Hiking Near Me in Merom
Cagles Mill Lake (Liebre Sra)
1317 W. Lieber Road, Suite 1, Cloverdale, IN
In 1952, Cagles Mill Lake was built as Indiana’s first flood control reservoir, protecting the Eel and White river watersheds. Mill Creek feeds the 1,400-acre lake and is home to beautiful Cataract Falls. These falls resulted from two pre-glacial bedrock ridges buried beneath ancient lake sediments of the Illinoisan glacial period.
In the 1800s, Lieber State Recreation Area was populated by the Miami, Shawnee and Potawatomi. In 1809, what was left of the great Miami Indian Confederacy sold the now southern one-third of Indiana to the U.S. government, when the 10 O’Clock Treaty Line, which passes through Lieber SRA, was laid out. To learn more about the history and legends of the area, stop at the Nature Center and speak with the Interpretive Naturalist staff.
The state of the art Aquatic Center is open during the Memorial Day to Labor Day recreation season. The Aquatic Center has a zero entrance pool, water bubblers and a tornado water slide. There are also shelters, a volleyball court and a playground. Other family fun opportunities include hiking trails, boat access to Cagles Mill Lake and a campground. The 115 Class A and 94 Class B campsites make this a lovely place to visit. Plan a picnic in the activities field, where you will find horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and plenty of play areas for the kids. For additional information and for Aquatic Center hours, please contact the property office at (765) 795-4576.
During the summer, pool hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.
ACTIVITIES
- Nature Center
- Basketball Court
- Boating / 2 Launch Ramps
- Fishing
- Fishing Pier
- Hiking Trails
- Horseshoe Pits
- Hunting
- Interpretive Naturalist Services
- Picnicking / Shelterhouse
- Playground Equipment
- Rental - Fishing Boats, Pontoons
- Waterskiing
- Water Safari Boat Tours
- Swimming / Pool / Waterslide
McCormick's Creek State Park
250 McCormick's Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN
Explore the spectacular limestone canyon, flowing creek, and scenic waterfalls that highlight Indiana’s first state park. Hike trails featuring diverse forest trees, spicebush, and native wildflowers, including a trail through Wolf Cave Nature Preserve and an accessible trail at the recently renovated nature center. Experience history as you climb the fire tower, use shelter houses or cross the stone arch bridge created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or examine the historic Statehouse Quarry near White River, which furnished limestone used for the Indianapolis Statehouse. Relax in the lobby of Canyon Inn, open to all park visitors, or watch birds from the dining room porch. Catch cultural events such as concerts in the park amphitheater or attend the several special events hosted annually at the park. McCormick’s Creek State Park offers active enjoyment through all seasons of the year.
During the summer, pool hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.
Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA)
1588 S. Raccoon Parkway, Rockville, IN
Native forest and large rock outcrops line the upper part of Big Raccoon Creek. Cecil M. Harden Lake resulted from the damming of the creek for flood control. The lake also provides recreation, wildlife management and economic benefits. A variety of fish, flora and fauna can be viewed at the property.
Nearby Historic Mansfield Roller Mill is a preserved, working example of industrialization in Indiana at the turn of the 20th century. This 1880s flour mill uses machinery from that time to show visitors how flour and cornmeal were processed from wheat and corn. It is an almost complete and unchanged example of flour mills from this time period.
ACTIVITIES
1880's Roller Mill
Tours and Corn Grinding Demonstrations
Archery Range
Basketball Courts
Boating / 5 Launch Ramps
Fishing / Ice Fishing
Fishing Pier (open when water level permits)
Hiking Trails
Horseshoe Pits
Hunting / Limited
Interpretive Services
Picnicking / Shelterhouses
Playground Equipment
Rental - Fishing Boats, Pontoons
Swimming / Beach
Volleyball Courts
Waterskiing
Wildlife Viewing Areas
Camping
Electric / 240 sites
Non-electric / 37 sites
Primitive / 35 sites
Youth Tent Areas
Camp Store
Dumping Station
Turkey Run State Park
8121 East Park Road, Marshall, IN
Turkey Run State Park has what you've been needing. Explore it and see how Indiana was shaped by ancient forces.
