The best walks and hikes in DeKalb County
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Hiking trails in DeKalb County, Indiana, traverse a landscape characterized by woodlands, lakes, and gentle terrain. The region offers a network of paths suitable for various activity levels, often following natural features like creeks and lake shores. Hikers can expect to find routes through established preserves and parks, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. The area's topography generally features minimal elevation changes, making many trails accessible.
Best hiking trails in DeKalb County
- The most popular hiking route is Bicentennial Woods Trail…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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11
hikers
2.77km
00:43
20m
10m
The Bicentennial Woods Trail offers an easy hiking experience, guiding you through lush, mature forests filled with towering oaks and sycamores. You will navigate gentle inclines and descents across sandy,…
3
hikers
6.28km
01:36
20m
20m
Hike the easy 3.9-mile Bixler Lake Loop in Kendallville, offering diverse scenery, wildlife, and a family-friendly experience around the lak
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812m
00:13
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike through the Dustin, Johnson and Whitehurst Preserve Loop, a compact route that offers a quick escape into nature. This trail covers just 0.5 miles (0.8…
5
hikers
3.81km
00:59
20m
20m
Embark on the Softshell Turtle Trail for an easy hike through Metea County Park. This route covers 2.4 miles (3.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 65 feet (20…
2
hikers
6.34km
01:38
30m
30m
Explore the Metea Park north loop, an easy hiking route that offers a more rugged experience than the park's southern sections. You will traverse varied scenery, from peaceful wooded trails…
17.6km
04:27
40m
40m
Hike the moderate 10.9-mile Fishing Line Trail through tree-lined paths and rural vistas, with views of Sylvan Lake.
9
hikers
6.34km
01:36
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
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8
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2.87km
00:45
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
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3.15km
00:49
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
9.54km
02:25
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Dekalb County
Tips from the Community
Beautiful quiet, wooded, winding and undulating single and double track trails near the river.
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The Fishing Line Trail is a rail trail that connects Rome City and Kendallville. The trail is paved and runs along a tree-lined former railway corridor. It connects several parks and runs up to the Lake in Rome City.
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Beautiful cabin in the woods and on the edge of a lake that used to be the home of author Gene Stratton Porter. Now, the cabin is a museum that is open for public visits, and the grounds of the estate are a great place to walk through.
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The Pufferbelly Trail gets its name from a historical nickname for steam locomotives. The trail is paved to south and as yet unpaved to the north.
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The Pufferbelly Trail leads directly north from Lawton Park in downtown Fort Wayne. Over 7 miles of paved trail have been constructed, and there are plans for it to be part of the future 80-mile State Visionary Trail.
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In the preserve you will find hill prairie, moist upland forest, and floodplain forest. The preserve is a part of Metea Park and has similar types of trails.
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The northern section of Metea Park is mostly flat packed trails, but it is a little more wild than the southern section. The many interconnecting paths and nontechnical terrain make this is a great place for easy trail running. There may be a cash-only park use fee.
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The northern section of Metea Park is mostly flat packed trails, but it is a little more wild than the southern section. There may be a cash-only park use fee.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in DeKalb County?
DeKalb County offers a network of over 10 hiking trails, providing various options for exploring the local woodlands, lakes, and gentle terrain. Most of these routes are considered easy, making them accessible for many hikers.
What kind of terrain can I expect on DeKalb County hiking trails?
Hiking trails in DeKalb County typically feature woodlands, lake loops, and gentle paths. The region's topography generally has minimal elevation changes, offering accessible routes through established preserves and parks, often following natural features like creeks and lake shores.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, DeKalb County has many easy trails perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Bicentennial Woods Trail is an easy 1.7-mile path winding through wooded areas. Another great option is the Bixler Lake Loop, an easy 3.9-mile route circling the lake with scenic views.
Are there any loop hikes in DeKalb County?
Yes, DeKalb County features several enjoyable loop hikes. The Bixler Lake Loop is a popular easy route that circles the lake. Another option is the Metea Park north loop, offering a longer easy experience.
What do other hikers say about the trails in DeKalb County?
The hiking routes in DeKalb County are generally well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Hikers often appreciate the tranquil experience of paths winding through wooded areas and the scenic views offered by lake loops.
Are there longer hiking options for more experienced hikers?
While most trails are easy, there are longer options available. The Fishing Line Trail is a moderate 10.9-mile route that leads through varied terrain, typically taking over four hours to complete. The Payton Park loop is another moderate option, spanning about 5.9 miles.
Are there any trails that offer scenic views of lakes or water features?
Yes, several trails provide scenic views of water. The Bixler Lake Loop directly circles Bixler Lake, offering continuous views of the water and surrounding greenery. Many paths also follow along peaceful creeks and lake shores.
What is the shortest hiking trail available in DeKalb County?
For a quick and easy walk, the Dustin, Johnson and Whitehurst Preserve Loop is one of the shortest options, at approximately 0.5 miles, taking around 13 minutes to complete.
What is the longest hiking trail in DeKalb County?
The longest hiking trail in DeKalb County is the Fishing Line Trail, which spans 10.9 miles and is classified as moderate. It offers a more extended exploration of the varied terrain.
Are there trails suitable for a quick walk?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a shorter walk, the Bicentennial Woods Trail is an easy 1.7-mile path that can be completed in under an hour. The Dustin, Johnson and Whitehurst Preserve Loop is even shorter, at just 0.5 miles.
What kind of natural features can I see while hiking in DeKalb County?
Hikers in DeKalb County can expect to encounter diverse natural features, primarily woodlands, lakes, and creeks. The trails often wind through established preserves, showcasing the region's gentle topography and natural beauty.
Most popular routes in DeKalb County
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