Shawnee & Lenape Trail Loop
Touch the Earth Nature Area • Bartholomew County, Indiana
Trail Details
Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner Friendly
Dog Friendly: Yes, leash required
Address: 25 N Country Club Rd, Columbus, IN 47201
GPS: Coming next
Facilities: No restrooms
Parking: Small gravel lot
If you’re looking for a good beginner-friendly hike in Bartholomew County, the Shawnee & Lenape Trail Loop is a great place to start. The trail winds through the Touch the Earth Natural Area and gives you plenty of woods and wildlife without feeling like you signed up for an expedition.
What I Like About This Trail
This is the kind of trail I’d recommend to somebody who wants to get outside and enjoy a hike without needing a backpack full of gear or spending the entire day recovering afterward. The terrain gives you enough variety to keep things interesting, but it’s still approachable for newer hikers. You get wooded sections, plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, and that quiet feeling you’re looking for when you head into the woods in the first place.It’s also pet friendly, which is a big plus for me because Patriot gets to come along. Of course, he has his own rating system, and apparently my opinion only carries so much weight.
Patriot’s Trail Report
Difficulty: 3/10
Deer, birds, squirrels & frog sightings: 6/10
New smells: 7/10
According to Patriot, the trail gets high marks for things worth stopping to sniff and enough wildlife activity to keep him interested. From my side of the leash, I think it’s a really solid beginner hike and a good introduction to what some of the smaller natural areas around Bartholomew County have to offer.
IAN Verdict: Beginner friendly, dog friendly, and worth putting on your local hiking list.
