Pike: Discover Nature, Trails, and Protected Areas

For a trip to Pike, nature, trails, and regional history offer different points of interest. Pike State Forest, Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area, and Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area each represent different landscapes and recreational interests; Interlake extends across Pike and Warrick counties. When searching for a hotel for your trip to Pike, you can first decide whether hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, or historical themes will shape your stay.

Highlands, River Bottomlands, and Recreational Opportunities

At Pike State Forest, the terrain ranges from rolling highlands to the low-lying bottomlands of the Patoka River valley. Activities include hunting, horseback riding, picnicking, birdwatching, and hiking. This makes nature observation and trail activities options alongside a picnic outing; the transition between the highlands and river bottomlands creates a spatial contrast in the landscape.

Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area consists of former coal-mining land and extends across the borders of Pike and Warrick counties. It covers about 3,550 acres, with nearly 100 miles of trails and 17 lakes, many of which are accessible for fishing. The trails offer varied experiences for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers. The area offers distinct interests: alongside trails for different uses, there are also lakes and fishing opportunities.

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area protects one of the few remaining areas of forested wetlands in the Midwest's lowland river bottoms. Visitors can watch and photograph wildlife, hunt, fish, hike, canoe, and take part in interpretive programs. Which of these activities are accessible may vary by refuge unit. Compared with Interlake, the focus here is on protecting forested wetlands and the recreational opportunities available in each unit.

More Nature and Recreation Destinations

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area consists of six separate areas. The total area is about 8,500 acres; changes in land management may affect this figure.

The Azalea Path is home to 37 of the 38 Schroeder azalea hybrids, as well as Buddy Lee's complete Encore azalea collection. The makeup of the collection may change over time.

Hornady Park has a fishing pond, a pavilion, a splash pad, and a playground. Since information about the facilities may change, check before your visit.

Historic Trails and an Annual Event

The Buffalo Trace ran from Vincennes to Louisville and was the only continuous route during the pioneer era. This gives the region a historical connection to the route of that time, alongside its nature and recreation offerings. The Pike County Fair and Rodeo is held annually; check the dates for your travel period.

Discover more destinations: Winslow, Shelby County, Hendricks, Whitley County, Fulton County, Elkhart, Spencer County, and Orange County.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.