While exploring Greene County, I saw that there was a moderate 1.6 mile hiking path inside the…read moreDilcher-Turner Canyon Forest. So, I crossed the railroad tracks (heading west) and pulled into the small lot at the south entrance. There is the usual wipe your feet before you enter and the sign in to let someone know the park is getting used. The park is a bit on the primitive side: no restrooms, natural trails, and only a few benches. There aren't actual trail markers, but during the right conditions, it seemed the painting of white patches on trees to help the hiker orient on the paths seemed to work. I could see this being a necessity after the leaves have fallen and covered up the dirt path. Note that there were several dry creeks that I crossed along the way, but because of the 60' elevation change, I could see the need to cross over water or at least muddy ground after a rain storm. The trail does have a short cut for those not wishing to hike the entire distance. After walking up a mild incline for .2 miles, there is a split in the path with a laminated map showing you where you are and the distances around the paths. I recommend snapping a photo of this since there is only one other map posted on the trails. The outer trail to the left (West) is the one with the best views of the canyon. Deep greens and rocky descents are seen and there is a bench to relax and just listen. No immediate access is available here to the canyon floor. However, the trails do gradually reach the lower portion of the canyon to the east, though never quite reaching the bottom, and certainly not near the viewing area on the west end. Along the way, there are a lot more rock outcroppings that have shallow caves. While observing a squirrel who had run into a fallen log, a deer ran by me within 30 yards to the crest of the hill, and then back to where it came from as I followed the path upward. Note: I wouldn't recommend going off trail here unless you have some high tech equipment or are just a bit crazy. The white trail patches are small and are only painted on the side that you can see them from the trail. If you wander off, you will need a lot of luck to find the markers again. If you are unsure, just stop and look to see the next marker before proceeding. They are there....just use patience. Overall, it was an enjoyable hike. I made good time on my trip, including stops to take photos, taking about 45 minutes. Review #1587

We were in Bloomington for a wedding and had a few hours to kill. this park had everything…read moreincluding a waterfall, caves and scenic shaded trails. Parking lot was small, we came early and no one else was here, 2 cars when we left.

I was looking for a nature hike in Bloomington and my fellow Yelpers steered me this way to Leonard…read moreSprings. It was...an adventure. The drive was maybe 20 minutes and I missed the turn. The "parking" area can fit 5-7 cars so it's tight. The map of the area wasn't clear so we went down in the canyon area via the steep stairs. It's a rocky walk and you have to watch your step. We weren't sure if it looped around so we turned around and went back up the steep stairs which winded us both. I think it's easier if you follow the path straight and it gradually winds you down to the "canyon" floor so I would recommend that.

I was looking for something fun to do on a sunny afternoon and came across this nice walking path…read more There is a nice sized parking lot at the trail head. There is a water fountain and a waste can where you first get to the path. One of the main things I loved about this trail is the fact that it is wheelchair friendly. I have a difficult time finding suitable trails to take my daughter on. This trail is not paved but it is very well packed and does have gravel in some spots. I would think that if it was wet from rains it may not be as suitable to walk on. We passed several runners, walkers and bikers. We did not make it the entire length of the trail but the length we did walk was so peaceful. There were no leaves on the trees yet and no green grass but hearing the running water in the creek along part of the trail was very relaxing. I can easily see how this would be a great place to come and get away from city life for a short time! I'll definitely be coming back when I'll be able to walk the entire path. And hopefully see some wildlife and maybe some wild flowers along the way!

I have been during the day and night. It can be a little dangerous at night. There is a homeless…read morecompound that stays out in the woods, so be sure that you're not alone and that you're prepared for danger. But it is absolutely gorgeous at night. I didnt see anything sketch on my night hike and highly recommend going. Just better safe than sorry. The day time is also really nice. It can get crowded, but thats all parks here in Bloomington. It is usually filled with runners and speed walkers. I dont see many kids. It is a trail, not a full size park. And it doesnt have the art that the B-line has so it may not be well suited for some kids. I would have loved it when I was a kid...but I was a nerdy outdoorsy kid. Definite spot for locals interested in getting off the B-line and out of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life quickly. I wouldn't really recommend for tourists. We have much better spots for you.

