The best hikes from bus stations in Morgan-Monroe State Forest
5.0
(10)
278
hikers
3
hikes
Bus station hiking trails in Morgan-Monroe State Forest traverse a landscape characterized by steep ridges and valleys, carved from un-glaciated land. The forest features extensive hardwood forests and significant elevation changes. Three lakes, Bryant Creek, Cherry, and Prather, are present within the forest boundaries. Natural rock shelters also form part of the terrain.
Best bus station hiking trails in Morgan-Monroe State Forest
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Sample Gates – Campus path loop from Indiana University Bloomington…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
2
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
7.45km
01:55
30m
30m
The Bloomington Courthouse Square loop offers a delightful urban ramble, showcasing the city's historic core and connecting to its accessible trail network. You'll start by circling the magnificent Monroe County…
Sign up for free
2
hikers
4.05km
01:03
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Other adventures in Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Tips from the Community
Centered around the Monroe County Courthouse, the Square is downtown Bloomington's most popular areas. With numerous eateries and cafes, it's a great place to start, end, or or pass through on a ride.
0
0
Bryan Park is a popular city park in Bloomington. The park features playgrounds, boardwalks, a fitness station, a dirt walking path next to the river, and the Bryan Park Perimeter Trail, which is a paved trail a little less than a mile that circles around the park. This is a great place for an easy run that's suitable for all ability levels.
0
0
The paths, trails, and sidewalks surrounding and running through the middle of the Indiana University campus are a great place for a run, especially in the fall and winter months. The campus is full of history and a large full-time student and faculty population who use these paths to get to classes and buildings on the campus.
0
0
Dunn's Woods is situated on the edge of the Indiana University campus and features a bunch of intertwining paths that meander through the woods and travel past some statues and artwork. Most of the paths are brick walkways that circle around the old property, and a lot of them connect to other trails and paths that branch into the heart of the school's campus.
0
0
Centered around the Monroe County Courthouse, the Square is downtown Bloomington's most popular areas. With numerous eateries and cafes, it's a great place to start, end, or or pass through on a ride.
1
0
The iconic entryway between downtown Blooomington and the beautiful Indiana University campus.
0
0
The paths, trails, and sidewalks surrounding and running through the middle of the Indiana University campus are a great place for a walk, especially in the fall and winter months. The campus is full of history and a large full-time student and faculty population who use these paths to get to classes and buildings on the campus.
0
0
Dunn's Woods is situated on the edge of the Indiana University campus and features a bunch of intertwining paths that meander through the woods and travel past some statues and artwork. Most of the paths are brick walkways that circle around the old property, and a lot of them connect to other trails and paths that branch into the heart of the school's campus.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station accessible hiking trails are available in Morgan-Monroe State Forest?
There are three easy hiking routes in Morgan-Monroe State Forest that are accessible from bus stations, making it convenient to explore the area without a car.
What kind of terrain can I expect on bus station accessible hikes in Morgan-Monroe State Forest?
The trails accessible from bus stations are generally easy, featuring gentle elevation changes. However, the broader Morgan-Monroe State Forest is known for its rugged terrain, including steep ridges and valleys, and dense hardwood forests. While these specific routes are milder, you'll still experience the natural beauty of the forest.
Are there any family-friendly bus station hikes in Morgan-Monroe State Forest?
Yes, all three routes accessible from bus stations are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. For example, the Bryan Park Perimeter Trail loop from Bloomington is a pleasant 4 km walk, perfect for a leisurely outing with children.
Can I bring my dog on these bus station accessible trails?
Morgan-Monroe State Forest generally welcomes dogs on its trails, provided they are kept on a leash. These bus station accessible routes are no exception, offering a great opportunity to enjoy a walk with your canine companion.
What are some natural features or landmarks I might see on these hikes?
While the bus station routes are primarily urban or park-based, the broader Morgan-Monroe State Forest is rich in natural features. You can find scenic lakes like Bryant Creek Lake and diverse hardwood forests. The forest is also home to notable rock shelters and a historic fire tower. For specific highlights within the forest, you can explore the Morgan Monroe State Forest highlight page.
Are there any circular routes available from bus stations?
Yes, all three bus station accessible routes are circular. For instance, the Sample Gates – Campus path loop from Indiana University Bloomington offers a 5.6 km loop, and the Bloomington Courthouse Square loop from Bloomington is a 7.4 km circular route.
What is the best time of year to hike these trails?
Morgan-Monroe State Forest is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn offers spectacular fall foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days, and winter provides a quiet, serene experience, though some trails might be muddy or icy. Always check local conditions before heading out.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Morgan-Monroe State Forest?
The komoot community highly rates the experiences in Morgan-Monroe State Forest, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 9 ratings. Hikers often praise the peaceful forest environment and the opportunity to connect with nature.
What is the typical length and duration of these bus station hikes?
The bus station accessible hikes vary in length. The shortest is the Bryan Park Perimeter Trail loop from Bloomington at 4 km, taking about an hour. The longest is the Bloomington Courthouse Square loop from Bloomington at 7.4 km, which typically takes around 1 hour 55 minutes.
Are there any specific safety considerations for hiking in Morgan-Monroe State Forest?
During hunting season, it is advisable to wear bright clothing, as the forest is a habitat for various wildlife. Always stay on marked trails, carry water, and inform someone of your hiking plans. While the bus station routes are generally easy, the wider forest can be rugged, so proper footwear is recommended.
Most popular routes in Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Most popular attractions in Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
