Indianapolis, IN: Morgan-Monroe/Yellowwood state forests via the Tecumseh Trail
Hike a blooming stretch of Indiana's hills.
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Winding through the Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests, the 42-mile Tecumseh Trail offers the perfect springtime escape: steep ridges, wildflower-lined creeks, and a chance to spot whitetail deer and wild turkey. From the trailhead, follow the hilly trail through dense pines to Bear Lake at mile 10 (a great spot for fishing). Continue descending, watching for the daffodils that mark a pioneer homestead site, to an Adirondack-style trail shelter at mile 13.5. The next morning, hike up and down a series of ridges, including the notoriously steep Indian Hill Road, and cross several streams en route to campsites at Yellowwood Lake. Start day three with a climb up High King Knob for the trail’s best views—blooming dogwoods and redbuds reflected in the lake—then head south for a short road walk. The trail re-enters the woods on a pioneer wagon track and continues 0.5 miles into the Hoosier National Forest.
Info: Check Hoosier Hikers Council website for maps, shuttle information, and Tecumseh Trail Data Book. (765) 342-4026; in.gov/dnr/forestry
Hike provided by Hoosier Hikers CouncilEvent and membership info: hoosierhikerscouncil.org
Waypoints
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Location: 39.3304023742676, -86.4220657348633