Easy
Family-Friendly Hikes near Indianapolis
We track 17 routes that match this search near Indianapolis. 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.
Family routes here are short, gently graded and interesting enough to keep younger legs moving. Every one is under seven kilometres with limited climbing. 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
Easy
Indiana · United States
- Distance
- 6.8 km / 4.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 7 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 25 min
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
- 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 8 m
- Typical duration
- 8 min
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Indiana · United States
- Distance
- 1.0 km / 0.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 13 m
- Typical duration
- 13 min
Easy
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.
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time | Difficulty | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red TrailIndiana | 6.6 km | 58 m | 1 hr 28 min | Easy | April to October |
| Franklin Greenway TrailIndiana | 6.8 km | 7 m | 1 hr 25 min | Easy | April to October |
| Lawrence Creek TrailIndiana | 5.5 km | 71 m | 1 hr 15 min | Easy | April to October |
| Coyote Ridge TrailIndiana | 0.9 km | 30 m | 13 min | Easy | April to October |
| Red-Tailed Ridge TrailIndiana | 1.4 km | 21 m | 19 min | Easy | April to October |
| Whitetail Ravine TrailIndiana | 0.7 km | 19 m | 11 min | Easy | April to October |
| Prairie View TrailIndiana | 1.3 km | 10 m | 17 min | Easy | April to October |
| Fall Creek TrailIndiana | 2.7 km | 14 m | 35 min | Easy | April to October |
| Hitz-Rhodehamel LoopIndiana | 4.2 km | 152 m | 1 hr 7 min | Easy | April to October |
| Barred Owl TrailIndiana | 0.8 km | 28 m | 12 min | Easy | April 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
Other shortlists covering the same area or the same kind of terrain.
- Hiking Trails Under 5 km in United States6055
- Easy Hiking Trails in United States4829
- Family-Friendly Hikes in United States4793
- Moderate Hiking Trails in United States3241
- Best Mountain Hikes in United States1641
- Loop Trails in United States1489
- Hard Hiking Trails in United States1320
- Hiking Trails Over 20 km in United States953
- Hiking Trails Under 10 km in California842
- Best Riverside Hikes in United States814
- Moderate Hiking Trails in California724
- Best Autumn Hikes in California641
- Best Lake Hikes in United States627
- Hiking Trails Under 5 km in California612
- Easy Hiking Trails in Connecticut591
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