Hiking – NW Kentucky

November 5, 2021November 5, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

Rolling hills, boating lakes, arboretums and community parks in this area from Louisville SW.

One of several camping parks oriented towards boaters along the Rough River 45 miles SW of Louisville, KY.

https://www.campgroundreviews.com/regions/kentucky/mc-daniels/north-fork-park-rough-river-lake-11426

Arboretum, hiking trails and “giants” just south of Louisville as “Bourbon Country” begins.

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One mile nature trail in this Owensboro, KY community park and access to a 15 mile loop trail.

https://www.joefordnaturecenter.com/

Follow the lake ridge nature trail. Southeast of Owensboro, KY.

https://parks.ky.gov/falls-rough/parks/resort/rough-river-dam-state-resort-park

Nice short hike around this Hawesville community park/lake, high above the Ohio River.

https://www.hancockky.us/Tourism/vastwood.htm

Community park featuring a creek, war memorial and trails around a lake.

Affordable & Free Places In Elizabethtown Kentucky You Need To Explore

https://elizabethtownky.org/elizabethtown-nature-park/

Outstanding museum and forest trails across the Ohio River from Evansville in Henderson, KY.

Henderson Tourist Commission – 8 Ways To Enjoy John James Audubon State Park

https://parks.ky.gov/henderson/parks/historic/john-james-audubon-state-park

Basic hiking paths in this large, multi-purpose Louisville community park.

E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park | Kentucky Tourism - State of Kentucky - Visit Kentucky, Official Site

https://parks.ky.gov/louisville/parks/recreation/ep-tom-sawyer-state-park

Variety of moderately challenging forest trails and a nature preserve area near Ft. Knox.

https://www.radclifftourism.org/saunderssprings.shtml

Very attractive arboretum east of Louisville, KY.

Yew Dell Botanical Garden Visit | Thinking Outside the Boxwood

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Hiking – ESE Indiana

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

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.

Symbiosis - Classified Forest, 1241 S 775 E, Waldron, IN 46182, USA

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/

Hiking – SE Indiana

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

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.

Indiana Clifty Falls State Park | State parks, Beautiful places, Waterfall park

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.

Schenck Mansion in Vevay, Indiana. | Indiana travel, Mansions, Old houses

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/

A Beginner's Guide to Backpacking Indiana's Knobstone Trail – The Indiana Adventurer

Knobstone Trail Description – Knobstone Hiking Trail Association

The Knobstone Trail, part one. The trail, the plan, the prep | So Many Miles

Hiking – NE Illinois

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

The savanna preserve and Kankakee River are highlights.

Part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, this small park is just across the Indiana border. Trail covers open spaces, forest and riverside.

https://map.fpdcc.com/#/?poi=28-Plum+Creek+Meadow

6 miles of prairie type trails. Part of the Champaign County parks district. A night skies park, too.

https://www.ccfpd.org/forest-preserve/middle-fork-river-champaign-county

Large bison preserve. Rolling prairie. WWII munitions dumps off the trail.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/midewin

This is a true dry sand savanna with unique flora and fauna.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/INPC/Pages/Area3IroquoisHooperBranchSavanna.aspx

Large state park along the river. Nice 3 mile hiking trail on the south side, exploring streams spilling into the river.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/KankakeeRiver.aspx

Quiet nature preserve.

Fugate Woods Nature Preserve, 23150-23898 E 1000 N Rd, Fairbury, IL 61739, USA

http://www.fugatewoods.org/

Active urban/rural nature center. The hiking is better than it appears from the website or facebook site.

Display event - CIG Sugar Grove Nature Center September 2016

https://www.facebook.com/sugargrovenaturecenter/

http://www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org/

Mixed use county park with some hiking trails (Comlara Park).

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/92/Parks-Recreation

Hiking – NW Ohio

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

This region is really flat. The Maumee River and the Miami & Ohio Canal provide interesting locations.

Short trails around this impounded fishing lake.

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/oxbow-lake-wildlife-area

This dam is a highlight of the extensive Miami & Ohio Canal trail.

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/independence-dam-state-park

5 miles of trails in this old growth woods preserved in the midst of the Black Swamp. Burr Oaks are the highlight.

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/goll-woods-state-nature-preserve

Hiking trails shared with horses along the banks of this lake.

