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Backpacking

Hikers on a trail during spring.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

 

Where to Go

Indiana map of trails

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

Hiking Hiking
Back-country camping Backcountry Camping
Horse Horseback
Mountain bike Mountain Biking
Camping Campground
Camping shelter Camping Shelter
 

DNR Trails

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

Hoosier National Forest Trails

Hiking Camping Back-country camping Horse Mountain biking

  1. Birdseye Trail, 11.8 Miles
  2. Charles C. Deam Wilderness, 37.3 total miles
  3. German Ridge Trail,  24 miles
  4. Hickory Ridge Trail, 48.7 miles
  5. Mogan Ridge Trails,* 19 miles
  6. Oriole Trails,* 13.7 miles
  7. Shirley Creek Trail,  19.4 miles
  8. Spring Valley Trail, 12.7 miles
  9. Two Lakes Loop Trail, 15.7 miles
  10. Young’s Creek Trail, 12.7 miles

*Includes both East and West Trails

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