Fort Wayne is less than one hour away from Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake and offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of expertise. Whether you're staying at our Camp-Resort for a week or weekend, or just passing through Fort Wayne, we recommend checking out one of the many hiking trails this city has to offer. Keep reading for beginner, advanced, and expert hiking trails near Fort Wayne to find one that's perfect for you!
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Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Beginner - 5.5 Miles
Rated 5 stars, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a beautiful Fort Wayne hiking trail and an easy hike for beginners! This 5.5 mile hike is great for both hiking and biking. The start of this trail is located near Wildwood Park in Fort Wayne, IN, which is located just one hour away from Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake. Enjoy the views of woodlands, open fields, and even a marshland!
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Rivergreenway: Beginner - 50 Miles
This impressive trail spans a total of 50 miles, with three different trailhead options. Plus, the walkway is paved, making this trail wheelchair friendly. The Rivergreenway offers diverse scenery, winding through downtown business districts, nature preserves, woodlands, and even a historic fort. Drive just one hour south from Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake and choose your own adventure on this beginner trail!
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Fishing Line Trail: Advanced - 7.7 Miles
With 7.7 miles of hills and trails through wooded areas of Fort Wayne, Fishing Line Trail is a great option for hikers looking for a little bit more of a challenge. Located just 40 minutes south of Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake, Fishing Line Trail is another great stopping point for your day trip to Fort Wayne.
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Pufferbelly Trail: Beginner - 4.9 Miles
Located just one hour from Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake, Pufferbelly rail-trail gets its unique name from the history of steam locomotives. Enjoy a plethora of beautiful Fort Wayne hiking scenery such as marshlands, Spry Run Creek, and more. One reviewer even said that you can even find sunflower fields along this trail during the month of September!
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Matea Park North Loop: Advanced - 3.9 Miles
This beautiful Fort Wayne hiking trail winds its way through a beautiful forest. With very little foot traffic, you might have the opportunity to see some Indiana wildlife such as tree frogs, deer, turtles, and more! Matea Park North Loop is located just one hour from Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake.
Rieke Park Trail: Beginner - 1.2 Miles
Explore the abandoned New York Central Railroad corridor when you take a leisurely stroll along Rieke Park Trail. This scenic destination is only 30 minutes from Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake and can be a great stop along your way to more hiking trails in Fort Wayne, IN. Starting at Rieke Park, this trail includes a playground, basketball court, picnic pavilions, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and more!
Pokagon Trail: Advanced - 8.7 Miles
This trail is just 11 minutes from Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake, making it a great day trip destination for the whole family to enjoy this moderately challenging hiking route. To complete the whole thing, hikers have estimated that it takes around 3 hours, so be sure to plan accordingly! Pokagon Trail is one of the best Indiana hiking trails, so be sure to add it to your itinerary during your next vacation to our Camp-Resort.
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Franke Park Area Trail: Expert - 4.9 Miles
This hiking trail near Fort Wayne, Indiana can be challenging for the family. Located within J.B. Franke Park, Franke Park Area Trail is just one of many trail options for those looking for an adventure. This hike provides a great opportunity for something as leisurely as birdwatching or, bring your bike and enjoy some strenuous activity such as mountain biking. On average, this trail takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete.
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Robb Hidden Canyon: Beginner - 1.5 Miles
Step back into nature and enjoy a leisurely stroll with Robb Hidden Canyon. This is considered an easier trail, taking an average of 30 minutes to complete. Enjoy birdwatching, smelling the wildflowers, and seeing the Indiana wildlife.
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Covell Nature Preserve Creek Loop: Beginner - .6 Miles
Located about halfway between our Camp-Resort and Fort Wayne, Covell Nature Preserve Creek Loop is a great opportunity to stop for some fresh air before getting to a harder route closer to the city. Plus, bring your furry friend on this hike! As long as they are leashed up, they are sure to enjoy the experience too.
What are you waiting for?! It's time to explore one, multiple, or all of these Fort Wayne hiking trails to top off your family getaway. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks!
