While businesses and even playgrounds are closed, it might feel like you have no options for going anywhere or doing anything other than being in your own home during the pandemic.... this is not the case! Did you know several walking, biking, and hiking trails are open in the Hendricks County area that you can safely enjoy today with your family?
- McCloud Nature Park 8518 Hughes Rd, North Salem
Be sure to check out the 100-year-old iron truss bridge! This park sits on 232 acres of woodlands, glacial ravines, a creek, and prairie land. Hike your choice of 6.5 miles of trails. - Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve - Tall Timbers Trail 9498 N Co Rd 425 E #9100, Bainbridge
Enjoy the quiet 1.8-mile trail while you take in nature! - Blanton Woods 894 North Washington St., Danville
Over 5 miles of wooded trails in 53 acres of woodlands. Stop to skip stones in the creek! - Burnett Woods Nature Preserve 8264 E County Rd 100 S, Avon, IN
Hike the 1.7-mile marked trail in over 80 acres of woods. The spring flowers are breath-taking! Park at the Light & Life Church parking lot and walk across the grass to the trailhead. This trail can get pretty muddy, so be sure to wear old shoes or hiking boots. - Sodalis Nature Park 7700 S County Rd 975 E, Plainfield
Explore several wooded trails and one small paved trail next to a large fishing pond. Sodalis is one of our family's favorites to hike! - Fred & Dorothy Nature Preserve Observatory Rd, Martinsville
Hike the steep hillsides and deep ravines, while looking out for wildlife and rare, native species. - McCormick's Creek State Park 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer
Discover wildlife and unique rock features along the 10+ mile hiking trails. (Wolf Cave is closed during the pandemic.)
- Cataract Falls I-70 N Cataract Rd, Spencer
This waterfall is a MUST SEE for anyone who lives in the area! Kids will have fun climbing rocks around the falls. Walk across the historic covered bridge during your trip. - Eagle Creek Park 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis
Hiking and running trails remain open during the pandemic. No cars allowed right now, but it is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
Hiking Tips:
- Don't go out if your are sick.
- Check each park/trail's social media outlet to be sure it is open at the time you plan to go.
- Bring a water bottle. Drinking fountains are most likely closed. Plus--eww--you don't want to use them right now anyway!
- "Go" before you go. Public restrooms are closed! This is why it's great to not travel too far from home.
- Stay 6 feet away from others! While fresh air is the best place to be when trying to stay away from germs, it's still important to maintain a proper social distance both for your own safety and for the safety of others. Kindly step to the side of the trail to make room when passing or letting others pass you. Brownsburg Parks & Rec has great info and tips on Keeping a Safe Social Distance in Parks and on Trails.
- Wear old or water-resistant shoes when hiking on a non-paved trail. Some trails can get very muddy!
- Hiking with little ones for the first time? Here are 11 Tips For Hiking with Toddlers.
--------------------------
Looking for biking trail ideas? Check out Our Favorite Hendricks County Bike Trails.
Lets connect! Subscribe to Macaroni Kid Hendricks free e-newsletters full of local family fun. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
