Kentuckiana Hiker’s Review

It’s a rare treat when you discover something really wonderful that has been right under your nose all along. That was my first impression after finishing the 16 mile Two Lakes Loop Trail in Hoosier National Forest.

Not only is Two Lakes a first rate recreational area with camping sites and boat ramps on two good sized fishing lakes, but the loop trail within offers one of the longest single loops within an hour and a half of Louisville. And even at 16 miles, the trail is not exhausting. In fact, it is considerably easier than some of the 10+ mile trails I’ve hiked within the last few months.

That being said, the conditions were optimal, with 60 degree temperatures and light rain for the majority of the hike. Take on the same 16 miles in 85-90 degrees in the humidity of the Ohio Valley, and the length of the trail alone can make it tricky, if not dangerous.

The Two Lakes Recreation area is easy to find. Just head West on Interstate 64 and look for Indiana State Highway 37 at exit 79. At the exit, turn South (left if coming from Louisville) and head down HWY 37 for about a mile and a half and look for the entrance on the right. It is the first Hoosier National Forest entrance from I-64.

Once you enter the Recreation Area, proceed past the Lake Celina boat ramp access road for about an eighth of a mile and take a left on the gravel access road to the main Two Lakes Loop trailhead parking area (see trail map). If the trail is busy and this parking area is full, there are several small parking areas along the road to the Indian Lake boat ramp that include access trails to the main loop.

Here is the topographical map of the trail with the main trail head highlighted:

Regardless of where you begin, I highly recommend hiking toward the Lake Celina section first (clockwise on the loop) for one very good reason. The two creek crossings on the map that are North of Indian Lake are crossings that require wading in wet weather. And it’s much easier to hike 16 miles with wet boots for only the last 5 or so miles as opposed to hiking the majority of the trail with wet feet. There are a lot of creek crossings on this trail, but those were the only two that were not negotiable without wading. Stay apprised of the weather conditions on the days leading up to your hike and you might not even have to worry about wet feet.

Main Trail Head

The Lake Celina section of the hike from the trail head to the the lake dam featured rolling hills with several small creek crossings and no steep grades of any type. Along with several nice lake views, the dogwoods were still in bloom at the time of my hike. Look for loads of wild flowers near the creek crossings and keep an eye out for tortoises on the trail. During my day-long jaunt, I saw literally dozens of tortoises along the trail. I should also mention it’s tortoise mating season right now, so if you happen upon a couple in the act, try not to disturb them. I would imagine it’s hard enough to reproduce as a tortoise without human interruptions.

Creek Crossings

Dwarf Crested Iris

Lake Celina dam

Leaving the forest just before the Lake Celina dam, you’ll hike about a half mile or so in high grass. This is the first area along the trail that you will most definitely find ticks. Once you get past the dam, be mindful and check your socks and shoes. There’s even a convenient bench at the western end of the dam for a rest and a tick check.

The next 2 mile section of the trail includes two other trail intersections. The American Discovery trail shares and bit of the same trail along the way as the Two Lakes Loop. You’ll also pass an access trail that essentially cuts the loop in half if you don’t want to try all 16 miles in one trip. To stay on the loop, just keep following the white diamond trail markers.

This section of the trail also has the first major signs of downed timber from the ice storm of this past January. When possible, try to go over or under any downed trees. If you find any timber crossings impassable, look for side detours that previous hikers may have taken. Make an extra effort not to break any new trails yourself to preserve the natural environment.

Downed timber

At the Indian Lake dam, you’ll pass through another quarter mile of high grass for your second major tick alert area along the trail. Once past the dam, you’ll follow the trail for almost a mile close to the bank on Indian Lake. Here you’ll find rocky sections that will be slick in wet weather, along with lots of wet environment plants like jack in the pulpit. Once you take a turn uphill and away from the lake, you’ll hike the first serious incline of the day at approximately 9 and a half miles into the trail. Once you crest this hill, you’ll proceed along a back country route that looks like a fire road, and is loaded with burrs. This section is another tick laden area.

Indian Lake

The first wading creek crossing will signify the start of the final section of the trail. It will include your best opportunity for spotting a bald eagle as you hike the northernmost section of Indian Lake. I spotted one during my hike, but I could not get a good photo.

You’ll also be treated to the best wildflowers variety of the entire hike. Spiderwort is a dominant flower along the higher banks to the left of the trail along with loads of fire pinks and many other flowers. It was also along this section that I spotted my very first yellow lady’s slipper. It was the only specimen that I spotted all day of this fairly unusual member of the orchid family and it was the highlight of my photo opportunities for the day.

Fire Pinks

Yellow Lady’s Slipper

The second deep creek crossing will signal that you are in the home stretch of completing the trail. There are 3 access spurs in the last two miles of the loop to parking areas along Indian Lake Road. Access trails are marked with orange diamonds and all lead back to parking areas adjacent to roads.

Follow the white diamonds

I can’t say enough about the beauty and diversity of the Two Lakes Loop trail really. It was the first trail in the Ohio Valley that truly reminded me of some of the lush areas I’ve hiked in the Smoky Mountains. The only thing missing were the rhododendrons.

Get out and hike the Two Lakes Loop trail this spring and you won’t be disappointed. I’m already planning my next trip back to tackle it again.

I took LOTS of pictures along the hike and I hope you enjoy the photos in the Two Lakes Loop photo album