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Morgan-Monroe State Forest

4.5 (21 reviews)

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Brady R.

Morgan Monroe State Forest is a gem that I don't think enough people 1) experience and 2) give enough credit to. Over the last year or so, I've gone down from Indy a couple of times to check out the longer trails. First, the Low Gap Trail and most recently, the Three Lakes Trail. The trails were all very well marked with easy signage on the trees. There were a couple of times in which it was tricky to find the trail cause of random side trails but Google Maps was happy to help us get back on the trail. The Three Lakes Trail was a great trail when I most recently came by myself. The trail winds thru the forest among a variety of terrain - some times near a lake, some times among pine trees, creek beds, etc. I will add that there were a few times that I was absolutely terrified of coming across a snake cause the trail gets so narrow in so many places and there is a lot of brush pushed up against the trail in the summertime. Of course, it's humid summer so bugs were present but it wasn't something my Buff couldn't handle. I was lucky enough to only come across two people the entire trip. The Three Lakes came out to take me around 3 hours and 50 minutes and my Fitbit said it was around 9.77 miles. There were lots and lots of mushrooms along the trails as you can see in my photos. The one thing I would recommend was that due to a recent storm, there were about 20-30 trees down among the trail. Hopefully those get cleaned up soon. Aside from that, I can't wait to get back down and go backpacking and hiking along the trails some time soon!

sign on Hinson Road
Ken N.

This 24,000 acre park doesn't have the best signs directing you to the park, but using a GPS seems to help. Most of the roads are winding and generally are in good shape, but some are gravel and so you may have to watch for potholes. I managed to find my way to the headquarters which seems to be as good a place as any to get oriented to any trail maps you may be using. I came in from the north end and passed the Lookout Tower and playground that are nearby. The headquarters wasn't open on Sunday morning, but it looks new and in great shape. I will definitely need to check it out on a future visit. Just north of the HQ, I grabbed one of the trail maps from a kiosk and headed to the Tree Identification Trail. The trail is rated as a one mile Easy trail that uses markers to identify numbers that match the printout I had from the website. Some of the markers were easy to find, but I didn't find them all. Also, some markers didn't seem to match the identification. Note that many of the trees are really tall, so seeing the leaves is not as easy as I had hoped. Maybe binoculars would be handy. The trail was wet from rains during the week, so I would suggest that the trail went from Easy to Moderate due to the muddy conditions and risk of slipping. I definitely recommend bringing a change of shoes and socks so that you don't have to worry about getting your car trashed from the mud! There is a lot of wildlife in the area. The trails were obviously used by local deer. The trail got really narrow at times so it was easy to spot the hoof prints for long stretches. Two highlights for me were the small box turtle crossing the Gose Creek Road and the deer that crossed the main road ahead of me. It waited in the tall undergrowth long enough for me to stop and take a photo from my car. Due to the wet conditions, I was uncomfortable hiking the longer trails. I started hiking the Mason Ridge Trail, but thought it best to wait for better conditions to attempt the nearly 3 mile loop. Review #2612

Underrated camp sites. First come first serve. $12 a night.
Mandy S.

This is an underrated recreation area. There is great hiking, including a five mile paved trail for walking and biking. The primitive campground has nice secluded spots. It's quiet, unlike rowdy campgrounds like Paynetown. There are very clean vault toilets and an outdoor sink available. There is also a playground near the entrance of the campground. It's first come first serve: meaning you set up camp, then go to the camp office to register. If they are closed, there is a drop box to pay for the night. It's $12 a night.

The size of these mushrooms!?
Leila R.

