The best walks and hikes around Crown Point

Hike the moderate 5.5-mile Stoney Run Perimeter Trail through diverse woodlands and meadows, featuring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Oak Ridge Prairie Loop offers a delightful journey through a surprisingly diverse landscape in Griffith, Indiana. As you hike, you'll experience a mosaic of environments, from vibrant prairie restoration projects teeming with native species to tranquil woodlands, savannas, and even glimpses of wetlands and lakes. The trail's gentle, matted dirt and grass path makes for a pleasant walk, showcasing the park's transformation from bean fields into a biodiverse haven.

Planning your visit to the Oak Ridge Prairie Loop is straightforward, as it's part of the larger Oak Ridge Prairie County Park. You'll find ample parking at this regional hub, which also connects to the Oak Savannah and Erie Lackawanna trails for longer excursions. The park is open year-round, offering various activities beyond hiking, including fishing and playgrounds, making it a versatile destination for a day out.

This easy 3.8-mile (6.2 km) loop, with its minimal 24 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes. It's particularly notable for its ecological significance, boasting over 500 different native species and serving as one of the most biodiverse parks in Lake County. It's an excellent choice for families or anyone seeking a gentle nature immersion.

Embark on the Lemon Lake Perimeter Hiking Trail, a moderate route that takes you around the scenic Lemon Lake. This hike covers 5.4 miles (8.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 111 feet (34 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete. As you walk, you'll find yourself surrounded by picturesque woodlands, where mature trees offer plenty of shade and sunlight filters through the leaves. Keep an eye out for deer tracks on the unpaved sections, and enjoy the serene natural environment that includes open fields and views of the lake. The trail combines both paved and unpaved paths, offering a varied experience.

Before you head out, be aware that some unpaved sections of the Lemon Lake Perimeter Hiking Trail can get quite muddy and wet, especially after rain. You might also encounter long grass in certain areas, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The park is generally accessible for various fitness levels, making it a good choice for many hikers. Since it's a multi-use park, you'll find other activities happening alongside the hiking trails.

This trail is nestled within Lemon Lake County Park in Crown Point, Indiana, offering a chance to explore a diverse landscape. The mature trees along the route create a pleasant atmosphere, providing ample shade on sunny days. While hiking, you might spot local wildlife in the serene natural environment. The park's design ensures that you can enjoy the beauty of Lemon Lake throughout your journey.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Pennsy Greenway, a 7.2 miles (11.7 km) route that offers a smooth, paved surface and generally flat terrain. You can expect to gain only 29 feet (9 metres) in elevation, making it an accessible option for nearly three hours of outdoor activity. As you hike, you will pass through varied landscapes, including idyllic green spaces and stretches alongside suburban neighborhoods, with Maynard Lake serving as a notable visual highlight.

This multi-use trail is welcoming to a wide range of users, and it is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion along. Parking is generally available at various access points along the route, making it convenient to start your journey whenever you are ready. Plan for approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes to complete the entire trail at a steady pace.

The Pennsy Greenway is a former rail-trail, providing a straightforward path that blends natural beauty with community views. It offers a unique opportunity to experience both green spaces and glimpses of local life as you move along the route. This combination makes it a distinctive option for a leisurely outing in the area.