You'll discover ancient Indiana's remains. Many old growth trees exist in the park.
A walk into one of the ravines takes you on a trip through time, for the sandstone gorges represent 600 to 300 million years of nature's handiwork.
RECREATION:
HIKING TRAILS
Deep canyons nestled in the shadows of sandstone cliffs and peaceful hemlock groves harbor some of the most ruggedly beautiful hiking trails in the state. Trails are open from dawn to dusk.
To get to many hiking trails you need to cross the suspension bridge over Sugar Creek. Be warned - it is 70 steps down to the suspension bridge. Upon crossing the bridge you will be in the Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve, containing deep sandstone canyons and one of the last remnants of the magnificent forest that originally covered most of Indiana. Please protect and enjoy this priceless heritage.
PICNIC AREAS
Turkey Run State Park is an ideal place for a picnic, with picnic areas throughout the park. These picnic tables are available on a first-come, first served basis. There are picnic areas with charcoal grills by the Saddle Barn, near the ball courts, and by the shelter houses.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Turkey Run State Park has miles of bridle trails, so you can enjoy guided horseback rides. Inquire at the saddle barn. (Sorry, you can't bring your own horse.)
While you're at the saddle barn, also ask about hayrides.
The saddle barn is open from April through October 9am - 5pm (weather permitting). The saddle barn is closed in the winter.
For more info call the Saddle Barn at (765) 597-2280. After hours call for reservations at (765) 376-4639.
NATURE CENTER
Turkey Run State Park offers interpretive naturalist services all year long. Scheduled programs include hikes, planetarium programs, history talks, a junior naturalist program, and evening programs. Special groups wishing programs just for their group should call in advance for this free service. Inquire at the Nature Center, Inn or Park Office.
The Nature Center is open year round and can be reached by phone at (765) 597-2654. It features informative displays, interactive exhibits, live wildlife, a small theater offerings things like Star Shows, plus a wildlife watching room with large one-way glass windows overlooking many wildlife feeders.
General hours of operation vary, and the hours are listed below. Keep in mind that there may be some rare, random days that the Nature Center is closed when it would normally be open.
CANOEING
Sugar Creek, one of Indiana's most scenic rivers, flows right through the heart of Turkey Run State Park. While the park does not operate any canoe services, several local canoe liveries operate on Sugar Creek.
In addition, two public access points to Sugar Creek exist just outside Turkey Run: one upstream of the Narrows Covered Bridge at the Brush Creek canoe ramp, and one downstream at the Cox Ford canoe ramp by Cox Ford Covered Bridge.
FISHING
Sugar Creek, one of Indiana's most scenic rivers, flows right through the heart of Turkey Run State Park. You can fish for bass, bluegill and more in the creek, though a state license is required.
If you prefer fishing from a boat note that there are two public access points to Sugar Creek just outside Turkey Run: one upstream of the Narrows Covered Bridge at the Brush Creek canoe ramp, and one downstream at a canoe ramp by Cox Ford Covered Bridge
SWIMMING POOL
Turkey Run State Park is home to an Olympic-size swimming pool with a bathhouse and wading pool.
CAMPGROUND
Electric Sites
Turkey Run has 213 Class A modern campsites with electrical hookup and modern restrooms/showers. (6 sites are handicapped accessible).
Youth Tent Camp
Turkey Run has two primitive group camps with pit toilets (no showers or restrooms).
Camp Store
Turkey Run operates a store at the campground for your camping needs
Shades State Park
7751 S. 890 W., Waveland, IN
Shades State Park is that peaceful place you've sought. Located about 17 miles southwest of Crawfordsville (off S.R. 47), it is a favorite for hikers and canoeists.
