It’s a Great Time to Take a Hike (Guest Post)

No matter if you are traveling all around the world or just exploring in your own community, going for a hike can be a wonderful adventure.

While many of us are sticking close to home these days, finding a variety of nearby trails can provide some much needed time in the great outdoors.

Breathe in the fresh air. Get in some extra steps.

And disconnect from the daily grind as you reconnect with nature.

Some of my family’s favorite hiking spots include Brown County State Park, the B & O Trail, Eagle Creek Park, the Indianapolis Canal, and Cataract Falls, which can all be found in Indiana.

My friend and fellow Hoosier, Pam Howard with Our Adventure is Everywhere, has even more ideas for how to find unique trail options in Indiana and in your own neck of the woods.

Guest Post by Pam Howard

Warm weather is the perfect time to begin enjoying getting outside and hiking. Although State Parks are an obvious choice for getting outside and enjoying nature, there are actually many other options.

Rails to trails initiatives are some of the best alternatives to traditional parks.

All across the US, smaller cities and towns have started to convert old railway trails to walking paths.  I LOVE this trend.

We have several in our neck of the woods, the most notable being the Monon Trail.  This trail is situated along the Monon Canal and runs from Indianapolis all the way to the northern suburbs including Carmel and Westfield, Indiana.

The Monon is nicely paved so it’s perfect for walking or biking. Several sections of it have houses and restaurants on both sides. It’s not uncommon for families in the Indy area to start in one city and ride their bikes or walk down to another city for dinner along the Monon.

Find Trails Near You: Rails to Trails Resources

When we travel, I’ll often search out these types of walking trails as they are usually well maintained and safe.  Perfect for getting out and experiencing an unfamiliar area.

If you would enjoy the same, here are a few resources to help you find one:

Rails to Trails – this website is a great resource to find trails in your area or wherever you want to travel.

Do a Google search using the terms “rails to trails” and your city.

If you are in the Indianapolis area, here is another excellent website: Indiana Trails

Although the app All Trails encompasses more than just rails to trails initiatives, many of them can be found with a quick location search.

Although it is beautiful to go hiking in the woods, when you want a more social experience, a rail to trail is a good bet as they are often used by a wide variety of people. It’s especially fun to stop and get a drink or appetizer along the way when they run alongside urban areas!

Sometimes you’ll discover interesting public art, or even a section of the trail running through a city.

Another fun option to finding trails is to pick up a copy of a book such as Rails to Trails Hall of Fame.

Or you could find a local one like the one I found for Illinois, Indiana and Ohio! Just do a search on Amazon for rails to trails guidebooks and see what appears.

Ready for a challenge? Pick a day this month, do a little research to find a rails to trails initiative near you and go explore. Pack a picnic or check out a local restaurant to make a whole day of it!

*This post may contain affiliate links*

Time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails!

Are you ready to find a new trail and head out on a hike? Comment below and let me know where you enjoy hiking.

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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