Main Content
Article
Backpacking
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
- Hiking Organizations and Clubs
American Hiking Society
1422 Fenwick Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-565-6704American Volkssport Association
1001 Pat Booker Road, Suite 101
Universal City, TX 78148
210-659-2112
AVAHQ@aol.comBloomington Flying Fish Walking Club
Central Indiana Wilderness Club
Indiana Appalachian Trail Club
Knobstone Hiking Trail Association, Inc.
River City Ramblers
Southern Indiana Hiking Club
Near Louisville, KY
Carole Carpenter
812-739-2318
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.
Legend
DNR Trails
- Adventure Hiking Trail
25 Miles
Harrison-Crawford State Forest
(812) 738-7694
O’Bannon Woods State Park
812-738-8232 - Adena Trace Loop
25 Miles
Brookville Lake
765-647-2657
765-647-2658 - Bloodroot Trail
13 Miles
Salamonie Lake
260-468-2125 - Knobstone Trail
60 Miles
Jackson-Washington and Clark State Forests
812-358-2160 - Low Gap Trail
10 Miles
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
765-342-4026 - Tecumseh Trail
42 miles
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
765-342-4026
Yellowwood State Forest
812-988-7945 - Three Lakes Trail
10 Miles
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
765-342-4026
Hoosier National Forest Trails
- Birdseye Trail, 11.8 Miles
- Charles C. Deam Wilderness, 37.3 total miles
- German Ridge Trail, 24 miles
- Hickory Ridge Trail, 48.7 miles
- Mogan Ridge Trails,* 19 miles
- Oriole Trails,* 13.7 miles
- Shirley Creek Trail, 19.4 miles
- Spring Valley Trail, 12.7 miles
- Two Lakes Loop Trail, 15.7 miles
- Young’s Creek Trail, 12.7 miles
*Includes both East and West Trails
Hoosier National Forest
812-275-5987
1-866-302-4173