LAKEVIEW — Indian Lake is well known for its many nautical recreational activities such as boating, jet skiing, fishing, sailing, swimming and summer beach parties. One thing it is really not known for is hiking.
The little known trails are well maintained and considered hidden treasures by local hikers and trail runners.
Cherokee Hiking Trail
This three-mile trail meanders through brushy and secluded habitat. The trail is relatively flat and rated easy to hike. Enjoy wooded views and beautiful wildlife scenes. Great for trail running also.
The main entrance is located off state Route 235 just west of the State Park Campground.
John and Mary Rudolph Nature Area Hiking Trail
The trail is open daily from dusk to dawn and is relatively flat and easy to hike. Hike through wetlands and a prairie and enjoy rarely seen views of the eastern border of the Great Miami River.
You may encounter deer, rabbit, turkey, heron and quail. There are also some backdrop views of the Honda windmills moving in harmony with the wind and the natural setting of the area.
The main entrance and parking area is located off Lincoln Boulevard in Russells Point.
Pew Island Hiking Trail
Enjoy stunning views of the lake on this one mile loop around Pew Island. Lakeside parking is available at the trail-head via the causeway access.
The landscape is beautifully-forested and diverse with some minor hills and a few connecting off-trails to hidden hills, pits and other nature gems. The difficulty rating is easy to moderate.
A wooden boardwalk through a marshy wetland is a top feature of this trail. Take a camera, especially at sunset.
The main entrance is off Buckeye Drive on Pew Island. Go past Cranberry Resort on Seminole Island, stay on Buckeye Drive, go over the causeway and Pew Island parking is on the right.
