Combine being outdoors with a little bit of exercise – and surprise yourself with how great it makes you feel. Here are some ideas to help you get moving at Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs.
Spring Mill 10 Mile Trail Challenge
Enjoy three nature preserves, a National Natural Landmark, cave lookouts, a view of the Pioneer Village, a beautiful lake, a walk by Spring Mill Inn, and the beauty of native flora and fauna. The challenge can be completed in a day or in shorter segments over the course of a year. After completion, visit the Friends of Spring Mill State Park Facebook page to purchase a Trail Challenge T-shirt for $20. If you complete the challenge again in a different year, you can purchase a trail challenge sticker or another T-shirt.
Four Falls Challenge at Clifty Falls State Park
Enjoy the rugged cliffs and canyons of Clifty Falls State Park along with our four major waterfalls on this 4-mile hiking challenge. Hike part of the path of the old railroad that was once planned to cut through the park, and see the 600-foot-long tunnel they excavated through shale and limestone. See stonework completed by the C.C.C. on this 2-3 hour hike. Stop by the Nature Center first to pick up your map, and photograph seven specific waypoints along your hike. Show these photos to the nature center staff after completing the hike to receive your Four Falls Challenge sticker. Stop by the Nature Center or Clifty Inn front desk to pick up your map.
3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park
Challenge yourself, your friends, and your family to climb the three tallest sand dunes in the park any day of the year. This 1.5-mile self-guided challenge trail begins at the nature center and is the toughest trail in the park, with 552 vertical feet to climb. Your reward is not only breathtaking views atop each of the dunes but also a free 3-Dune Conqueror sticker from Indiana Dunes Tourism.
9 Lake Challenge at Chain O' Lakes State Park
This nine lake paddle challenge will take you 5 miles across the park via nine connected kettle lakes. Enjoy the natural landscape from the unique vantage point of your boat. Download or pick up a paddle map to guide you, take pictures along the way at the nine designated locations, and then show your photos to the staff at park headquarters. Upon completion, get a free sticker and purchase your 9 Lake Challenge merchandise and be able to officially say I PADDLED THE CHAIN! See the 9 Lakes Challenge brochure.
Hell's Point Challenge at Pokagon State Park
This is an 8-mile loop trail connecting many of the park’s trails—including a visit to Hell’s Point, the park’s highest peak. Route maps can be picked up at the nature center. Along the way, hikers need to photograph six specific waypoints and show these photos to the nature center staff at the end of the hike. Finishers will receive a sticker and a water bottle while supplies last.
5 Mile Challenge at Turkey Run State Park
Explore the perimeter hiking trails in the Falls Canyon-Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve. You’ll traverse 3 canyons, climb a ladder, cross a suspension bridge, and see the park’s first steward's home. Plan on 2-3 hours. Portions of the hiking challenge may be impassable after large rainfalls. No water or bathrooms are available along the route, which starts at the nature center. See the 5 Mile Challenge brochure.
CCC Challenge Course at Ouabache State Park
The CCC Challenge showcases the importance of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to Indiana state parks. The challenge is to visit some of the CCC sites on the 4-mile course and complete a climb to the top of the restored fire tower. The course starts and ends at the fire tower near the bison enclosure. After guests complete the challenge, a free CCC Challenge Sticker will be available at the property office or guests can visit the Friends of Ouabache website to purchase a CCC Challenge T-shirt for $20. Challenge brochures with a map of the course can be picked up at the gatehouse or property office. So, hike it, climb it, and find it.
6 Ravine Challenge at Shades State Park
Enjoy the ups and downs of rugged hiking by traveling through six ravines. Climb ladders, enjoy beautiful vistas, and chase down a waterfall or two. Plan on 2-3 hours. Portions of the hiking challenge may be impassable after large rainfalls. Start at the Hickory Shelter, which is the only source of water and bathrooms on the challenge. Learn how to take the 6 Ravine Challenge.
7 Vista Challenge at Brown County State Park
Brown County is known for its great views of the county's forested hills. This challenge visits seven places where you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets or just drink in the colors of the seasons. Download your Vista Challenge map, take a photo using the Vista Challenge frame at each location, and show your photos at the nature center, Abe Martin Lodge, or the Brown County Visitors Center in Nashville to earn a free sticker and purchase a T-shirt. The vistas featured include West Lookout Tower, Hesitation Point, Friends Trail Vista, Weedpatch Vista, Nature Center Vista, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Vista, and Hohen Point Vista. Completing the challenge takes about an hour by car or two hours by bike.