The beautiful sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and numerous shady ravines provide the backdrop for your journey through this nature lover's paradise.
ACTIVITIES (day-use only between November-March)
Picnic areas w/shelters
Hiking Trails
6 Ravine Hiking Challenge
Fishing
Interpretive Naturalist Services (Seasonal)
CAMPING (April - October)
Non-Electric / 105 sites
Backpack / 7 sites
Canoe Camp / 10 sites
Youth Tent Areas
Dumping Station
Lincoln State Park
15476 County Road 300 East, Lincoln City, IN
Discover the boyhood home of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Among the rolling hills and thick forest, young Lincoln learned many life lessons. Lincoln State Park offers 10 miles of hiking trails, two scenic lakes, and an interpretive center to help you experience early life of settlers in southern Indiana. Your entire family can enjoy a relaxing time at one of the campgrounds, cabins or group cottages. Tour the Colonel Jones Home, the historic home of the merchant and Civil War officer who employed young Lincoln.
ACTIVITIES
Nature Center
Interpretive Naturalist Services
Picnicking/Shelters
Boat Launch Ramp
Boating / Elect. motor only
Fishing
Shelters (Shelter Reservations)
Hiking Trails
A Neighborhood Walk - Follow the paths of young Abraham Lincoln 150 years ago.
General Store
Rental-Canoe, Paddleboat, Rowboat
Swimming / Beach
Lincoln State Park beach is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
Camping
Electric / 150 sites
Non-electric / 88 sites
Primitive / 31 sites
Group Camp
Youth Tent Areas
Dumping Station
Pine Hills Group Cottages
Blue Heron Family Cabins
Spring Mill State Park
3333 State Road 60 E., Mitchell, IN
Spring Mill State Park offers a powerful illustration of the link between the natural and cultural worlds. The water flowing from several cave springs led to the founding of an industrial village in the early 1800s. Pioneer entrepreneurs took advantage of a constant water source that never froze, using it to power several gristmills, a wool mill, a saw mill, and a distillery. In turn, pioneer settlers shaped the landscape around the village, clearing land for agriculture and timber.
The park today continues to illustrate how nature shapes us and how we shape our environment. A parcel of virgin timber sits in contrast to regenerated forest, a man-made lake struggles to survive against the in-flow of silt from cave-fed systems, and the native flora and fauna face challenges from man’s introduction of new species.
Brown County State Park
1405 S.R. 46 W., Nashville, IN
Nicknamed the "Little Smokies" because of the area's resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines. Glaciers from the most recent ice ages stopped short of the "hills o' Brown," but their meltwaters helped create the narrow ridges, steep slopes and deep gullies of Brown County State Park. Indiana's largest park is a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland.
Activities
Nature Center / Interpretive Naturalist Services
Shelters
Bridle Trails / Saddle Barn, (with escorted rides: (812) 988-8166 )
Picnic Tables
Fishing / Ice Fishing
Hiking Trails
Mountain Bike Trails
Brown County Mountain Bike Trails
"Bike" magazine says Brown County SP trails among best on continent.
Tennis Courts
Open Fields
Playground Equipment
Swimming / Pool (Policy). Call office for hours.
Camping - See campground maps under MAPS tab
RVs Use West Gate
Electric / 401 sites
Non-Electric / 28 sites
Rally / 60 sites
Horsemen's - Entrance off 135 South
Electric / 118 sites
Non-Electric / 86 sites
Youth Tent Areas
Camp Store
Dumping Station
O'Bannon Woods State Park
7234 Old Forest Road SW, Corydon, IN
O'Bannon Woods State Park (formerly Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Area) lies in the central and extreme southern part of the state, bordering the Ohio River. It is nestled inside 26,000-acre Harrison Crawford State Forest, but is managed separately, along with Wyandotte Caves State Recreation Area. For more information about O'Bannon Woods or Wyandotte Caves, contact the park office at (812) 738-8232.
