Thriving trails in Southern Indiana are some of the best ways to get around, get in shape, and enjoy outdoor amenities. Here are a few routes to explore on foot, from a bike seat, or even on horseback.
Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area
This reclaimed strip-mining land known for hunting, boat fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching is also a haven for cardio-minded visitors who hit the “Share the Road” bike/walking trails. Nearly 28 pits and lakes fill out the peaceful surroundings, where you may hear the sharp whistle of a bobwhite quail or be lucky enough to spy a bald eagle.
System Length: 36 miles (4 routes). Access: Trailhead at the intersection of New Harmony and Zoar Church Roads. Parking: Throughout the area. Surface: Paved (marked “Share the Road”). Stop-Worthy: Breathtaking summer-sunflower scenes and can’t-miss sunrises and sunsets.
Wesselman Woods
Taking respite in a nature walk right in the middle of urban Evansville? Having the best of both worlds just might be possible. The trails in this old-growth lowland forest are expertly maintained and densely populated with centuries-old canopy-level trees reaching as high as 100 feet. Allowing the area’s diverse array of wildlife to emerge along the trails also means biking, jogging, and pets aren’t permitted along the pathways. Adult admission $5.
System Length: 6 miles within the preserve. Access: Nature Center. Parking: Nature Center Lot. Surface: Forest. Stop-Worthy: Wesselman Woods Nature Center, Playscape.
Angel Mounds Historic Site
Following a devastating tornado in 2005, trail users rolled up their sleeves and took over the revitalization and upkeep of these paths surrounding the Angel Mounds State Historic Site. A free-access nature preserve is available outside the archaeological site, with multiple small hiking/biking areas. Check out The River Loop and the Levee Trail.
System Length: 4 miles (trail inside the archaeological site is 1.25 miles and requires an entrance fee). Access: Outside Angel Mounds Visitors Center. Parking: Angel Mounds boat ramp, Lenn Road & Pollack Avenue, Angel Mounds Visitors Center. Surface: Forest. Stop-Worthy: Angel Mounds Historic Site; Outer Loop.
Harmonie State Park
“On the Banks of the Wabash,” this park offers nine trails, shaded picnic grounds, and plenty of swimming. Trails range from flat floodplains to hills and ravines. Take scenic walks amid wildflowers and curious wildlife. Foot traffic is welcome on the path’s mountain biking and horse trails, but bicycles and four-legged transport have the right-of-way.
System Length: 50 miles of interconnected trails. Access: Multiple points in picnic areas and campgrounds. Additional access at gatehouse entrance. Parking: Various areas throughout the park. Surface: Forest. Stop-Worthy: Historical cemeteries, Little and Big Harmonie ponds, and spiritual gardens.
USI-Burdette Trail
Connecting the University of Southern Indiana campus and the municipally owned Burdette Park, this trail is open to everyone from bikers to stroller-pushing warriors to rollerbladers. Fields, forests, cross-bridges, tranquil creeks, and the use of river-bottom land help make this path a designated destination point on the American Discovery Trail.
System Length: 3 miles. Access: Trailhead at University Boulevard between campus Physical Activities Center and Wellness Center. Additional access at Broadway Recreational Complex. Parking: Free on campus. Additional at Burdette Park. Surface: Paved. Stop-Worthy: Jean Cook Tree Memorial; Burdette Park.
Pigeon Creek Greenway
Meandering along the Ohio River and Pigeon Creek, this 10-foot wide greenway consists of five corridors. In the heart of downtown Evansville, the Riverfront Corridor spans from Sunrise Park to Tropicana Casino and includes the brick walkway and tiered seating of Dress Plaza, where views of the Ohio River are remarkable.
System Length: 6.7 miles (Riverfront Corridor 1.5 miles). Access: Wide access from Gavin Park to the Riverfront. Parking: Sunset Park, Garvin Park. Surface: Paved. Stop-Worthy: Four Freedoms Monument, Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science, Pratt Tuss Bridge.
Newburgh Rivertown Trail/ Warrick Trails
As part of the rich network of trails in Warrick County, the Newburgh Rivertown Trail snakes through downtown and along the scenic Ohio River. With construction of a new segment expected to be complete in the fall of 2019, the greenway will run the entire length of Newburgh and beyond. Road-sharing is one thing that makes parts of this path unique: Pedestrians and bikers occupy one side of a one-lane, one-way street, while motorists use the other half.
System Length: 5 miles. Access: Mulzer Ballfields, Aurand trailhead, Indian Hill Overlook Park. Parking: Indian Hill Overlook Park. Surface: Paved. Stop-Worthy: Newburgh Museum, Warrick County Historic Bridge No. 264, Overlook Park.
*From the writers of Indianapolis Monthly or Emmis Communications.
