OPINION: These three nature spots make Indiana a little less dull

Indiana can really feel insufferably uninteresting typically. The small cities, the dearth of mountains or seashores, simply tons of of acres of corn and wheat fields. For these searching for journey on this planet, it might probably really feel like a full-on cage — nowhere to go and nowhere to discover.  

Nevertheless, I’m a giant believer yow will discover journey anyplace. You simply should know the place to look.  

Since shifting out to Indiana from Colorado a yr and a half in the past, I’ve been dying to search out journey spots that would scratch my itch for nature. Generally, the one method to clear my head is by being in nature, and I do know I’m not alone in that feeling. Though you won’t see them at first look, a great deal of college students at IU are adventurers in search of locations to discover. But, except they grew up within the space, most individuals don’t know the place to start out.  

I’ve discovered Indiana has much more to supply than many initially see. I gathered a listing of locations which have stood out to me within the final yr. Locations that fulfilled my want for nature and introduced me some peace of thoughts.  

[ Local organizations encourage Bloomington residents to boat, hike and camp]

So, whether or not you’re searching for some much-needed nature time or simply attempting to discover the Bloomington space slightly extra, listed below are three hikes which are not more than a 45-minute drive from campus:

Hickory Ridge Hearth Tower  

Hickory Ridge is a 40-minute drive from campus and is likely one of the most stunning drives you may take round right here. Following the identical street you’re taking to Lake Monroe, you’re surrounded by tons of of bushes and partitions of limestone. As you flip off Route 446, the forest engulfs you. The grime street beneath your tires and the cover of bushes fills your sight. Through the fall, that is an exceptionally attractive drive.  

This website would not require a hike however quite a climb.  

The hearth tower is roughly 25 minutes down the grime street and stands 110 ft tall. For those who can courageous the climb as much as the highest, you’re met with a gorgeous fowl’s eye view of the Hoosier Nationwide Forest.  

This website might be barely unnerving simply due to the climb, however the view is value it 100 occasions over.  

McCormick’s Creek State Park 

Solely a 30-minute drive away, the state park has a lot to supply. From waterfalls to horseback rides, you’ll by no means be bored.  

The paths are gorgeous and well-kept, so a stroll across the park is a should. However the true enjoyable is within the horseback using. My favourite spot on this park is the waterfall. Engulfed in limestone lays a waterfall just a few steps down from the car parking zone. You may soar from rock to rock and make your approach throughout the river till you’re standing beneath the waterfall. Will probably be a spotlight of the journey — assured.  

Brown County State Park 

In case you have by no means been to Nashville, Indiana, you’re severely lacking out. Brown County State Park is simply the cherry on prime.  

The handfuls of trails take you thru the 16,000 acres of rustic hills and ravines. With virtually 20 miles of street, you will not must step exterior the automotive to see the great thing about this park. The forest is very breathtaking through the fall because the leaves flip shades of deep reds and brilliant oranges. The hikes embody you within the bushes and make you are feeling at one with the forest.  

Indiana is not truly as boring as it could appear. For those who want a touch of journey in your life, take a day journey over the weekend and discover these sights. It’s going to open your thoughts to the concept journey is in all places. 

Gentry Keener (she/her) is a sophomore learning journalism and political science.