O’Bannon Woods was the location of one of the few African-American Civilian Conservation Corps units. The property also has a uniquely restored, working haypress barn, complete with oxen for power and a pioneer farmstead. Indiana’s first natural and scenic river, Blue River, flows through the state park and forest.
Stagestop Campground, including the canoe access ramp located at Stagestop, is CLOSED until further notice. Please contact the property with any questions.
During the summer, pool hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.
ACTIVITIES
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services
- Picnicking
- Picnic Tables
- Fishing / Boating
- Hiking Trails
- Family Aquatic Center
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
1217 Deam Lake Road, Borden, IN
Deam Lake offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking and hunting in designated areas. The 194-acre lake was constructed in 1965 and was named in honor of Charles Deam, Indiana's first state forester. Deam is best known for his book, Trees of Indiana, a comprehensive study of trees throughout the state. He was also instrumental in setting aside land for what is now the Department of Natural Resources.
Charlestown State Park
12500 Indiana 62, Charlestown, IN
Once a largely undeveloped portion of the huge (15,000-acre) Indiana Army Ammunition plant, Charlestown State Park is located in southern Indiana. The park is easily accessible, located 8 miles east of I-65, on State Road 62. With scenic vistas of the Fourteenmile Creek valley and the Ohio River, with elevation changes of over 200 feet, Charlestown has much to offer the visitor with its rugged hills and deep ravines. While hiking the rugged terrain you will see Devonian fossil outcrops and areas of karst sinkhole topography. Bird watchers will enjoy the 72 species of birds, including bluebirds, black vultures and an occasional bald eagle.
Charlestown is one of two state parks offering full hookup campsites.
Activities
Hiking Trails
Picnic areas w/shelters (Shelter Reservations)
Fishing, along 14 Mile Creek bank on Trail 3
Playground Equipment
Camping
Interpretive Naturalist Services (seasonal)
Camping
Full Hookup / 60 sites
Electric / 132 sites
Campground Reservations
Clifty Falls State Park
2221 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN
Clifty Falls State Park is located near Madison with entrances on state roads 56 and 62. The park’s waterfalls change moods with the weather and the seasons and can range from roaring plunges to delicate bridal-veil mists to gleaming frozen titans. Winter and spring visits reveal them at their best. The rugged splendor of Clifty Canyon offers exciting year-round hiking and scenery.
Clifty Creek’s stony bed is littered with fossil remnants telling of a long vanished marine ecosystem that teemed with life that included ancient corals, ancestral squids, brachiopods and more. Fossil collecting within Clifty Falls State Park is prohibited but nearby collecting locations are readily accessible.
In Historic Madison, tour the Lanier State Historic Site, the former mansion of frontier banker James F.D. Lanier, and enjoy the drive along the beautiful Ohio River. Plan a park visit during one of the community's special events, such as the July Regatta hydroplane boat race or the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art in late September.
Activities:
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services
- Shelters (Shelter Reservations)
- Picnicking
- Hiking Trails
- Four Falls Hiking Challenge
- Tennis & Other Games
- Meeting & Conference Facilities
- Clifty Inn and Restaurant
- Swimming Pool / Waterslide (Policy) Check office for hours.
Camping - See campground maps under MAPS tab
- Electric / 106 sites
- Non-electric / 63 sites
- Youth Tent Areas
- Dumping Station
Mounds State Park
4306 Mounds Road, Anderson, IN
Taltree Arboretum And Gardens
450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, IN
Vision:
Taltree will improve quality of life and increase economic vitality in the South Lake Michigan region by preserving green space, establishing significant woody plant collections in beautiful display gardens, hosting cultural events and encouraging people to enjoy, appreciate, and take pride in our natural heritage.
Mission:
Taltree Arboretum and Gardens will establish and maintain woody plant collections, gardens, and natural areas for the benefit of the people in the South Lake Michigan Region.
