Hikes near Bloomington, Indiana?

“I'm going to be in the Bloomington, IN area over the Labor Day weekend, my daughter wants to wander around IU. Can anyone tell me some "must-see" hikes in the area? I read something about the Hoosier NF...Thanks!”

“Indiana ... hiking? Take a tour of a grain elevator.”

“Brown County is one of the most beautiful places in the country in the Fall. I went there once when I was going to Purdue in 1972. Wish I could remember where we went.

Someone will know.”

“When Backpacker Mag has articles of nearby hiking trails, I log them in an Excel spreadsheet and use it as reference for future trips. Here's what I got...

Indiana
1. Indiana Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore
2. Shades State Park
3. Charles C. Deam Wilderness (SE of Bloomington)

And for Illinois
1. Lush Creek Wilderness, May-99,
2. Sand Ridge State Forest”

“Phil & Buddur, thanks for the info! I had some feeback from other sources mentioning Brown County and the Charles Deam Wilderness so these are the two main places I will research. Happy Trails!”

“UTAHIKER, be sure to report, some of us Ohio folks might want to check it out if it's good.

Thanks and have fun!”

“There's also a lesser known set of trails near Bean Blossom called Bear Wallow. They are private trails though and I think you have to make reservations with the guy who maintains them. Also look into the Knobstone trail. I think it's down there somewhere. If you don't mind a little drive, check out the Falls of the ohio area. There's not much trail hiking as I remember, but it's really a neat area.”

“Tell your daughter she doesn't want to go to IU. Of all the schools that aren 't as cool as Purdue, IU is definately one of them. Avoid IU like the plague.

As far as hiking goes... Turkey Run State park is nice too. I believe it is north of Indy, don't remember exactly where though.”