Hike Through 4 Public Parks On The Delightful Pumpkinvine Nature Trail In Indiana
By Tori Jane|Published May 03, 2022
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Tori Jane
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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.
Did you know that Indiana is home to more than 1,000 amazing hiking trails? It’s true! On AllTrails alone, there are 1,025 listings, each of which is absolutely worth an adventure or two (or 10…). We love covering the best-of-the-best when it comes to trails, and we’ve found another one that you’re sure to love. Anyone browsing the web for the best hikes in Indiana will find that the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is perfect in almost every way; check it out!
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is long, coming in at an impressive 17.5 miles in length.
Almost all of it - save for a brief, 1.75-mile stretch of packed limestone - is paved, which makes it super easy for hikers, bikers, and those with small children in tow.
The trail is a delight, passing through no less than four parks during its lifespan.
Explore Oak Ridge Park, Ox Bow Park, Abshire Park, and Krider Garden. Learn why these lush, green little slices of paradise are some of Indiana's best (and most underrated) city parks.
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Bring a bike and blaze the trail, or opt for a quiet, low-key stroll.
The scenery is almost unreal in some spots; you'll pass charming farmlands, beautiful pastures filled with horses grazing and curious cattle watching you pass by, and so many more things that really make the Hoosier State what it is.
There are lots of options for places to stop along the way; you'll pass through Goshen, where you can wander off the path for a bit and check out the delightful local shops. You'll also wander through Middlebury, and beautiful Shipshewana, too.
A 17+ mile hike might sound long on paper, but it's so easy - and there's so much to do, see, and experience along the way - that you could easily lose track of time (and distance).
During the spring and early summer, the trail is lined with incredible wildflowers and stunning, lush greenery. During autumn, the fall color lights up the entire way, and in the winter, it becomes a crystalline snowy paradise, making this hike in Indiana a year-round, easy adventure you will never forget.
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is open daily, from sunrise to sunset. For a map, photos, and additional information, be sure to visit the official trail website for more info!
