Indy Hiker

Join Us, , a fun group of hiking friends at Ft. Ben State Park, Indy every Sunday afternoon
► Hikes generally run 2mph and 2 HOURS, but are circumstance-responsive. We typically complete 5 miles.
► We hike all year round, every week, same time approximately with some earlier start times during the darkest weeks of the year. (Please note the start times when you sign up)
► These are all-weather events. We hike in heat, cold, rain, snow. Test your rain gear in inclement weather; test your hydration strategies when it's broiling; test your layering when it's cold. No matter what, the sun is always shining on us when we hike together, even when it is hidden behind the clouds.
► We may do some OFF-TRAIL hikes when the foliage is leaf-less in order to preserve trails and to gain a different perspective of the forest.
► A pint/hour of WATER is always a good idea.
► FLASHLIGHTS may be helpful in the winter months.

Ft. Ben Trails (including the asphalt circuit and the sledding hill on those occasions when trails are soaked) are a marvelous training resource.

MEET NEAR THE REDDICK SHELTER at 4:10pm (unless otherwise noted); departure 10 mins later.

HEATED/AC RESTROOMS NEARBY.

PARK ENTRY FEE/PERMIT REQUIRED. If you'd like to arrange a carpool from near the gate (or Jockamo Pizza), saving the $7 State Park fee, post a Comment.

POST-HIKE almost always, at a local Lawrence eating establishment like Jockamo Pizze - but we are going to explore some other haunts this year.
RE - HIKE PICNICing, mostly On Demand. (Thus, if you wish for this and don't see it in the Event's Comment section, do post a Comment on the Event page!)
► Bring a chair!
► Bring what ever food to care to share. Perhaps bring a small grill and something to cook. Be Creative!

RSVPs: Close 9:30am Sundays the morning of the Hike. Your "Going" RSVP means people will rely upon your presence. We are a community first and we care for each other. If you say Yes and then don't come we will worry and fret and... well, maybe not. But we will at least wonder about your whereabouts. Be considerate to your trail companions. Keep your RSVP up-to-date, always.

SPECIAL HIKE: After completing our hike, our fellow Hiker has invited us to her home for a Picnic. There is a separate Meet Up sign for the Picnic. If you can join us, please sign up on that MeetUp Invite and additional information will be provided on that invite. Hope you can Join Us.

We are a a fun group of hiking friends who meet at Ft. Ben State Park, Indy every Sunday afternoon
► Hikes generally run 2mph and 2 HOURS, but are circumstance-responsive. We typically complete 5 miles.
► We hike all year round, every week, same time approximately with some earlier start times during the darkest weeks of the year. (Please note the start times when you sign up)
► These are all-weather events. We hike in heat, cold, rain, snow. Test your rain gear in inclement weather; test your hydration strategies when it's broiling; test your layering when it's cold. No matter what, the sun is always shining on us when we hike together, even when it is hidden behind the clouds.
► We may do some OFF-TRAIL hikes when the foliage is leaf-less in order to preserve trails and to gain a different perspective of the forest.
► A pint/hour of WATER is always a good idea.
► FLASHLIGHTS may be helpful in the winter months.

Ft. Ben Trails (including the asphalt circuit and the sledding hill on those occasions when trails are soaked) are a marvelous training resource.

MEET NEAR THE REDDICK SHELTER at 4:10pm (unless otherwise noted); departure 10 mins later.

HEATED/AC RESTROOMS NEARBY.

PARK ENTRY FEE/PERMIT REQUIRED. If you'd like to arrange a carpool from near the gate (or Jockamo Pizza), saving the $7 State Park fee, post a Comment.

IT IS PICNIC DAY. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE PICNIC EVENT.
► Bring a chair!
► Bring what ever food to care to share and your preferred beverage.

RSVPs: Close 9:30am Sundays the morning of the Hike. Your "Going" RSVP means people will rely upon your presence. We are a community first and we care for each other. If you say Yes and then don't come we will worry and fret and... well, maybe not. But we will at least wonder about your whereabouts. Be considerate to your trail companions. Keep your RSVP up-to-date, always.

To anyone who has joined us on our Sunday afternoon Hikes at Ft. Ben State Park over the past year (or so) , we invite you to join us for a special
POST-HIKE PICNIC on Sunday, August 2, 2026 Hike. Brenda and her husband have graciously agreed to host us at their home in McCordsville (a 15 minute drive from Ft. Ben State Park) where they have grilling capabilities (and will provide hamburgers and hot dogs), lots of shade, a fire pit and some cornhole.

Please bring: A lawn chair, A dish or dessert to share, and Your own beverage.

We will hike, as always. Arrive at the park on time and Brenda will have someone available to take your dish to her home to keep it cold and safe.

Please sign up no later than July 31st so we can get a count of the number of burgers and dogs to grill. AND do sign up to hike on Sunday, August 2nd, because, we are a hiking meetup group after all.

Address of the picnic will be provided once you sign up.