Books

There are several good books about the variety of recreational activities in Indiana and throughout the country. This is a short selection of items that provide background information about the history, hiking trails, and National Parks.

1. Bloom, Phil. (2000). Hiking Indiana. Helena, MT: Falcon. ISBN: 1-56044-720-6
B-Main GV199.42.I6 B56 2000
In Hiking Indiana, join award-winning outdoor editor and author Phil Bloom on more than 60 hikes, ranging from easy afternoon jaunts to multi-day backpack trips. Watch for whitetails or wild turkeys as you climb the steep hills of the Hoosier National Forest, find serenity deep in the thick pines of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, or tackle the spiny ridges and deep ravines of the Knobstone Trail, a trail whose hikers fondly deem the Little Appalachian (amazon.com).

2. Butcher, Devereux. Revised by Bucher, Russell D. (1995). Exploring Our National Parks and Monuments. (9th ed.). Washington, DC: National Parks and Conservation's Association and Boulder , Colorado. ISBN: 1-57098-025-X
B-Busspea E160 .B9 1995
The table of contents [of this issue] has been redone to reflect the increasing size and diversity of the system, dividing the areas covered into national parks, monuments....seashores and lakeshores, recreational areas and trails. Butcher speaks to the traveler who wants to know why certain areas of the United States were deemed important enough to protect... (Arba 1996).

3. Gisler, Magrat. (2002). Indiana: Hundreds of Ideas for Day Trips with the Kids. Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot Press. ISBN: 0-7627-2228-2
KOKOMO F524.3 .G573 2000
Here's the inside information on all the family-friendly fun to be had in the Hoosier State. Fun with the Family in Indiana leads the way to amusement parks, hiking trails, zoos and aquariums, children's museums, festivals, parks, and much more. Take a look inside for up-to-the-minute information on Indiana's family attractions, detailed maps, quick reference icons, age-appropriate guidelines and kid-friendly restaurants and places to stay (BIP).

4. Leonetti, Ron and Jordan, Christoper. (2004). Unexpected Indiana: Portfolio of Natural Landscapes. Bloomington, IN: Quarry Books. ISBN: 0-253-24485-9
B-Lilly F527 .L46 2004
Unexpected Indiana reveals the beauty and power of the natural world in Indiana. Ron Leonetti and Christopher Jordan have covered the entire state, photographing the parks and preserves in all four seasons. From the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in the north to the cypress sloughs in the south, the full breadth of Indiana's diversity is represented, revealing a hidden splendor (Blackwell).

5. Ries, Richard and Shepard, Dave. (2000). Mountain Bike! The Midwest. Birmingham, AL: Menasha Ridge Press. ISBN: 0897322827
B-Hper GV1045.5.M55 S44 2000
With vast prairies, rolling forested hills, and tranquil lakes, the diversity of mountain biking terrain in the Midwest will surprise even the fat tire elite. We promise you'll discover more than single-track winding through endless cornfields. Home to some of the best family-oriented trails around, Midwest mountain biking also possesses great white-knuckle, teeth-rattling rides. You won't find dicey rides teetering on the brink of thousand-foot cliffs, but you will encounter trails as technically challenging as anywhere else in North America (amazon.com).

6. Schlereth, Thomas J. (1997). Reading the road:U.S. 40 and the American Landscape. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press. ISBN: 0870499459
B-Main F527 .S34 1997
Once known as the National Highway, U.S. 40 has long been a major east-west route across America. In this fascinating and profusely illustrated book, Thomas J. Schlereth explores the historic landscapes and cultural legacies that are evident alongside the 156 miles of the highway that bisect central Indiana (amazon.com).

7. Shangle, Babra. (2000). Discovering Indiana. Beaverton, OR: American Products Corporation. ISBN: 1-884958-75-3
NW-Gary, Indiana F527.S53 2000

8 . Trogdon, Wendell (1994). Backroads Indiana Evanston, Il: Highlander Press ISBN: 0-913617-17-2
B-Busspea F524.3 .T76 1994

9. Wilson, George R. (1986). Early Indiana Trails and surveys. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana Historical Society. ISBN: 0871950057
IUPUI-F521 .I41 v.6 no.3 1986
This is a reprint of a book first published by the Indiana Historical Society in 1919, written by the former Dubois County surveyor, George R. Wilson. The book features invaluable information on early Indiana paths and settlements, including historic trails such as the Buffalo Trace, the Yellow Banks Trace, the Red Banks Trail, and Whetzel’s Trace. Also featured are discoveries made by surveyors during their work, including the location of French Lick and West Baden Springs. An index of names of people as well as names of roads, traces, and surveys is included (amazon.com).

