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Indiana Hiking|Nature

The Shady, Creekside Trail In Indiana You'll Want To Hike Again And Again

By Catherine Armstrong | Published September 04, 2018

Fort Harrison State Park is a beautiful oasis near Indiana’s largest city. When you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the park is a welcome respite, and there’s even a shady trail that takes you right along the creek. Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure!

Fort Harrison State Park is a 1,700-acre oasis in Lawrence - just a few miles from downtown Indianapolis. You'll find the entrance to the park at 59th St. and Post Rd..

The Schoen Creek Trail is a shady creekside trail that takes you right through the woods. The trail is 3.3 miles, out and back.

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Because the trail is narrow and steep in a few spots, it's considered moderately difficult, but should be appropriate for most hikers.

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You can also bring your dog along on this trail! Just be sure to keep him on leash, and clean up after him.

The trail has a total elevation gain of 147 feet, and it makes its way along the side of the hill at one point.

This part of the park is lush and green, and in some spots you'll actually walk right through tree tunnels!

The water level of the creek is often quite low, but sometimes you'll be accompanied by the gurgling sounds of water here.

For Harrison State Park is home to a number of different animal species, and you might see a few during your hike. Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, ducks, geese, and songbirds.

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You'll also enjoy a beautiful array of wildflowers along the way.

This trail is also used for mountain biking, so stay alert and step aside to let bikes past. Plan on enjoying this trail for around 1.5 hours.

Have you hiked the Schoen Creek Trail at Fort Harrison State Park? We’d love to see your photos and read about your experience!

If you love hiking in Indiana, you might want to get out your bucket list and add these 8 waterfall hikes.

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