I am sure this is a fine forest as far as forests go, but my visit here was solely for the creepy AF, "supposedly" (no, it really is...) haunted, 200+ year old Stepp Cemetery. I lived in Indiana for 15yrs and spent a solid 10 of those yrs going down to Btown from Indy. I remember so many Halloweens spent listening to stories about legit Indiana haunts and always believing my friends (and the webpages they referenced) were Hoosier whackadoos. The Stepp Cemetery was always mentioned and several of my friends always tried to get to go, but 1) I am a straight-out unashamed scaredy-cat 2) I am super sensitive to spiritual juju 3) I have seen Blair Witch Project...I know better. But, on a recent trip to visit a friend who had been one who had always wanted to go, I finally gave in (with the caveat that we went during the day, unlike at night as she suggested). We compromised on "dusk". Glad we decided to give ourselves a time buffer because Old IN 37 was closed for construction and in the Hoosier spirit of incompetence, the "detour" they provided ended on the other closed side of the construction, so we had no entrance access from there. Google maps to the rescue! Actually, the only real way to find the pull off and trail to Stepp is to follow the GPS as it is not marked and there is not a sign visible from the road. You know you are there because the of the single metal bar gate. The trail to Stepp is not a far one (maybe just over a quarter of a mile), but it sure is ominous. The trees are overgrown above the trail creating a sort of tunnel that in any other atmosphere would be splendid or romantic, but here...ominous. The grounds are marked by a headstone that actually says "Stepp Cemetery" and I did not initially feel weirded out when we first arrived. We were really surprised to see we were completely by ourselves as this seemed to be a pretty active and happening spot for disenfranchised youths, EVP-ers, and other ghost-hunting types. The creep factor of having the place to ourselves was immediately palpable. The Cemetery grounds are actually really pretty and peaceful looking as it is in a roundish clearing with the sunlight almost spotlighting certain parts. There is a weeping willow in one corner (with gravemarkers underneath) and another very large tree almost smack-dabb in the center. Once you start strolling around and get into looking at the various markers (some are so old the writing has literally worn off, others have some how sunken into the ground so you can only see the tops, others are super duper tiny, while others are in weird shapes. There is even one w/what looks like cyrillic on it) it is nice. The weird tingles and neck-hairs standing on end did not start for me until I came in front of this creepy looking burnt out tree. I immediately walked away and started perusing some quasi-hidden headstones under some nearby trees and then my friend called me over to the "haunted stump". The legend has it that the woman who has a baby buried here watches over the grave from that stump (it is kinda chair-like) and that's why nothing grows out of it. Well the stump she called me over to see was pretty huge and had little things growing out of it, so it was definitely not it. As we continued exploring the grounds we came upon what had to be the baby's grave since there were tokens and trinkets scattered everywhere, even hanging from the tree. From what I had been told, you leave a token on the grave so that the spirits don't haunt you when you leave. My friend and I each left the oldest pennies (face-up) we could find! Right after we laid the pennies down both of us got a chill and just looked at each other and then looked to our right and that's when we saw THE stump. This thing was literally like a movie prop. It was black, worn, and just had this aura of foreboding melancholy and tragic condemnation. Needless to say, (after we got an obligatory pic) we steered clear. Behind the baby grave there is this little clearing and my friend found these huge mushrooms, so I came over to take a look and a picture. My friend was doing her "EVP" stuff and I had bent down for closer inspection when all of a sudden both of us froze. There was this weird echoed tap directly to the left of us. My friend yelled "We're not deer, don't shoot!" We both giggled and then we both heard what can only be described as the combination of trickling water and a simultaneous glugging sound. At that point, we were both scared out of our wits (it was definitely getting dusky) and bolted back to the car. I am not a runner or even a light jogger, but I made it back to the car in record time. My breathless friend came up a minute or so later yelling,"How could you leave me behind!?!". I explained that the rules of horror movies applied here: every (wo)man for themselves! We got in the car, shut and locked the doors, started the engine, but just kind of sat there shaking. I went to pull up Gmaps and...no signal!?

Laura H.

