Indy Hiker

It's summer time and those darn little gnomes are running wild again in the Hoosier National Forrest. We've discovered a rather rambunctious group of these rascal's dug in at the Pate Hallow Trail. Our mission, is to find these nasty little things and send them back to Kentucky where they surly come from.

If this is your first time to Pate Hallow, it's trailhead is located at the Paynetown State Recreation Area off of State Road 446, and south of Bloomington, Indiana. There is free parking and restroom facilities at the Indiana DNR Conservation Officer Headquarters. The trailhead accessible from the back parking lot behind the DNR station on SR 446.

Plan on meeting up in the parking area behind the DNR building. We'll start with introductions and a corny joke and then get going. This is a dog friendly hike so bring 'em if you got 'em. The hike is about 6 miles and depending on the pace, approximately 2 - 2 and 1/2 hours. The trail is rated as a moderately difficult hike with lots of ups and downs and repeat. Water and hiking poles recommended.

Plan to top off the hike on your way home with a stop at either Brusters Real Ice Cream at hwy 46 and 446 and for those 21 and older Oliver Winery on I69 on your way back to Indy.

In the event of a inclement weather I will send a notification and reschedule. Hope to have a nice turn out and see you then.

I've decided to start a series exploring the trails and forests of Hickory Ridge in the HoosierNF. Now that things have filled in both on and off trail, we will stick to mostly on trail hiking more than off.
We'll meet at the Hickory Ridge Trail 18 parking area located west of Maumee and head off into the woods to go explore some valleys and ridges both on and off the beaten path. This hike will be a rugged one, with climbs up steep hills, down into narrow valleys with creek crossings, and plenty of what did I get myself into thoughts... bring some hiking poles or find a good sturdy stick, plenty of snacks and water or a filter, and gear for the weather. And pants are necessary for some of the thicker off trails areas we might visit.
Pace on these is usually pretty slow, under 2 mph, and usually hovers around 1.5 mph. Depending on conditions, it might only be 6 or 7 miles in length, but possibly around 11 or 12 miles as well. The group will dictate what we do, but leaving early won't really be a good option as the group will need to stay somewhat together since we won't be on actual trails at times. I will be using some old roads, hitting up the occasional wildlife ponds and some other areas of value along the hike.

We'll hike 4 miles around Monon Trail and Carmel Central Park. The flat trail goes through woodland, prairie and wetland. There'll be plenty of opportunities for nature observation.

Bring as much coffee as you like, there are good restrooms along the way.

We'll meet in the parking lot (39.92746, -86.13607) at the intersection of 96th St and Monon Trail. Please arrive earlier and get ready by 10:00.
* Dogs are always welcome in our events.
* The attendee limit is 40, due to the limited parking space.