Directories

These are specialized directories for parks throughout the county that provide phone numbers and addresses. If you are not sure were a park or trail is located consult one of these diretories.

1. Rajtar, Steve. (1995). Hiking trails, eastern United States: address, phone number, and distances for 500 trails, with indexing of over 200 guidebooks. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co. ISBN: 0-7864-0142-7
B-Hper GV199.42.E19 R35 1995
While there are many hiking guides for the eastern United States, the unique approach of this guide makes it a reference tool that academic and public libraries with any interest in outdoor recreational activities will find it invaluable (Arba 1996).

2. Smith, Darren L, Hoffman, Penny J. and Bokenkamp-Toth, Dawn. (2001). Parks Directory of the United States. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics. ISBN 0-7808-0440-6
B-Hper E160 .S65 2001
...provides updated information for more than 4,950 parks. All national and state parks, monuments, historic sites, battlefields, forests, preserves, seashores, trails, urban parks, and wildlife refuges in the United States that are administered by national and state park agencies are listed. Each entry includes the official name and classification and [contact information]... (Arba 2002).

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are a good place to find out general information about a subject by giving you the opportunity to explore a variety of interests. It is a good place to start your research, because it explores the different categories of recreation. The dictionary is a great resource to find out how a word is used and defined as it pertains to the field of outdoor recreation.

1. Sparano, Vin T. (2000). Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia. (4th ed.). NY: St. Martin's. Press ISBN:0-312-19190 $39.95 Arba 2000
B-Hper - On order
This edition includes more than 1300 illustrations and diagrams, 500 of which are new to this volume. The chapters cover topics such as...fishing, camping, survival, boating...and first aid. The book concludes with a chapter titled "Outdoor Information Sources," which provides addresses and telephone numbers for ...U.S. National Parks and Forests, outdoor recreation organizations, and travel information (Arba 2000).

2. Smith, Stephen L.J. (1990). Dictionary of Concepts in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ISBN:0-313-25262-9
B-Hper E160 .S65 2001
Smiths object is to further scholarly research through a dictionary that deals with concepts, ideas, and the nuances of vocabulary.. The authority of this dictionary rests on the publisher and author. Smith has written books on recreation and tourism; is head of a college department of recreatio (Arba 1991).

Geographic

Maps not only tell you how to get from point A to B, but contain detailed information to help you plan your next adventure. Listed below are items that are topographic in nature providing detailed information about elevation change, river beds, and trail systems.

1. DeLorme Mapping Company. (1998). Indiana atlas & gazetter. Yarmouth, ME: DeLorme. ISBN: 0-93576-46-0
B-Main G1400.I49
Rely on the Indiana Atlas & Gazetteer for the utmost in trip planning and back country access. Contains topographic maps with unbeatable detail, plus gazetteer information on great places to go and things to do. Scale equals 1:156,000 or 1"=2.5 miles. Contour Interval is 60'. Each page covers 24.6 miles x 34.5 miles, and includes GPS Grids and tick marks. Special Features include shaded relief maps. Gazetteer categories include Amish country, Biking, Campgrounds, Canoe trips Covered bridges, Fishing, Hiking, Historic sites, Hunting National lands, Nature preserves, Scenic drives, State lands, Unique natural features, Wildlife viewing, and Wineries (amazon.com).

2. U.S. Geological Survey. (1993). Hoosier National Forest:7.5 ninute series. Reston, VA: The Survey; Denver, CO.
B-Geology 19.81:H 76/993/38086-F 6
This is the most current topographic map avaible for the Hoosier National Forest. It is something that should be consulted by anyone intersted spending their time hiking and backpacking in the National Forest.