This is a great way to get outside. Everything from picnic areas, hiking trails, and campsite. There is a new building going up so I'm interested to see what that will be this summer! The park is pack in pack out...so be sure to pack a trash bag! Signs near the campsite were family friendly and I saw some newer playground equipment! The quite hours were also 11-7 which is great if you want to get some sleep! FYI The roads thru the park are better on the south side than the north end.

The amazing rock shelter carved out by nature!
Eric S.

Took a "daycation" here over my spring break when the weather was amazing. Not all the trails were open due to them having to rebuild and clear debris. The trail I took was the Tecumseh short trail which is a 3 mile moderate course. Very beautiful scenery although everything was still dead from winter. I did run into a couple if park rangers and workers and they helped with anything I needed and gave me a map of the park in it's entirety. I will definitely be back for summer and fall to see changes in scenery.

Large oak tree in Stepp Cemetery.

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9 years ago

Beautiful hiking trails! Rock shelter trail is the best. Beautiful scenery and lots of trees!

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12 years ago

Nice view, no water hookup in camp site, men's shower affords no privacy, bathrooms were dirty but atleast had toilet paper. Price is right.

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Ask the Community - Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Review Highlights - Morgan-Monroe State Forest

I definitely want to come back and do this trail again, and also the Low Gap Trail.

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Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District

Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District

5.0(4 reviews)
16.3 mi

High quality ingredients and delicious! My mom used to make me delicious fried egg sandwiches when…read moreI was a child. Cordry makes an even better one!

Nestled 60 minutes south of Indianapolis in the north east corner of Brown County are man-made…read moresister lakes, Cordry and Sweetwater. These lakes are one of the best kept secrets in Indiana. The lakes are for the private use by the landowners of the properties within the district. Currently there are over 1000 homes and cottages surrounding the lakes. The Conservancy governs lake and wilderness of the district ensuring preservation of the natural beauty of the area. The lakes are among the clearest in the state. Recreational activities include boating, fishing, swimming and hiking. The is a small playground and beach near the Sweetwater dam. Amenities include a library, clubhouse, volunteer fire department and recycling center. There is no commercial business in the district except for one real estate business. The closest grocery is about a 30 minute drive except for a convenience store about five mikes north. The lakes are patrolled daily by safety patrol boats. The lakes have regulations to ensure guest safety. We have caught bass, blue gills and perch in the lake. There is a small hiking trail. Unfortunately there are no running or biking trails although runners and walkers frequently walk on the roads encircling the lakes. The area is also ideal for bird watching. Summer season is the most active with residents enjoying a multitude of water sports including water skiing, tubing, wake-boarding and swimming. The fall season offers spectacular color shows of changing leaves characteristic of Brown County. Winter is quiet and particularly lovey with snow on the lakes. Historic Nashville, Indiana is a short 30 minute drive.

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Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District - Perfect day.

Perfect day.

Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District
Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District - Winter sunrise.

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Winter sunrise.

Jimmy Nash City Park

Jimmy Nash City Park

4.9(7 reviews)
7.3 mi

Being someone who grew up here this park was a staple of my childhood. Its changed some but overall…read morenot much. They have pickleball courts, basketball courts, a city pool with splash pad, multiple shelters you can rent for get togethers, trails to hike, disc golf course, playground for the kids, and the greatest sledding hill in Indiana come winter time. For the 4th of July, they always shoot off fireworks off the top of the hill for the whole town to see. Arguably one of the best city parks in all of Indiana given the hilly terrain and all the activities.

This public park for Martinsville is comparable to Pioneer Park in Moorseville. There are four…read moretennis courts and two full size basketball courts or they can be used as four half courts. They have a full size pool with a water slide, a splash pad and a good size facilities building to accommodate their water park. Both parks are very similar in that respect. This park might have better shelters depending on your point of view but definitely a couple more with a total of nine. Most are fully enclosed and most have fireplaces. Most have some sort of playground equipment at each shelter location. These shelters can be more accomdodating in inclement weather or during colder weather. But enclosed ones have ways to open them up for summer weather such as one or more garage doors. Parking is plentiful at most shelters and all have access to a paved road. There are trails for hiking, a large fishing pond and a dedicated playground with a huge spaceship structure at its core. A dog park is available. My only complaint is there is no sign that I saw directing you to the restrooms. The obvious boy & girl restrooms at the rear dog park were locked.