What a wonderful place to get out of the city and just slow down! My honey took me here 4/26/26…read moresince we've had some nice weather lately. Pleasantly surprised they have many picnic tables, the cover bridge to see and of course the Falls. Just be careful when walking to the lower fall as you are pretty close to the ledge of the falls. Plenty to enjoy here. Next time we shall have a nice picnic and enjoy the scenery. You can swim too.Parking is easy but i'm sure it gets crowded in the summer time!

Cataract Falls is a geological wonder worth visiting and only an hour west of Indianapolis. These…read moremagnificent Falls were created over millions of years as ice and water carved into the ancient limestone resulting in Mill Creek and two sets of falls. The Upper Falls drops 20 feet and can be viewed near the entrance to the park at several overlooks. We visited this week on a bright summer day. The waters were loud and rapid after recent rains. This is one of Indiana's most beautiful sites. There is a large parking lot near the Upper Falls along with picnic tables, grill, pavilion and small playground. We brought a picnic lunch so we could enjoy the Falls. There are pit bathrooms near the playground in a second parking lot. The Lower Falls are a short drive through the park. A nearby lot provides plenty of parking. The short path to view the falls is not paved, but an easy walk. These falls drop 18 feet with incredible views of the layered limestone exposed west of the falls. I was envious of a lone kayaker below the falls. There are marked trails through dense woods descending near the creek. You'll want to wear good hiking shoes and bug spray if you are up for the adventure. The property was donated by Agnes Stuckey in memory of her mother, Agnes Steiner. The Park is maintained by the Indiana DNR. There was no admission during our midweek visit.

As an adult with a disability, it can be super tricky trying to honestly review certain businesses,…read morelandmarks, and natural settings because there's a need to balance honesty with the awareness that after quite a few years of life I've accepted that certain places simply will never be accessible. A nature preserve is a great example. Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve is absolutely beautiful, but only a small portion of it really can be considered accessible. First off, this is a wetland preserve. That means, well, "wet" and "land." Part of the trail is dirt. Part of the trail is this sort of hard plastic boardwalk. It's rather narrow (I can't picture a large motorized chair handling it, though my smaller manual chair could for the most part). This nature preserve has 824 acres. It provides a home for the endangered Indiana bat, the Kirtland's snake, and there's reportedly an eagle's nest here (the bird, not the restaurant. Ha.). This is an Indiana State Nature Preserve, an "Important Bird Area" per the National Audubon Society, and a Wetland of Distinction by the Society of Wetland Scientists. The hiking trail comes in at about 2.5 miles. It's worth noting that accessibility is limited. There are eight parking spots, no restroom facilities, and the area is prone to flooding. The raised boardwalk has four observation decks. Kudos to the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and Duke Energy Foundation for improving accessibility with the newest part of the boardwalk trail. The plastic deck is 36" wide with openings of less than 1/2". The maximum grade is 10% for 15'. The trail is for the most part what I'd consider flat. There are six places where you can pass/turn around. If you're prone to falls or unstable pushing your wheelchair, I wouldn't do this alone as if you go off the boardwalk, which is possible, you're in the water. In case you're wondering, the Kirtland's snake is non-venomous and pretty reclusive. I will note that the trail from the parking lot to the boardwalk is crushed gravel. Again, I found it manageable but many would not. This is not a recreation spot. There are no real "activities" here. It's a nature preserve, and that's exactly what it's about. Birders should also be happy here. You might see an eagle, an egret, woodpeckers, woodcocks, warblers, and more. There's also a frog pond (I confess. I love frogs.). Nature preserves are not "parks." This is a remarkable place preserving nature, and I was pretty in awe of it. Parks, at least to me, always feel relatively controlled. Nature Preserves have a bit of spontaneity to them, maybe even risk. I'm so glad I found this place. I never knew about it, but when I was in the Bean Blossom area I did a quick search of other places to check out and "Voila!" here it was!

The Trees Are Fresh The Bugs Are Kinda Annoying At Times…read moreAnd The Nature In This Park As Really Good I Recommend You Take A Walk Here If You Wanna Get Vitamin D

Visiting Griffy Lake was one of my favorite adventures while in Bloomington for a fall weekend…read moregetaway. It's a scenic, windy drive to the lake with a large parking lot. It even looks like you can rent kayaks and boats here. We followed the boardwalk path and enjoy sitting on the bench admiring the fall foliage before following the path through the woods and marsh area. On a Sunday morning, there were families and dogs walking through the trails.

