If you’re looking for lots of different geographical terrain and variety to try out your biking skills, check out the trails in Indiana. The northern part of the state is pretty flat and has lots of farms while the southern portion has lots of hills and thick forests. You’ll find some particularly great, fun bike trails in the south.
Near Liberty you can try out a little bit of everything at Doin’ It Outdoors, a network of trails with a wide variety of trails. For beginners, rent a bike (you’ll need to sign a waiver of course) and try out some of the well maintained easy trails. Intermediate riders will enjoy some of the more challenging stretches. And experienced riders will love the twisted singletrack trails with steep inclines and fast descents. You’ll also need to navigate low branches and fallen trees. Don’t forget your helmet and plan to have lots of fun on these well-marked trails.
Another good option for beginning and intermediate riders is located close to Westville. Bluhm County Park incorporates 6 miles of trails with some great challenges for riders who want to learn new biking and navigating skills and get lots of practice. This loop is more of a web, as you can choose from different turn offs for variety but everything is still connected. Set completely in the woods, these well-kept trails provide sections where you can really pick up speed, sharp hairpin turns to keep you on your toes, and some muddy sections to make it even more fun!
While you may see all kinds of bikers at the 96th Street Trail not far from Fishers, this 7 mile section of singletrack is probably better suited to advanced riders. It’s a flowing route with hills like a roller coaster that really result in fast speeds. Make sure you have good brakes! There is also a relatively level, dry dusty area with extremely sharp turns and a levee that crosses over the White River for extra variety and excitement.
Town Run Trail Park near Indianapolis is an official mountain bike park. It’s an approximate 6-mile loop that is one way (clockwise) with arrows directing you. It’s well-maintained with some logs (for added fun), steep climbs, and some roller coaster sections that can build up some incredible speeds. New improvements are being made and night riding is prohibited.
Plumbers and Steamfitters is a trail near Terra Haute that was designed by the owners of Fat Bikes. It used to be old strip mine pits, so you can expect to experience some pretty steep climbs. There are bridges, plenty of technical stuff and various off-shoots that will keep you riding all day if you want. Check with the guys at Fat Bikes for more information about the current status of the trail.
Advanced bikers who welcome adventure and challenge will want to check out Gnawbone Came and purchase a map of this 25 mile trail from the general store near Bloomington. These trails are intense with long, steady, steep uphill climbs and sharp, rapid descents coupled with a lot of slate rock and low branches to look out for. This one will definitely test your endurance and your skill levels.
Any state that offers an abundance of state and national parks and forests and nature preserves usually has some great places to ride. Indiana is no exception. Be prepared to get in a good workout and enjoy nature at the same time!
PJ can be found riding her women’s comfort bike on the greenways of Charlotte, NC. Of course she will be closely followed by her husband and 2 boys, all on their cruiser bikes. Drop her a line and say hello in TheComfortBikeShop.com.
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