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Jimmy Nash City Park
Jimmy Nash City Park - Playground

Playground

Jimmy Nash City Park

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Cataract Falls State Recreation Area

Cataract Falls State Recreation Area

4.4(47 reviews)
22.4 mi

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.

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Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area - Inside the bridge

Inside the bridge

Cataract Falls State Recreation Area - Info

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Info

Bloomington Rail Trail

Bloomington Rail Trail

4.6(7 reviews)
14.5 mi

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.

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Bloomington Rail Trail
Bloomington Rail Trail
Bloomington Rail Trail

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Brown County State Park - Brown County campground site.

Brown County State Park

4.5(109 reviews)
14.6 mi

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.

Love the mountain bike trails. They have trails from beginner to advanced so there is something for…read moreeveryone. Love the very large campgrounds. The only bad I would have to say is twice while staying at the campground the power went out. I do NOT! Recommend staying at the INN, Abr Martin Lodge. It needs a major renovation. The air was out in all 5 rooms they tried to put us in. The beds needed a major cleaning. Two were pee stained sheets. The last had dead bugs. The overlooks throughout the park are breathtaking. A definite visit at sunset or sunrise.

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Brown County State Park - Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park - Playground

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Playground

Burkhart Creek County Park

Burkhart Creek County Park

4.7(3 reviews)
10.0 mi

Nice place for a walk and some bird watching. Some trails are paved and some are mowed grass and…read moresome are crushed gravel. You can stick with level trails but they have less shade or you can head in to the woods and get shade but more elevation shade. I was there on a Friday afternoon and I didn't see another person at all.

This secluded park has several types of hiking available. For those who like wooded hikes with…read moresteep terrain changes, Trail #2 is a half mile loop that will get your heart pounding. For someone who likes a level hike along a prairie, the park has a longer loop around the perimeter of the 83 acre park. For visitors with mobility challenges, a paved loop near the north end parking lot goes around the northern prairie while skirting along the north end of the woods. The park is located off SR 67, south of Martinsville, just passed the street sign for Hyndsdale on North Duckworth Road. Duckworth makes several zigzags west and north before you see the east parking lot (the north parking lot is farther north and then west on Gray Road.) At the east end parking lot, you can head straight west up the gravel path into the woods. At the crest of the hill, you will be able to head left, straight, or right. The right side path is for Trail 1 and leads north on a short loop back to the parking lot. The left side path and the straight path are the two ends of Trail 2 which wanders through the hilly forest until reaching the south/west edge of the forest. The stretch between these two exits is a gravel path along the prairie that connects the two. Unfortunately, there are no trail markers and only some of the kiosks at the north end parking lot have maps showing where the trails lead. Apparently, there is supposed to be a tree identification program along the trails, but I could not find any markers along the trail to tell which trees matched up to the photo I took of the map with the key. The north end parking area has access to a shelter (with a grill and tables) and a mini "playground". There are a couple additional picnic tables to the west of the lot that are shaded and overlook the creek. Port-o-lets are found at the north parking lot as well. While hiking, I also noticed lots of bird houses for different varieties of fowl in both the prairie and wooded areas. Near the north lot, there is also a utility pole with numerous bat houses mounted near the top. The houses are for the endangered Indiana Bat. Fortunately, the bats are nocturnal, so no need to be concerned about an encounter. Overall, I liked the variety of the hiking trails, but wish that the park system would make sure both parking lots had trail information and that the trails and trees were indicated more clearly. Review #869

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Burkhart Creek County Park
Burkhart Creek County Park
Burkhart Creek County Park

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Morgan-Monroe State Forest - hiking - Updated May 2026

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