Accessible Trails

Ten great accessible trails on DNR properties:

Elkhart Bog Nature Preserve (.5 miles) – Elkhart Bog is a large wetland formed on top of an old glacial lake. An easy ADA grade trail extends nearly half a mile to the floating boardwalk. The observation deck extends into the bog offering a vantage point for this unique site. Accessible parking is available, but no restrooms are available at the property.

Fort Harrison State Park – Harrison Trace Trail (3.2 miles) – Trail runs with a flat grade from the Walnut trailhead to Delaware Lake. This is an asphalt-surface trail with widths no less than 60 inches. After passing Delaware Lake, the trail follows the rolling upland above Fall Creek. Expect some hills and grades greater than 5%. Much of the trail is tree-covered, and wildflowers grow next to it during spring and summer. Accessible parking is available at the Walnut trailhead, Shafter picnic area, Cherry Tree Lake, and Delaware Lake. Accessible restrooms are available at all the parking locations except for the Walnut trailhead.

Mounds State Park – The Great Mound – Begin at the front of the park. A paved trail from a section of Trail 5 and Trail 1 leads into the heart of the Great Mound, the focal point of the park. Trail 1 continues as a relatively flat natural-surface trail, winding by several more earthworks. Accessible parking is available at the visitors center and the historic Bronnenberg House.

Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve Trail (1 mile) – Nine Penny Branch contains an old growth mesic upland forest as well as areas of young second growth forest. Nine Penny Run bisects the preserve, cutting a moderately deep ravine into the limestone bedrock. A historic stagecoach route runs along the area’s stream corridor. The accessible trail is 1/3 mile long and leads to an overlook. Beyond the overlook, a .4 mile trail leads to a small waterfall. This portion of the trail is made up of accessible slope grades, but the surface is not accessible for all users. The total roundtrip distance down and back is 2/3 mile. The entire trail roundtrip distance is 1 mile. The nature preserve has a parking lot with accessible spaces that can accommodate school buses and vans.

O’Bannon Wood State Park – Tulip Valley Trail (2 miles) – One mile of this trail is universally accessible from the Nature Center. It loops around the 1830s Farmstead, taking you around the living history space that features live animals like donkeys and oxen. Accessible parking available at the Nature Center.

Patoka Lake – Paved Bike Trail (5.14  miles) – Patoka’s paved bike trail extends throughout Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area connecting lake facilities like the Modern Campground, Marina, main gate, and nature center. The trail does contain portions with grades steeper than 5%. A relatively flat portion of the trail extends from the Modern Campground to the Marina. Parking is available at the Newton Stewart ramp and the Patoka Lake Marina parking lot.

Prophetstown State Park – Paved Bike Trail (3.5 miles) – This paved trail starts near the park gatehouse and connects to all the current facilities at the park. The trailhead parking lot can accommodate 20 vehicles. The Meadow View family picnic parking lot serves as another trailhead, providing a modern restroom, water, and picnic shelter.

Raccoon State Recreation Area – ADA Paved Bike Trail (0.8 miles) – Starts just north of the campground store. Bikers and hikers will see areas of second growth forest, mature forest, and steep ravines before reaching the Hilltop Shelter parking lot.

Spring Mill State Park – Trail 6 (.25 mile) – This accessible paved trail loops around Virgil I. Grissom Memorial. It contains karst views from an overlook. The paved trail has less than 2% cross slopes, grades no greater than 5%, and widths no less than 60 inches. Accessible parking and bathrooms are available at the Grissom Memorial. Bathroom availability is subject to building hours.

Summit Lake State Park – Beach Trail (.9 mile) – This trail has a firm and stable surface with less than 2% cross slopes, grades no greater than 5%, and widths no less than 60 inches. The trail starts in a small, wooded lot, and accessible parking is available. Tree species include maple, oak, and cherry. The remainder of the trail is mostly open, with views of the lake across rolling topography.