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Easy Hiking Trails near Indianapolis

17 routes near Indianapolis qualify, ranked below by how much walkers rate them. They average 2.5 km and 31 m (102 ft) of ascent, with the longest running to 6.8 km.

That is 71 percent of the 24 routes we map near Indianapolis. They are shorter than the local average, 2.5 km against 4.1 km, which is what makes this a practical shortlist for a half day. They also climb less than the area average, 31 m (102 ft) against 63 m (207 ft), so they suit a recovery day or a group with mixed fitness.

Easy routes keep both distance and climbing modest, so they work for a first day in a new area, for family groups, or for a half day when the weather is uncertain. Most of these are on the gentler end, which makes the list a good starting point if you are new to the area. A good share of them are loops, so you can park once and finish where you started.

Trails

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Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
6.6 km
/ 4.1 mi
Elevation gain
58 m
Typical duration
1 hr 28 min
Buildings on the northeastern corner of the junction of Jefferson ( State Road 44 ) and Jackson Streets in downtown Franklin , Indiana , United States . This block is part of the Franklin Commercial Historic District , a historic district t
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
6.8 km
/ 4.2 mi
Elevation gain
7 m
Typical duration
1 hr 25 min
The rear, free entrance for bicyclists and pedestrians to Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
5.5 km
/ 3.4 mi
Elevation gain
71 m
Typical duration
1 hr 15 min
  • River
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
0.9 km
/ 0.5 mi
Elevation gain
30 m
Typical duration
13 min
  • Mountain
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
1.4 km
/ 0.8 mi
Elevation gain
21 m
Typical duration
19 min
  • Mountain
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
0.7 km
/ 0.4 mi
Elevation gain
19 m
Typical duration
11 min
  • Canyon and gorge
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
1.3 km
/ 0.8 mi
Elevation gain
10 m
Typical duration
17 min
  • Alpine meadow
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
2.7 km
/ 1.7 mi
Elevation gain
14 m
Typical duration
35 min
  • River
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
4.2 km
/ 2.6 mi
Elevation gain
152 m
Typical duration
1 hr 7 min
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
0.8 km
/ 0.5 mi
Elevation gain
28 m
Typical duration
12 min
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
2.8 km
/ 1.7 mi
Elevation gain
21 m
Typical duration
36 min
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
0.5 km
/ 0.3 mi
Typical duration
6 min
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
0.6 km
/ 0.3 mi
Elevation gain
6 m
Typical duration
8 min
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
1.0 km
/ 0.6 mi
Elevation gain
13 m
Typical duration
13 min
Easy

Indiana · United States

Distance
4.4 km
/ 2.7 mi
Elevation gain
64 m
Typical duration
1 hr 1 min
  • Mountain

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Red TrailIndiana6.6 km58 m1 hr 28 minEasyApril to October
Franklin Greenway TrailIndiana6.8 km7 m1 hr 25 minEasyApril to October
Lawrence Creek TrailIndiana5.5 km71 m1 hr 15 minEasyApril to October
Coyote Ridge TrailIndiana0.9 km30 m13 minEasyApril to October
Red-Tailed Ridge TrailIndiana1.4 km21 m19 minEasyApril to October
Whitetail Ravine TrailIndiana0.7 km19 m11 minEasyApril to October
Prairie View TrailIndiana1.3 km10 m17 minEasyApril to October
Fall Creek TrailIndiana2.7 km14 m35 minEasyApril to October
Hitz-Rhodehamel LoopIndiana4.2 km152 m1 hr 7 minEasyApril to October
Barred Owl TrailIndiana0.8 km28 m12 minEasyApril to October

If you only have time for one, start with Red Trail, Franklin Greenway Trail, Lawrence Creek Trail. Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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