This wonderful trail is part of The Nature Conservancy’s Edge of Appalachia Nature Preserve System and is a National Natural Landmark. The area offers a variety of habitats as well as a fantastic all alonley hike. Throughout the hike are beautiful dolomite cliffs, waterfalls, and a diversity of wildlife. Be aware of the multiple cliff edges—stay on the trail and pay attention.  

The list of wildlife species found at John A. Kleber Wildlife Management Area is extensive and elaborate. Neotropical migrants, quail, deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, groundhogs, and raccoons, as well as an array of hawks, call the steep hillsides and narrow, flat ridgelines home. Although this hike is only 1.8 miles long, it’s not lacking in wildlife diversity.  

Dinsmore Homestead is also home to Dinsmore Woods State Nature Preserve, which is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Plan extra time to explore the homestead, cabin, garden, outbuildings, and cemetery.  

At Mullins Wildlife Management Area, you can wander about in the woods and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The trail leads into the woods near a stream and along a ridge, where you’ll find a bevy of shagbark hickory trees. Plus, this is a great location for bird-watching.  

Beaver Creek Wildlife Area is home to the unique Siebenthaler Fen. The wetland complex serves as a resting spot for migrating waterfowl and neotropical migrants. The boardwalk allows visitors a chance to explore the wetlands without getting soaked.  

Whether you're a history or nature nut (or both), Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park offers excellent hiking trails that lead you through different habitats, and also takes you back in time to when battles raged over territory, salt, and freedom.  

The Cardinal Greenway is a pleasant hike through the Whitewater Gorge area and cityscape of Richmond, Indiana. A side trail that leads through Springwood Lake Park takes you to Thistlethwaite Falls, well known for Ordovician fossils.  

Hueston Woods State Park has camping, a rustic lodge, nature center, wildlife rehabilitation center, archery range, and marina. The grounds also include the Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve, which is home to an old-growth, nearly virgin, forest.  

Nestled in the scenic rural landscape is the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, which offers more than 700 acres of forest, meadow, prairie, and pond habitats to explore, plus a spectacular variety of songbirds, birds of prey, and waterfowl to spy upon.  

General Butler State Resort Park offers more than 8 miles of trails through upland forests and a retired ski resort that provides excellent valley views. The Two Rivers restaurant is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat.  

Nestled into the hillsides of Whitewater Memorial State Park, the trail passes through two great nature experiences, the Hornbeam Nature Preserve and Red Springs. Portions of the trail are rugged, and if the lake is high the Lakeshore Trail to the Observation Deck might be impassable.  

Off the beaten trail, Pennywort Cliffs Nature Preserve is a serene trek through the woods along an old road that passes in and out of existence. This hike is a peaceful escape from the world.  

Although there are many grand old trees in this unique sanctuary, the serene nature of the quiet woods qualifies Shrader-Weaver Woods as exceptional. Visit in spring for the wonderful wildflowers, and remember everything in Shrader-Weaver Nature Preserve is protected.  

The trails at Hardy Lake State Recreation Area take you through a forest of sugar maple, beech, and oak trees as well as pine stands. The trails skirt the edges of the lake, providing multiple wildlife- viewing opportunities.  

The Chilo Lock 34 Museum contains interactive displays about the Ohio River and the history of the area, while Crooked Run Nature Preserve is the perfect place to view waterfowl, songbirds, birds of prey, and some wetland-dependent mammals.