Prophetstown Woodland Bluffs and Rivers Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a combination of a small part of Trail #2 and the complete Trail #3 at Prophetstown State Park. The hike includes about 0.25 miles shared with a paved cycle/walking trail so keep an eye out for bikes.

When you are at the scenic overlook which you'll reach shortly after starting the hike, keep an eye out for where the trail continues. You'll have to go up a sidewalk. On the right side, notice where the metal fence has an opening. That is where the trail continues.

In the middle of summer, the prairie grass and other vegetation can get quite tall: 7 to 10 feet. On a typical Indiana summer day, hiking in these areas can be very hot with high humidity. Remember to hydrate.

The hike starts at the parking lot located at the farthest eastern point an automobile can drive in the park (approximately 3 miles from the park entrance). Catch Trail #2 near the southern part of the parking lot—you'll see a mowed path to the woods—that's the start; you'll soon reach a scenic overlook. Take a few minutes to look out at the prairie floodplain.

Continuing on, the trail will combine with a paved cycle/walking path for about 0.25 miles. Moving along the prairie, the trail will turn to loose gravel and, eventually, a grass and dirt path. Visitors will observe various wetland restoration projects, indigenous tree plantings, and a stabilization project of the bank along the Wabash River.

Following along the Wabash River, the trail turns where the Tippecanoe River flows into the Wabash. Hike through the woods with the Tippecanoe River as your escort. The trail will then cross a bottom land prairie and will lead hikers to a 1.0 mile woodland bluff trail that offers great views of the prairie you just came from. Follow the gravel road and catch Trail #2 again where you originally left it. Reverse your path here and exit where you entered.

Deer, bald eagles, foxes, turtles, snakes, raccoons, and many other animals.