Backpacking in Indiana

Southern Indiana has some great hiking and backpacking (plus horseback riding or mountain biking).

Ransburg Scout Reservation is inside DNR-protected State Forest. The DNR has a great page covering Backpacking in Indiana. Several long trails exist, but the preeminent trail is the Knobstone Trail which is over 60 miles long.

BACKPACKING IN INDIANA

Backpacking combines hiking and camping, two of the most popular outdoor recreation activities. Indiana has a few scenic trails for backpacking. Other states may have longer and more popular backpacking trails, but Indiana’s trails satisfy many backpackers’ need for adventure and solitude. These trails can be perfect for a beginner’s first trek, as preparation for a longer backpacking trip, or for providing seasoned veterans with a backcountry escape.

Know Before You Go

• Backpacking Safety Tips & Etiquette
• Share the Trail: Etiquette for Multi-Use Trails
• Hiking Organizations and Clubs in Indiana

Where to Go

Below you will find a listing of trails in Indiana that are at least 10 miles long, have a natural surface, and have a least one camping option along or near the trail. Camping options may include backcountry camping, camping shelters, designated primitive camp sites, or access to a campground. Some of the trails are multi-use so hikers may encounter mountain bikers or horses. All the trails listed below are managed by either Indiana State Parks, Indiana Division of Forestry, or the Hoosier National Forest. Each agencies policies may differ, so be sure to research their rules and regulations before hitting the trail. Also please note that some properties in this listing have a gate and/or camping fees.

DNR Trails

1. Adventure Hiking Trail 
   25 Miles
   Harrison-Crawford State Forest
   (812) 738-7694
   O’Bannon Woods State Park
   (812) 738-8232
2. Adena Trace Loop
   25 Miles
   Brookville Lake
   (765) 647-2657
   (765) 647-2658
3. Bloodroot Trail
   13 Miles
   Salamonie Lake
   (260) 468-2125
4. Knobstone Trail
   60 Miles
   Jackson-Washington and Clark State Forests
   (812) 358-2160
5. Low Gap Trail
   10 Miles
   Morgan-Monroe State Forest
   (765) 342-4026
6. Tecumseh Trail
   42 miles
   Morgan-Monroe State Forest
   (765) 342-4026
   Yellowwood State Forest
   (812) 988-7945
7. Three Lakes Trail
   10 Miles
   Morgan-Monroe State Forest
   (765) 342-4026

Hoosier National Forest Trails

8. Birdseye Trail, 11.8 Miles
9. Charles C. Deam Wilderness, 37.3 total miles
10. German Ridge Trail,  24 miles
11. Hickory Ridge Trail, 48.7 miles
12. Mogan Ridge Trails,* 19 miles
13. Oriole Trails,* 13.7 miles
14. Shirley Creek Trail,  19.4 miles
15. Spring Valley Trail, 12.7 miles
16. Two Lakes Loop Trail, 15.7 miles
17. Young’s Creek Trail, 12.7 miles

*Includes both East and West Trails

Hoosier National Forest
(812) 275-5987
1-866-302-4173