Past Hikes

2016 Hikes

WINTER January 24, 2016

MILWAUKEE TRAIL
Beginning near downtown Bedford, the Milwaukee Trail is one of Indiana’s newer trails. Currently about 5 miles long, when completed it will stretch to 20 miles. This wide, crushed gravel path, follows an old railroad bed along Spider Creek, as it winds through tall trees and limestone bluffs. It gives one the impression of being in deep woods. Because it is flat, even on a snowy day, it should be easy hiking.

DISTANCE: 4 – 5 miles
HIKING TIME: About 3 hours
DIFFICULTY: Easy

 
SPRING April 15, April 23, April 30, May 7

HAYS TRAIL in the Deam Wilderness
We will depart from our usual format for our spring hike by having four hikes instead of one. Saddle Creek Valley, which is accessed by a five-mile round-trip hike on the Hays Trail in the Deam Wilderness, had a spectacular show of wildflowers in 2015. Anticipating that it will be beautiful again in 2016, we are scheduling four hikes to take advantage of the succession of wildflower blooms from early through late spring. Participants can chose to take one to all four of these hikes. The hikes will take place on different days of the week to accommodate more schedules. We plan to return shortly after noon each day.

DISTANCE: 5 1/2 miles
HIKING TIME: About 3 hours
DIFFICULTY: Moderate (hills, uneven terrain, crossing small streams)

 
SUMMER Tuesday, June 28, 2016

STONE HEAD NATURE PRESERVE
Stone Head is a 122 acre, privately owned Nature Preserve. The 5.5 miles of woods and meadow trails access wet lands, abandoned farm fields, and wooded hills. Unique stone and metal sculptures along the paths surprise and bring smiles to those who slow down to observe their surroundings. Prepare to relax and quietly reflect as we amble through this outdoor museum.

DISTANCE: 1 – 4 miles
HIKING TIME: About 2 hours
DIFFICULTY: Easy (moderate if you climb in the woods)

 

2015 Hikes

FALL September 30, 2015

SPRING MILL STATE PARK
Spring Mill State Park has several beautiful and interesting trails that are all relatively short. We will piece together all or parts of five trails to make a hike that is approximately five and a half miles long. We will see the pioneer village, the lake, cave entrance, and beautiful hardwood forest, which may have some fall color. We will plan to eat at the lodge or a local restaurant before returning by mid-afternoon.

DISTANCE: 5 miles
HIKING TIME: About 3 hours
DIFFICULTY: Moderate

 

2012 – 2013 Hikes

September 14th-Knobstone Loop-Strenuous
February 18-Lick Creek-Moderate
April 19-Deam Wilderness-Moderate to Strenuous
July 15-Sculpting Trails-Easy to Moderate

 

Deam Wilderness, October 2010

If hiking off the usual paths interests you, join Eleanor Lahr and others as they check out hikes in Alan McPherson’s Nature Walks in Southern Indiana and other interesting places. Group size is limited to ten or less, depending on trail and transportation restrictions. The schedule is subject to change. Impromptu hikes sent out via email. Walks go rain or shine. Dress for the weather, and bring water and a snack. Hikes vary in length and difficulty.

For more information and to reserve a spot, call Chairman Eleanor Lahr at 339-4209 or E-mail: elahr@indiana.edu

 

February Hike

 

Winter 2014 – Waldrip House

A great time was had by all. Particularly due to Cathy Meyer’s and Suzanne Roberts’ historical and first person input. Nothing like having a family member put names to the faces in historical photos. “And, up in the second-floor window is where my mother sat!”
As we headed to warm ourselves with hot chocolate, on the right side of 446, Cathy Meyer spotted a red-shouldered hawk sitting on the ground. Did anyone in Bob’s van see it? Impressive. A short hike filled with shared knowledge and warm experiences.