10 Picturesque Trails In Indiana That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
By Courtney Johnston|Updated on November 26, 2022(Originally published November 21, 2022)
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Courtney Johnston
Author
Courtney's originally from the East Coast, but has found a charming new home in Indiana. She loves checking out local music, reading, and trying new food. She's also a little too addicted to coffee and has a Maine Coon cat she answers to.
Contrary to popular belief, hiking is not just a warm-weather activity. Winter hiking trails can be just as fun to explore, and can even offer more interesting and beautiful views. For the best cold weather trails in the state, check out these ten parks that offer the best of winter hiking in Indiana. The best winter hikes in the Hoosier State truly are like a dream come true, especially if you’re a big fan of the great outdoors (and snow). Check them out and let us know which ones are your favorites:
1. Turkey Run State Park - Marshall
Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
This stunning park is even more breathtaking in the winter. Though you can explore a wide variety of trails here, Trail 3 definitely has some of the best views (just don't go when it's icy!). Craving the great outdoors despite the cold? Turkey Run State Park is an amazing state park in Indiana to visit during the winter.
2. Pokagon State Park - Angola
Pokagon State Park, Park Office:, 450 Ln 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703, USA
This park offers some of the best winter sights and trails to explore in the colder months. As a bonus, check out their incredible toboggan run on your way out. Come see why this delightful winter wonderland in Indiana is at its best when covered in snow.
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3. Morgan-Monroe State Forest - Martinsville
Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 6220 Forest Rd, Martinsville, IN 46151, USA
This state forest is a popular place for hiking, with its Low Gap Trail offering the best sights around the park, especially in the winter. You'll enjoy this gorgeous hike with or without snow. Oh, and if you're a fan of the spooky side of life, the Morgan-Monroe State Forest is home to a delightfully haunted hiking trail in Indiana you ought to try out!
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4. Shades State Park - Waveland
Shades State Park, 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989, USA
This often overlooked gem has arguably the best natural sights in the entire state, no matter the season. Come find all the beauty winter has to offer by exploring this park's trails. Hiking this legendary Indiana state park feels more like hiking Middle Earth than the Midwest.
5. Hoosier National Forest - Bedford
Hemlock Cliffs, National Forest Rd, English, IN 47118, USA
The Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail in the Hoosier National Forest is a hauntingly beautiful experience. Enjoy a peaceful hike surrounded by nothing but nature, here. This unique waterfall hiking trail in Indiana is especially magical when it's cold out.
Clifty Falls State Park has plenty of trails and frozen waterfalls to explore this winter. Take the Clifty Falls Loop for a full winter hike around the entire park. This amazing park is full of the best winter hiking trails in Indiana.
7. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore - Chesterton
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA
While there are numerous trails to explore along the Indiana Dunes, hiking along the water is always a fun and lovely way to enjoy the dunes in the winter. Cowles Bog is another stunning trail that also explores icy beaches. This one is extra special, considering it's literally the first National Park in Indiana. What better time to visit than now?
8. McCormick's Creek State Park - Spencer
McCormick's Creek State Park, 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA
Visit this state park for some of the best snow-covered trails in winter. All the trails are pretty epic, but trail 5 might offer the best tour of the entire park. The incredible frozen waterfalls at McCormick's Creek State Park are indeed a sight to behold.
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9. O'Bannon Woods State Park - Corydon
O'Bannon Woods State Park, 7234 Old Forest Rd, Corydon, IN 47112, USA
Often considered to be Indiana's best-kept secret, these woods are spectacular to explore along the Adventure Hiking Trail in the wintertime. If you decide you don't want to leave, there's always an amazing winter cabin rental at O'Bannon Woods State Park where you can book a stay.
10. Brown County State Park - Nashville
Brown County State Park Road, Brown County State Park Rd, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
Brown County State Park is dubbed one of the most beautiful parks in Indiana, especially in the summer and fall. However, in the winter, come explore this park in a whole new light. All of their trails are fantastic, but Trail 7 will take you along a frozen lake.
Have you ever explored any great winter hiking trails in Indiana? For more winter fun outdoors in Indiana, check out these incredible frozen waterfalls in IN that you have to see in person! Some folks might think winter is a time to bundle up and stay inside, but we believe the opposite – it’s time to bundle up and go outside! Enjoy!
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