Our Goals
We cultivate the hearts and minds of our community as we:
- Present an extensive collection of trees and other plants that are native to the South Lake Michigan Region and other similar regions of the world.
-Provide professionally designed gardens.
-Pursue education and research in arboriculture, horticulture, botany, conservation, restoration, ecology, and natural history.
-Conserve and restore Taltree's natural areas.
-Maintain a cultural environment of natural beauty and diversity.
Brookville Lake - Quakertown State Recreation Area
3323 W. Dunlapsville Road, Liberty, IN
A part of the Brookville Lake -Whitewater Memorial State Park Complex, Brookville Reservoir lies in the historic east fork of the Whitewater River Valley. Traces of prehistoric Native American mounds are still found throughout this valley. The area is known by some worldwide for its significant deposit of Ordovician fossils. These 450-million-year-old fossils, reminders of a primeval inland sea, can still be seen.
Brookville Lake is home to two State Recreation Areas: Mounds SRA (not to be confused with Mounds State Park in Anderson) and Quakertown SRA.
The lake property has more than 25 miles of hiking trails, boating opportunities, and nationally known recreational and sport fishing. Two beaches and more than 400 campsites make this an ideal family vacation spot.
The area was purchased by the federal government for flood control and to provide a place for wildlife and recreation. More than 11,000 acres provide a variety of habitats for plants and wildlife. Brookville is one of the few sites in Indiana where walleye grow big enough for fisheries biologists to milk the females for eggs to supply walleye fry to many lakes in Indiana.
Water safety matters! If you use one of our big reservoirs for swimming, fishing, boating or skiing, check out Bobber the Water Dog, brought to you by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Activities:
- Archery
- Boating / 9 Launch Ramps
- Fishing / Ice Fishing
- Hiking Trails
- Horseshoe Pits
- Hoosier Quest Series: Explore
- Hunting
- Interpretive Naturalist Services
- Marinas (see list at bottom)
- Paddleboard Rentals
- Picnicking / Shelterhouse
- Playground
- Shooting Range
- Swimming / Beach (Policy)
- Volleyball
- Waterskiing
Camping - See campground maps under MAPS tab
- Full Hookup / 62 sites
- Electric / 388 sites
- Camp Store
- Dumping Station
Brookville Lake - Mounds State Recreation Area
14108 SR 101, Brookville, IN
A part of the Brookville Lake -Whitewater Memorial State Park Complex, Brookville Reservoir lies in the historic east fork of the Whitewater River Valley. Traces of prehistoric Native American mounds are still found throughout this valley. The area is known by some worldwide for its significant deposit of Ordovician fossils. These 450-million-year-old fossils, reminders of a primeval inland sea, can still be seen.
Brookville Lake is home to two State Recreation Areas: Mounds SRA (not to be confused with Mounds State Park in Anderson) and Quakertown SRA.
The lake property has more than 25 miles of hiking trails, boating opportunities, and nationally known recreational and sport fishing. Two beaches and more than 400 campsites make this an ideal family vacation spot.
The area was purchased by the federal government for flood control and to provide a place for wildlife and recreation. More than 11,000 acres provide a variety of habitats for plants and wildlife. Brookville is one of the few sites in Indiana where walleye grow big enough for fisheries biologists to milk the females for eggs to supply walleye fry to many lakes in Indiana.
Water safety matters! If you use one of our big reservoirs for swimming, fishing, boating or skiing, check out Bobber the Water Dog, brought to you by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Activities:
Archery
Boating / 9 Launch Ramps
Fishing / Ice Fishing
Hiking Trails
Horseshoe Pits
Hunting
Interpretive Naturalist Services
Marinas (see list at bottom)
Paddleboard Rentals
Picnicking / Shelterhouse
Playground
Shooting Range
Swimming / Beach (Policy)
Volleyball
Waterskiing
Camping
Full Hookup / 62 sites
Electric / 388 sites
Camp Store
Dumping Station
Indiana Dunes National Park
1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.