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/van-buren-state-park

Miami & Erie Canal towpath continues, including through some small towns.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_and_Erie_Canal

Short trail through Black Swamp and along dammed stream.

https://pauldingswcd.org/black-swamp-nature-preserve/

Short hike east along the abandoned railroad right-of-way.

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/cascade-wayside-wildlife-area

Mature woods nature preserve.

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/kendrick-woods-state-nature-preserve

Trails along this small impounded fishing lake.

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/harrison-lake-state-park

History, trails and waterfalls along the broad Maumee River west of Toledo.

https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/providence-metropark/

Hiking – NW Indiana

October 31, 2021October 31, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

Nice variety of rail trails, state and county parks, nature preserves, a quarry and an arboretum. This is mostly flat walking. St. Joseph County offers many options.

A village, a historic canal, a deep valley and a rail trail provide options in Delphi, along the Wabash. The bridge is under reconstruction, but you can hike up to one end and you can hike beneath it in the valley.

Click to access DelphiTrailsMap_updtd2011.pdf

Travelers have come to know and love the outdoor recreational facilities of France Park, with scenic trails, beautiful waterfall, clear swimming lake with picturesque cliffs, quiet fishing areas, and spacious camping facilities.

https://www.co.cass.in.us/departments/e-i/france-park/home

The Nickel Plate Trail runs from Kokomo to Rochester. There are a dozen trailheads along its 40 mile length. Although mostly flat, this is a surprisingly scenic trail where it crosses 3 major rivers and approaches Lake Manitou south of Rochester.

http://www.nickelplatetrail.org/

Visit Jasper-Pulaski any time, but come in the fourth quarter to see the truly amazing sandhill cranes.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/jasper-pulaski-fwa/sandhill-cranes/

Deep River Park in Lake County follows the river, starting at an historic grist mill.

https://lakecountyparks.com/151/Deep-River-County-Park

Spicer Lake has trails and board walks for visiting the birds. This is a short hike, but quite memorable at the Michigan border.

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve - July 4, 2017 | Bloomington Indiana | Tourism | Ecotour | Nature | Scenic | Environment

http://www.sjcparks.org/591/Spicer-Lake

Plymouth, Indiana has a small trail system that connects the river and surrounding areas.

https://www.plymouthin.com/topic/index.php?topicid=50&structureid=24

LaSalle FWA is part of the Grand Kankakee Marsh. Interesting trees, bushes and birds abound.

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

The prairie and stream trails are enjoyable. The Gabis arboretum resources and gardens are nice. But the highlight is the outdoor model train and landscaping.

Gabis Arboretum

Several interesting trails along the Tippecanoe River.

Tippecanoe River State Park - Nature Preserve

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

Potato Creek is west of South Bend. The trails take advantage of a lake, historical and planted areas. The state is investing in this park for the future.

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

The Erie Trail is a straight 20 mile rail-trail segment of the American Discovery Trail, starting north of the Tippecanoe River SP and heading WNW to North Judson, IN.

https://www.prairietrailsclub.org/about

Surprising place for a nature park. This “savanna” landscape is just west of a heavily drained farm landscape.

Click to access np-Fisher_Oak_Savanna.pdf

A second St Joseph County Park. Pine trees, open spaces and a small stream highlight the trails.

St. Patrick's County Park - Picture of St. Patrick's County Park, South Bend - Tripadvisor

http://www.sjcparks.org/592/St-Patricks

Hiking – NE Indiana

October 29, 2021October 31, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

Significantly more water and small hills in this area of Indiana.

South of Ft. Wayne, a large marshy area with a variety of close-up and elevated trails.

https://www.lrwp.org/eaglemarsh

Just south of Eagle Marsh is Fox Island County Park with several woods trails, including one that follows a sand bar.

Fox Island County Park

The main feature is old growth forest on this 2 square mile property. There is a creek, pond and wetlands in this nature preserve.

Douglas Woods preserve grows | News | kpcnews.com

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/douglas-woods-1/?tab_q=tab_container-tab_element

17 miles of rail-trail connecting small cities through rolling farmlands on the Pumpkinvine Trail.

