Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Indiana

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.

Speaking of variety, the Doin' it Outdoors trail area is a fantastic place to start because offer trails that are suitable for riders of all experience levels from beginners to advanced. Not far from Liberty, Indiana, this network of trails includes easy paths for new riders and rents out bikes, as well. (For legal reasons, you will need to sign a consent and waiver form to rent a bike and minors will need a parent's signature.) But it also includes some very challenging routes for more adventurous riders-like tight turns and twists, sharp inclines, and quick drops. Wear a helmet on this one because you'll also find plenty of low branches and fallen logs waiting to catch you by surprise. These are some great trails-marked well, nicely maintained, and a great option for groups with riders of various experience levels.

Bluhm County Park near Westville has a 6-mile loop full of hairpin turns, sure to challenge the beginner to intermediate rider. The loop has various interconnections to keep things interesting. The track is completely wooded and can get rather muddy. The trails are well kept and can get you going fairly fast. It's a great place for novice riders to practice and hone their skills!

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.

Looking for an official moutain bike park? Head toward Indianapolis to exerpience the 6-mile loop at Town Run Trail Park. This is one-way only loop (think clockwise) and it's an area that is continually being improved. The trails are well marked with arrows and night riding is strictly off limits. But during the daytime you'll experience lots of fun on roller coaster hills, steep inclines and sharp drops, and logs to navigate, as well.

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.

Gnawbone Came near Bloomington is a great ride for the advanced biker. This 25-mile loop has long, grueling climbs and very steep, challenging descents that will test your skills and endurance. Watch out for lots of slate rock on the trails and low-hanging branches. You can buy a map of the area at the nearby general store.

Indiana, like many other states, has a lot of land dedicated to nature preserves, national forests, and national and state parks, so enjoying nature is a big priority with the Hoosiers. If you want to get some great exercise and experience the wonderful outdoors of the region simultaneously, you'll find lots of great options for riding your bike in Indiana.