This area is mostly flat or slightly rolling and dominated by agriculture. Small forest preserves closer to Indianapolis. Larger parks in the Whitewater River valley east towards Ohio.

Large FWA adjacent to an active military base. Flat hiking trails.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/atterbury-fwa/

Short trail adjacent to a stream.

https://decaturcountyparksandrecreation.com/parks/decatur-county-park/

Small old growth forest preserve.

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/shrader-weaver-woods/

Mounds SRA is adjacent to Brookville Lake, part of the Whitewater River watershed.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/brookville-lake/

Johnson County Park occupies part of historic Camp Atterbury. Flat trails.

https://www.jocoparks.com/johnson-county-park

Symbiosis forest preserve with minor hills.

Click to access Symbiosis-Brochure.pdf

Small old growth forest preserve relatively close to Indianapolis.

Meltzer Woods

Another lakeside park in the Whitewater River watershed, like Mounds SRA.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/whitewater-memorial-state-park/

A surprisingly scenic and hilly part of the state.

The oldest IN state forest is 2,000 acres, containing the White Oak Nature Preserve.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/clark-state-forest/

Highlands overlooking the Ohio River.

https://www.greatparks.org/parks/shawnee-lookout

Knobstone trail starts at the south end of the lake, heading north. Wonderful forest.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/deam-lake-sra/

Scenic hike on both sides of Indiana Creek.

https://www.harrisoncountyparks.com/parks/hayswood-nature-reserve

Hiking these “knobs” is a true “backbone” hike with scenic views over the surrounding countryside.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/jackson-washington-state-forest/

Clifty Falls is a top 10 Indiana state park, mainly due to the up close access to waterfalls and cliffs.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/clifty-falls-state-park/

Hidden gem along the Muscatatuck River. Especially sweet during Spring wildflower season.

Click to access Calli.pdf

Almost 100 years as a classified forest preserve.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/selmier-state-forest/

The Ohio River waterfront in Vevay is worth a visit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vevay,_Indiana

Versailles State Park trails start at the lake, but follow historic stone trails up the surrounding hills and streams. Very enjoyable hikes.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/versailles-state-park/

Knobstone Trail is the highlight of Indiana Hiking. Pick a trailhead and enjoy. Check with your doctor to be sure you’re ready for repeated 400 foot climbs and descents.

https://www.knobstonehikingtrail.org/

https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/knobstone-trail-conditions-reroutes-maps/knobstone-trail-about/