Hiking in central Indiana (Anderson, Greencastle: purchase, camping, income)

[WILWRadio]

I was looking at the website for Mounds State Park in nearby Anderson and it would appear that you have to pay an entrance fee to the park before you can enter it even if you don't have a car. I like to hike unimproved trails and I will need to find at least a couple within a short drive of Indy to keep me happy.

Are there any forests or parks that have trails that are open to the public without having to pay an entrance fee?

[jarcolem]

Holiday park on the Northside is pretty nice. I'm no hiking expert, but I enjoyed hiking the trails there. I've also heard really good things about turkey run...I may be way off but I think it's around Greencastle somewhere. Holiday park is free, don't know about turkey run.

[grmasterb]

According to the website, Eagle Creek Park in Indy has 22 miles of hiking trails. Eagle Creek Park

Fort Harrison State Park has hiking trails as well. DNR: Fort Harrison

[Toxic Toast]

For the record, I think you have to pay an entrance fee at Eagle Creek.

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

For the record, I think you have to pay an entrance fee at Eagle Creek.

I can understand this if you are going to park a car and use swimming and camping facilities in a park or forest, but hiking? Bummer.

[grmasterb]

I think you have to pay a modest fee @ Fort Harrison, too.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by WILWRadio

I can understand this if you are going to park a car and use swimming and camping facilities in a park or forest, but hiking? Bummer.

Well, IMO, this is one reason Indiana State Parks are nicer than IL State Parks. They have the money to keep them nicer. IL parks-free to all and not as consistently litter free or nice as surrounding states that all charge (albeit less for residents) for entry. It costs $ to maintain the parks, trails and facilities!

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

Well, IMO, this is one reason Indiana State Parks are nicer than IL State Parks. They have the money to keep them nicer. IL parks-free to all and not as consistently litter free or nice as surrounding states that all charge (albeit less for residents) for entry. It costs $ to maintain the parks, trails and facilities!

In other states the income taxes collected at the state level take care of the maintenance.

Places like Iowa, Minnesota and Connecticut have excellent state parks and forests that don't have access fees except for camping and perhaps parking at select areas in the park. But I guess I can see that this does make sense in one respect. People that don't get out and use these facilities don't have to pay for their upkeep.

[missik999]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

According to the website, Eagle Creek Park in Indy has 22 miles of hiking trails. Eagle Creek Park

Fort Harrison State Park has hiking trails as well. DNR: Fort Harrison

You can purchase a year pass that covers all state parks, including Eagle Creek and Fort Ben, for $25.

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by missik999

You can purchase a year pass that covers all state parks, including Eagle Creek and Fort Ben, for $25.

Thanks. That works and that is an acceptable fee for a year's worth of entry fees.