Sometimes all you need after a long week of classes or work is to reconnect with nature. Luckily, Bloomington has plenty of opportunities for that. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or camper, or you just enjoy picnicking or strolling down a nature trail, there is something for you in Monroe County. Here are just a few of the best spots.
Griffy Lake
Located just north of campus, Griffy Lake is the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day of classes. The nature preserve offers hiking trails, fishing, boating and picnicking. There are 10 hiking trails, most around one mile long. You are allowed to fish at the lake with a valid fishing permit. There are also boating options at the lake; you can find regulations for private boat launching as well as renting options on the City of Bloomington website. If you aren’t up for an adventure, you can also enjoy the lake from the picnic area by the boathouse.
Lower Cascades
Lower Cascades Park, which was established in 1921 and was Bloomington's first public park, offers many outdoor activities for the whole family. They have multiple shelter areas and picnic tables available, a playground and a paved nature trail to the Lower Cascades waterfall. You can find more information about the park and how to reserve a shelter house on the city’s website.
Monroe Lake
Whether you like hiking, camping, swimming or boating, Monroe Lake and the surrounding area has plenty of options. Being near the Charles C. Deam Wilderness nature preserve, there are plenty of hiking options, like the Lake Monroe peninsula trail (10 miles), the Axsom Branch loop trail (4.6 miles) or the Sycamore loop trail (6.3 miles). The Hardin Ridge Recreation Area near the lake has a great campground with lots of different camp spot options. The Paynetown campground is also right by the lake.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can enjoy the three beaches Monroe Lake has to offer: Fairfax State Recreation Area, Paynetown State Recreation Area and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. The lake also offers fishing and boating. You can get more information on permits and boat rentals on the Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s website.
Cedar Bluff
Located just west of Monroe Lake, Cedar Bluff features a 75-foot-tall limestone bluff. It was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 1976 and is now owned by The Nature Conservancy, which works to manage and preserve the land. The nature preserve includes a hiking trail that is a little over one mile for visitors to use.
Hickory Ridge Fire Tower
The Hickory Ridge Fire Tower looks out over the Charles C. Deam Wilderness and offers scenic views of the forest. Built in 1936, it was used for fire detection until the 1970s but is now the only remaining lookout tower in the Hoosier National Forest. With 133 metal steps, it is a long way up, but definitely worth it. The Sycamore Loop Trail begins from the lookout tower’s parking lot as well.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student’s spring 2026 Housing and Living Guide.
