Mounds State Recreation Area, IN: Glidwell Loop
Hike through hallowed grounds on this 3.3-mile loop in Mounds State Recreation Area.
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The land that is now Ohio and Indiana was once home to the thriving villages of the Miami, an extravagantly tattooed tribe that farmed this region’s fertile soils up until the 1830s. “The grassy ceremonial mounds in southeast Indiana are a neat window into their past,” says Backpacker Map Contributor Stuart Peck. “Plus, this route is close to hikers in three states.” Trek where the Miami gathered by following lollipop-shape Glidewell Trail’s 3.3 rolling miles.
Follow the tree-lined path along the eastern shore of 5,260-acre Brookville Lake (a local-favorite fishing hole for walleye, crappie, and bass) to arrive at sweeping views of the usually calm waters reflecting the broad Midwestern sky. Find evidence of the once-prominent Native American settlement at mile two, where you’ll pass a smooth 2,000-year-old mound, likely a temple.
Contact: Brookville Lake DNR; in.gov/dnr/parklake/2961.htm
-Info provided by Stuart Peck
Trail Facts
- Distance: 5.2
Waypoints
GDL001
Location: 39.493245, -84.982123
Begin your hike at the trailhead, and hike toward the eastern shore of Brookville Lake.
GLD002
Location: 39.492113, -84.983025
Turn right at the 3-way junction.
GLD003
Location: 39.489879, -84.984757
Follow the tree-lined path along the eastern shore of 5,260-acre Brookville Lake (a local-favorite fishing hole for walleye, crappie, and bass) to arrive at sweeping views of the usually calm waters reflecting the broad Midwestern sky.
GLD004
Location: 39.487242, -84.988062
At 950 feet, you have the option to side-hike southeast to the Mounds highest point (987 feet) for great views of the surrounding waters.
GDL005
Location: 39.485884, -84.989848
About .1 mile from the hike’s highpoint, the trail takes a sharp left to head east.
GDL006
Location: 39.482315, -84.988614
Turn right, and follow the trail as it turns south here. You’ll loop around in .3 mile to begin a coastline stretch.
GDL007
Location: 39.478688, -84.988089
Roughly two miles in, you’ll find evidence of the once-prominent Native American settlement. Look for a smooth 2,000-year-old mound, likely a temple.
GDL008
Location: 39.484063, -84.983768
Veer left with the trail, and then follow it as it bends north for the remaining stretch back to GLD002 and the trailhead.