Best experience of my life working this job seasonally under Rebecca. (Just Rebecca S and Steve!)…read more I was there for YEARS! This was educational, focus on craftsmanship, being there for the little kiddos, and finding oneself amongst the most heavenly work environment, and essentially feeling like the Lorax. I speak for the trees! I've shared in the most beautiful stories, experiences, and photos since. Please hire back the staff that made this place what it is! The good memories need to still exist, yikes! The new supervisor, who hires and fires staff like she's playing a board game needs to probably leave before I'd ever find myself enjoying this haven once again.

We had the best weekend getaway here and are so happy to have found this spot through a friend of a…read morefriend. This forest has many camping sites, but they don't let yo reserve any before arriving. Our friend recommended arriving before 2pm to hopefully get a spot. We arrived then on one of the busiest most beautiful fall weekends and scored the LAST spot. Woohoo! We were allowed two tents on our camping spot, which came with a bonfire set up and cooking rack. There was a wooden bathroom only a few steps away and a lake within walking distance as well. The bathrooms didn't have sinks, but there was a water spigot down the road if needed. Most people camping here came for four or five days at a time and had awesome RV or airstreams set up on their camping sites. Therefore, most people went to bed quite early and we weren't bothered by anyone being too loud. Everyone had great fires going and we liked not being the only ones out here. The building where you pay for your campsite also had $5 log bundles you could buy, so we got a couple of those. There were tons of sticks and leaves around that we used to build up our fire as well. This spot is only a fifteen minute drive from Nashville, IN, so is such a great spot. Go check it out!

This review is specifically for the Jackson Creek trail…read more Overall rating: DNR - Do Not Recommend! Sure, there are some scenic views but the trail is pretty poorly marked. It is an "interpretive" trail but the interpretative markers don't have any description. Let's hope you took a picture of the map at the trail head! This could be a lot nicer with some TLC.

We enjoyed fresh air and a long relaxing hike along the creek. There was a nice little Sandy Beach…read morewhere the kids played and built castles. Can't wait to come back in the Spring.

This is more surprising than that scene in Garden State. Yeah, that one! Gasp! Takes your breath…read moreaway. Get a local to walk you there from parking at the commune lake. That's the top view. Needmore Commune was started by Kathy Canada, the grand daughter of Eli Lilly. Yeah, that Eli Lilly. It's not a tourist attraction. Locals don't bite. Ask and you'll find it. Bring wampum and trade beads. Flashbacks to 1969 are common in these-here-parts. Aaron Levy Property infamously reverted to family and was later purchased by Sycamore Land Trust. Google 'Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve' on the Sycamore Land Trust Site, for two maps so hard to read they scare people away. Prepare to be alone. Not crowded, except when morels poke out.

Our favorite state park in Indiana. My friends and I camp here for a four day weekend at least…read moreonce a year, and sometimes visit for just a day hiking trip and picnic. The campgrounds are excellent, especially Taylor Ridge. But be aware that you need to make reservations ahead of time, especially if you are planning a fall camping trip. Campsites sell out early. Shower rooms are decent, not wonderful. But satisfactory for a campground. Quiet hours are strictly observed, and the park rangers will pay a visit to your campsite if you aren't quiet after 10:00 pm Once we received a visit from a friendly park ranger when we were playing cards around 11 pm. We hadn't realized that we were being noisy at all but the ranger advised us that sound carries throughout the campground. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate. Trail maps are available are the trails are well marked. You will likely see deer and raccoons when hiking the trails. Some members of our group enjoy mountain biking too.

Brown county is a must go spot for Fall and beware everyone goes there for Fall! Last weekend was…read morevery crowded taking about 30 minutes just to cross the entrance. Past the crowd, the views were everything! It was eye candy and so worth the traffic, wait time and people. The park itself is very huge and has a couple entrance points and is well maintained. We hiked the Straul Lake hike and it's an easy 1 mile hike which had exceptional views- I just couldn't stop looking! The lookout points are another easy way to stop and click pictures, enjoy the views and just relax. Beware that internet depending on your provider can be hard to find. All in all brown county is a name for a reason. So worth the hype!