Ft. Harrison New Year's Day Hike
Details
Directions/Park Info (East side of 465 - 56th Street exit):
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/fort-harrison-state-park/
Mapping Address:
6000 N. Post Road,
Indianapolis, IN 46216
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the trail!
For those new to Ft. Harrison State Park, the directions to join us inside are:
Proceeding in from the Gate House, turn right after you enter the main portion of the park. Continue straight until you curve left and see the lake on your right. There is plenty of parking around the restrooms you'll see in the building on your left. This event is scheduled early enough that we should have no issue finding parking - and each other.
Feel free to bring lunch or a snack. There are several places we can meet to chat or relax around the park after hiking.
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Hey fellow Hoosiers!
I had a great experience meeting many of you previously and wanted to host something light. Ft Harrison offers a mix of paved and dirt trails. There are some areas of significant inclines, but otherwise, it will be a very relaxed experience. There is also ample area for dogs and bikes if you'd like to bring them (although I don't know if I'd mix the two).
We'll meet just before 10 AM near the dock on the lake (see picture) just inside the paved trail that surrounds it. This is a state park so, if you have a pass, it's free. Otherwise, park admission is required if there is an attendant.
Here are the trails we'll be checking out (it is a simple matter at any point to take a break or head back to your vehicle for refreshments/snacks and rejoin later):
From the website:
Harrison Trace Trail: EASY—3.2 miles. This is an asphalt-surface trail for walkers, bicyclists, and joggers. The trail begins at the Delaware Lake picnic area. After passing Delaware Lake, the trail follows the rolling upland above Fall Creek. Expect some hills. Much of the trail is tree-covered, and wildflowers grow next to it during spring and summer. This is the easiest route to Duck Pond.
Fall Creek Trail: MODERATE—1 mile to Duck Pond. Start this trail at the northeast corner of the Delaware Lake picnic area. The trail follows the lowlands along Fall Creek, then heads uphill as it nears Duck Pond. Overall distance can be shortened or varied by taking one of three cutoff trails that connect to Harrison Trace Trail. Excellent for birding, fishing access, and wildflower and tree identification.
Camp Creek Trail: MODERATE—2 miles. This trail begins off Harrison Trace near the eastern banks of Delaware Lake, eventually passing Duck Pond. This trail passes by an old army rubble pile and contains many beautiful vistas from the bluffs of the Camp Creek valley.
Hope you can join us!