What are the Top Hiking Trails in Bloomington?
Bloomington and Monroe County have trails for every season and experience level.
Best Winter Hikes
Trails Under One Mile
Karst Farm Parkway Tailhead to Endwright Road — This fully paved trail that begins at Karst Farm Park on the west side, winds its way through forested areas and farmland. At 0.51-miles with flat terrain this trail makes an easy out-and-back walk in the cooler months.
Tulip Trace Trail at Lake Lemon — A 0.5-mile loop nature trail in Riddle Point Park on the south side of Lake Lemon. It is considered easy, family-friendly and leads to a scenic overlook of the lake. The trail is known for its beauty year-round.
One-Two Mile Trails
Homestead Loop Trail Fairfax State Recreation Area — A newer trail, the Homestead Trail on the west side of Monoroe Lake, is a 1.8-mile loop that winds through both forest and old fields and offers unique views of Monroe Lake.
Monroe Trail at Monroe Lake — A 1.6-mile out-and-back trail just off SR 446 on the east side of Monroe Lake is considered easy and a great hike for birding.
2+ Mile Trails
B-Line Trail — A 3.1-mile urban trail that runs through the heart of Bloomington, is fully paved and perfect for those wanting to get a breath of fresh crisp air, and avoid muddy areas.
Sycamore Trail — A 6.4-mile loop, the trailhead is just past the famous Hickory Ridge Fire Tower off of SR 446. Climb the tower before your hike for a truly breathtaking view of the Hoosier National Forest as you may be less enthusiastic to climb the 133-step staircase after.
Best Spring Hikes
Trails Under One Mile
Flatwoods Park East Loop Trail — Just west of Ellettsville off SR 46 this park boasts several trails of varying lengths. The East Loop is a 0.46-mile loop around a wildflower field perfect for watching butterflies and birding.
Cedar Bluff — This 1-mile out-and-back hike in southern Monroe County features a 75-foot-high limestone bluff and red cedars clinging to cliffs with remarkable rock formations and wildflowers. Follow all rules posted and the marked trails for access.
One-Two Mile Trails
Leonard Springs Nature Park — A 1.1-mile trail that loops around the property. The path passes through wetlands, an old reservoir, two caves, and several springs. Especially stunning during spring due to the abundance of blooming redbud trees and the lush greenery.
Turkey Trot Trail Allens Creek State Recreation Area — Turkey Trot Trail is a 1.75-mile out-and-back trail offering a splendid view of the Monroe Lake on both sides before the trees bloom. On the east side of the lake off SR 446 and Allens Creek Road, the trail is an old gravel road and there are several spurs to explore to extend your hike.
2+ Mile Trails
Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve — On the northwest side of Monroe County, this 2-mile trail begins as gravel and then is mostly a loop of either elevated plastic or wooden boardwalk. The plastic portion is accessible to those with limited mobility with several observation decks spread throughout allowing visitors to experience otherwise inaccessible areas of the habitat.
Porter West Preserve — This nature preserve on west SR 48 has a 3-mile loop. The preserve features a historic cemetery, four wildlife ponds, sandstone outcrops, several sinkholes, a spring, and an abundance of mature forestry.
Best Summer Hikes
Trails Under One Mile
Nature Trail at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve — Griffy Lake is home to quite a few trails, but a great trek for beginners and children is the 0.5-mile Nature Trail. It's an easy trail that loops through the wooded area and ends where it started.
Lower Cascades Park Trail — Lower Cascades Park is one of Bloomington's oldest and largest parks. A local favorite is the Cascades Park Trail. It's an easy, out-and-back route of 0.8-miles.
One-Two Mile Trails
Ted T. Turtle Interpretive Trail at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area — This 1.4-mile loop trail features informational signs along the way, interpreting different aspects of wildlife, history, and geology. On the east side of Monroe Lake, along a small creek, it leads down to the lake and back.
Bloomington Rail Trail — This easy, graveled surface, 2-mile out-and-back trail traverses through a canopy of trees and, if you want to extend your hike, allows access to Clear Creek Trail and the Limestone Greenway in southern Monroe County.
2+ Mile Trails
Allen's Creek Trail at Allen's Creek State Recreation Area — On the east side of Monroe Lake, is a 4-mile out-and-back route on a gravel road. It stretches along a peninsula on the lake, coming to a halt at the end of the landmass with a gorgeous view of Monroe Lake.
Clear Creek Trail — This 4.7-mile out-and-back trail is a wide paved trail in southern Monroe County and is navigable for most wheelchairs/mobility equipment. There are plenty of benches to rest along the way.
Best Fall Hikes
Trails Under One Mile
Heritage Trail — This fully paved 0.5-mile trail in downtown Ellettsville showcases local history with artifacts, limestone carvings and public art. Perfect for walking dogs or enjoying a family stroll, it also offers peaceful creek and picnic spots.
Latimer Woods Park Trail — Located just across the street from College Mall on the east side, is a 0.38-mile unpaved trail that winds through what was once Latimer Farm. There are interpretive signs that detail the history of the property along the way.
One-Two Mile Trails
Scarlet Oak Woods — Within the Scarlet Oak Woods, a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail is stunning during the fall months due to its namesake scarlet oak trees that turn bright red during autumn.
Big Oak Trail Fairfax State Recreation Area — This 1.5-mile loop trail on the west side of Monroe Lake takes you on a beautiful hike with many old-growth trees and creek beds. It leads up to the big oak tree in the Fairfax State Recreation area.
2+ Mile Trails
Limestone Greenway — This 3.5-mile out-and-back asphalt-paved trail offers opportunities for biking, walking, jogging, nature and more. The Limestone Greenway connects with the Clear Creek Trail and Bloomington Rail Trail in the southern part of Monroe County.
Pate Hollow Trail — This 5.9-mile loop trail at the Paynetown State Recreation Area winds through a mixture of hardwoods and forest plants. This hike eventually reaches a high ridge where the views of Monroe Lake are beautiful.
