5 Hiking Trails for Summer Recreation 

Are you ready for a good hike? We’ve selected five exciting trails right here in Indiana for a great day outdoors. Make these protein- and carb-filled recipes the night before, pop them in reusable containers and you’ll have something nutritious and delicious to munch on while you wander.

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated. But your exercising body needs more: It needs something good to burn. Make sure you fuel before your hike with a meal that is high in complex carbohydrates like whole grains, rich in (plant-based) protein, and fruits and vegetables. Think for instance a bowl of oatmeal with nuts and dried fruit, or scrambled eggs on whole-wheat toast and a fruity smoothie.

Whether you’re on a short hike or a long wander, it is important to snack every one or two hours, and don’t forget that raw fruits, vegetables and hard-boiled eggs are also great additions to your hiking snack pack. Once you return home from a great hike, it’s time to refuel again: The postexercise window is when your body is most receptive to nutrient absorption.

Eagle Creek Park
 

Located on the northwest side of Indianapolis, this park has many trails ranging from 1.25 miles up to 6.75 miles. Many of these trails intersect each other with breathtaking views of birds, including bald eagles, and the Eagle Creek Reservoir. The park includes an Earth Discovery Center, Ornithology Center, zip-lining and plenty of scenic picnic spots.

Knobstone Hiking Trail
 

A 160-mile trail with four sections spanning from Morgan-Monroe State Forest to Deam Lake in Borden, Indiana, just north of Louisville. There are opportunities for everything from day hikes to backpack camping with beautiful forested hills, ridges, lakes, wildflowers and historic sites.

Hemlock Cliffs
 

Just over an hour drive south of Indianapolis is a short (1.5 miles) national scenic hiking trail that is packed with waterfalls, cliffs, stunning rock formations and incredible wilderness. Perfect for those who want to wander and explore at a slower pace.

Turkey Run State Park
 

An hour and half west of Indianapolis, this state park is home to more than 14 hiking trails from easy to rugged ranging from .5 miles to 3 miles. The trails showcase sandstone cliffs, a suspension bridge, Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon along with some historic landmarks including the Punch Bowl with glacial erratics—pieces of bedrock carried from Canada by the glaciers.

Spring Mills State Park
 

About 2 hours south of Indianapolis, this state park covers seven hiking trails throughout 1,300 acres. The trails include caves, nature preserves, a historic pioneer cemetery and village, a lake and more. Trails range from easy to rugged with the longest trail around 2.5 miles.