October 2014

Interior designer Jill Huse has long held an affinity for all things French. While learning the language in college and studying abroad in Nice, she became fascinated by Gallic style and design, particularly Parisian apartments.

With deep gorges, lush ravines, and sandstone cliffs, Shades evokes the splendor of its more-popular neighbor, Turkey Run—but without the crowds.

Thirty minutes in at Adena Trace, I reached a clearing, and the overlook delivered: A gorgeous panorama of the eastern shore opened before me.

The term “middle of nowhere” might have been coined for spots like Hemlock Cliffs, a trail leading through an oasis of sandstone bluffs designated a “special place” by Hoosier National Forest officials for its striking and rare features.

The trip was so pleasant, when I found myself back at the lake post-hike, I wanted to turn around and do it again—relentless crowds and all.

Not until a mile or so in did I realize how far off the mark I’d been in Morgan-Monroe State Forest—and experienced the kind of a-ha discovery that hikers live for.

The wide mix of terrain over 16 miles of singletrack in Versailles State Park has made the trail system a favorite of many Hoosier riders.

A glutton for punishment, I took the harder route. As my legs churned and my lungs screamed for more oxygen, I quickly realized this stretch has significantly more elevation gain than most Hoosier trails—including Brown County’s Hesitation Point.

A ranger had described the Succession Trail as perhaps the most ecologically unique corner of Indiana. I was skeptical.

Bald eagles pass through the park, so stash a pair of binoculars in your hydration pack in case you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

The Charles C. Deam Wilderness consists of 13,000 acres of steep ridges, curving creeks, and thick woods within the Hoosier National Forest.

The steep canyon knifing through the 178-acre nature preserve in Clifty Falls State Park offers plenty of drama.

“Brown County’s Green Valley guarantees a smile,” says Sally Marchand Collins. “It’s a fast, swooping trail that causes me to scream like a little girl as I launch off the top of each little roller-coaster peak.”

Avid hikers often use the Knobstone to warm up for longer hikes along the Appalachian Trail—even calling it “the little AT.” But if you’d like an easier introduction, these three day hikes will do the trick. Gird your glutes!

Booze-related injuries are comparatively rare on Indiana trails. Of greater concern is the threat of dehydration, which can happen when you try to replenish your sweaty, overheated body with booze instead of H2O.