The best running trails in Dubois County

Dubois County offers a diverse range of running trails, from paved urban paths to rugged forest trails. You'll find routes through rolling hills, alongside scenic lakes like Patoka Lake and Ferdinand Old Town Lake, and within dense woodlands such as Ferdinand State Forest and Hoosier National Forest. The variety caters to different fitness levels and preferences.

Yes, for those seeking a longer run, the Two Lakes Loop Trail run — Hoosier National Forest is a challenging option, spanning 12.2 miles (19.7 km) and taking approximately 2 hours 6 minutes to complete. The nearby Birdseye Trail within the Hoosier National Forest also offers an 11.8-mile multi-use trail.

For easier runs, consider the 1-mile walking path around Ferdinand Old Town Lake, which is perfect for a peaceful jog. The Dubois Community Park also features a half-mile flat, asphalt trail. In Jasper, the Jasper Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile paved, mostly flat path ideal for a relaxed run, and Bohnert Park Walking Path offers a half-mile asphalt loop.

Absolutely. Many popular routes are loops, providing a continuous running experience. Examples include the Running loop from Jasper, the Calumet Lake loop from Jasper, and the Otis Pond loop from Redeemer Lutheran Church. These offer varied distances and scenery.

Many parks in Dubois County are dog-friendly. For instance, the Dubois Community Park welcomes leashed pets on its half-mile asphalt trail. When running in state forests or national forests, always check specific regulations regarding pets, but generally, leashed dogs are permitted on trails.

Dubois County is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy scenic views around Patoka Lake, Southern Indiana's primary recreation area, or the tranquil Ferdinand Old Town Lake. The Ferdinand State Forest and Hoosier National Forest offer immersive experiences through dense woodlands and rolling hills. The Parklands of Jasper also feature three ponds connected by elevated pathways, providing picturesque urban scenery.

The Parklands of Jasper is an excellent choice for families, offering two miles of walking trails, a multi-purpose path, and even a splash pad and outdoor exercise pods. The Dubois Community Park has restrooms and picnic areas, making it convenient for family outings. Many of the shorter, flatter loops are also suitable for families with younger children.

Most parks and trailheads in Dubois County offer designated parking areas. For example, the Dubois Community Park has parking available. For routes within state forests or national forests like the Hoosier National Forest, look for parking at trailheads or designated recreation areas. Urban paths like the Jasper Riverwalk often have accessible parking nearby.

The running routes in Dubois County are highly regarded by the komoot community. Over 20 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the mix of challenging hilly paths and gentler, well-maintained trails, as well as the scenic beauty of the lakes and woodlands.

Yes, Dubois County features several multi-use paths. The Jasper Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile paved path perfect for running. The Parklands of Jasper includes a multi-purpose path, and the Charles Street Multi-Use Path is a 2.25-mile paved trail. The Birdseye Trail in Hoosier National Forest is an 11.8-mile multi-use trail suitable for running, hiking, and mountain biking.

For urban running, the Jasper Riverwalk offers a 2.5-mile paved, mostly flat path with shade. The Parklands of Jasper provides two miles of trails, including a multi-purpose path and a lighted signature bridge, along with outdoor exercise pods. Bohnert Park Walking Path in Jasper is another good urban option with a half-mile asphalt loop.

If you're looking for a more challenging run with elevation changes, the Two Lakes Loop Trail run — Hoosier National Forest is classified as difficult and features notable elevation gains. Within Ferdinand State Forest, the steeper Turtle Pond Trail offers a more demanding run through hills and ravines, providing a good workout.