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail | Nature trail, Bike trails, Bicycle trail

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The least visited of the 3 Wabash River feeding lakes, formerly known as Huntington Lake. Lake shore and river following trails.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/je-roush-lake-fwa/

Short hike and board walk extends out into the marsh/lake.

https://indianabirdingtrail.com/pages/pisgah-marsh-birding-opportunities

There are many trails and gravel roads to hike in the large Pigeon River FWA.

Nasby Dam on the Pigeon River in Lagrange County Indiana | Flickr

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

Many hiking options around the large dammed Lake Mississinewa, which empties into the Wabash.

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

Nice woods and road hikes around the connected lakes and hills.

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

Many connected trails around the lake, wetlands and woods of this state park with an inn.

Best Trails in Pokagon State Park | AllTrails

Pokagon State Park, an Indiana State Park located near Angola, Coldwater

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/pokagon-state-parktrine-state-recreation-area/

Many trails around this lake which also empties into the Wabash.

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

Located out of the way, near the headlands of the Wabash, this state park is more developed than expected, with a dammed lake, pine woods and bison area.

Info for campers - Review of Ouabache State Park, Bluffton, IN - Tripadvisor

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

Loblolly Swamp is west of the Geneva Limberlost homestead. It’s a shorter hike, but covers unusual terrain.

Click to access np-Loblolly.pdf

Limberlost

Hiking: SE Illinois

October 29, 2021November 1, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

We’re NOT going as far south as the “Garden of the Gods”, my favorite spot in Illinois, but to 10 other very enjoyable counties.

Gentle walk around a dammed lake.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/LincolnTrail.aspx

Flat to rolling terrain with a small stream.

https://stateparks.com/crawford_county_state_fish_and_wildlife_area_in_illinois.html

Steeper trails along stream valleys.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/FoxRidge.aspx

Typical SE Illinois mixed topography.

Trails

Local state park.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/SamParr.aspx

Natural hills, trails and history. Better than most impounded lake parks.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/RedHills.aspx

Large impounded lake with many trails and wildlife.

Campground nice but bath house not so much - Review of Stephen A Forbes State Park, Kinmundy, IL - Tripadvisor

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/StephenAForbes.aspx

Bird sanctuary. Short walks.

https://www.ci.olney.il.us/visitors/parks/miller_s_grove.php

Wabash River approaching the Ohio. Old growth woods.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/BeallWoods.aspx

Loosely connected properties make up this state forest. Hiking trails connect pine tree plantings, woodlands and streams.

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/HiddenSprings.aspx

Hiking: Hilly Kentucky Horse Country

October 29, 2021October 29, 2021 tomkapostasyLeave a comment

Kentucky, with a slightly warmer climate than Indiana, embraces arboretums. This (Boone County) is a very enjoyable one not far from Cincinnati.

https://bcarboretum.org/

Paris, KY will transform you back in time. The architecture downtown and on the nearby streets is mind boggling for a small town in the middle of nowhere.

https://www.paris.ky.gov/

40 miles southeast of Cincinnati, the earth is hilly, up and down, like Tuscany. This lake is nestled in this unique area. The 2 hiking trails are “so so”, but the drive to this location and the lake view are strong.

https://parks.ky.gov/falmouth/parks/recreation/kincaid-lake-state-park

This hike is in the city, just south of Cincinnati high on a hill. It follows a stream. The local cross-country team boasts of their KY championships. It’s easy to see why they win with such a nice trail.

Highland Hills Park

Lexington and the surrounding 30 miles begs for slow car trips and walking. Think James Bond and Goldfinger. The city provides many paved trails. This one to the south, offers gardens, streams and monuments. To the north, the ponies.

A view of Kentucky's Legacy Trail, a hotspot for bikers

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/legacy-trail

Off the beaten path location. Rolling hills. Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA.

https://app.fw.ky.gov/public_lands_search/detail.aspx?Kdfwr_id=153

The drive to this location is gorgeous. Tuscany style hills and dales. The hike is straightforward down a ridge to a valley.

https://eec.ky.gov/Nature-Preserves/Locations/Pages/Quiet-Trails.aspx

This is the very best view of Cincinnati from Covington, KY.

https://www.covingtonky.gov/government/departments/neighborhood-services/parks-recreation/parks/devou-park

Ohio River views from a small town east from Cincinnati.

https://www.cityofmaysville.com/

The drive to this location up, down and around is amazing. The nature preserve is full of animals and a couple of cedar groves … and an amazing stone fence. Look for it.