps best of all: as long as they stay on a leash, your canine friend is more than welcome.
Melissa Rork/AllTrails
Together, you'll explore some of the most outrageously gorgeous scenery that Indiana has to offer; it's a shame that so few Hoosiers seem to know it's even there.

For more information about this amazing natural paradise, be sure to visit the official City of Bloomington website.

Do you know of any other amazing natural springs in Indiana? If so, where are they? Let us know, and you might just see your suggestions featured sometime!

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Leonard Springs Nature Trail Parking Lot, 016-35440-00, Bloomington, IN 47403, USA