3. United States, National Park Service. (1994). Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana. Washington DC: U.S. Deptarmentof the Interior.
B-Geomap G4092.I45 1994 .U5

Guides and Handbooks

Handbooks and guides contain factual information about a variety of different activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. These are some of the best ones that have been written abou the State of Indiana . They describe paricular hiking routes, their location, degree of difficulty and other important facts.

1. Butcher, Russell D. (1999). NPC Guide to National Parks in the Heartland Region. Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot Press. ISBN: 0-7627-0571-X
B-Busspea F350.3 .B88 1999
Guide to National Parks: Heartland Region takes you on a tour of the region's national parks with detailed descriptions of notable park features and stunning, full-color photography. This guide also includes listings of all wilderness areas and attractions within the region managed by the National Park Service. With this book, you not only have a guide in your pocket, but a souvenir of your time spent at these beautiful parks (Globe Pequot Press).

2. Cook, Charles. (1994). The essential guide to wilderness camping and backpacking in the United States. NY: M. Kesend Publishing. ISBN: 0935576460
B-Hper GV191.42.I6 A84 1979
This handy reference for anyone wanting to camp in America ’s back country is divided into tow parts; essentials of wilderness camping and backpacking and a complete guide to U.S. parks and other natural areas open to wilderness camping, along with the best trails for backpacking (Arba 1996).

3. Goll, John. (1995). Indiana state parks: a guide to Hoosier parks, reservoirs, and recreation areas for campers, hikers, anglers, boaters, hunters, nature lovers, skiers. Saginaw, MI: Glovebox Guidebooks of America. ISBN: 1-881139-12-3
B-Main GV191.42.I6 G65 1995

4. McPherson Alan. (2002). Nature walks in southern Indiana. (2nd ed.). Indianapolis,IN: Hoosier Chapter/Sierra Club. ISBN: 0-9672922-2-0
B-Hper GV199.42.I6 M38 2002
Now updated and expanded, Nature Walks in Southern Indiana, 2nd edition, describes over 200 nature outings ranging from gentle short walks to challenging overnight backpack trips. Whether a veteran or novice hiker, this comprehensive guide leads the way through a varied Midwest landscape blessed with an array of hiking opportunities. Nature Walks in Southern Indiana, is conveniently divided into three natural regions plus the Hoosier National Forest. Some of Indiana's most precious wild areas are included (amazon.com).

5. McPherson, Alan and Strickholm, Alfred. (1996). Nature walks in northern Indiana. Indianapolis, IN: Hoosier Chapter/Sierra Club. ISBN: 97-105665
B-Main GV199.42.I6 M35 1996

6. McPherson, Alan. (2001). Indiana Best hikes. Bloomington, IN: Waters Publishing Company. ISBN: 0-9672922-1-2
B-Busspea GV199.42.I6 M347 2001
For each of the 106 Indiana Best Hikes sites, the succinct text describes the site, gives highway and trail directions, hours, facilities, contact address and other nearby points of interest plus a detailed map (3 maps in 1) that shows state location, highway map and site map with trails. In addition, each of the 106 best hikes features at least one trail and as many as three, in specific detail, with separate maps (amazon.com).

7. McPherson, Alan. (2000). Paddle Indiana: an access guide to Canoeing and Kayaking Indianas' lakes and streams. Bloomington, IN: J.L Waters & Company. ISBN: 0-9672922-0-4
B-Main GV783 .M64 2000
The 399-page guidebook features 70 select lakes and 35 streams that are publicly accessible to canoeists and kayakers in the Hoosier state. This comprehensive guide to Indiana's bodies of water features black and white photos, carefully crafted access maps along with a capsule listing topographic maps, nearby communities, stream distance, number of trips, level of difficulty, hazards, portages, further information sources, gamefish species, camping and medical assistance. The introduction includes information on Indiana's natural heritage, water safety, paddling tips, river rights and paddling with children. The appendices list what gear to take, where to rent a canoe, paddling organizations, IDNR fisheries and wildlife biologists, a glossary of terms, bibliography of helpful books and a map index (amazon.com) .

8. McKinney, Sally (2000). Hiking Indiana. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. ISBN: 0-585-27582-3
B-Main GV1999.42I6 M34 2000
This is your complete guide to 100 of the best day hiking trails in Indiana. No matter what part of the state you want to explore or how easy or hard a trek you want, this handy book will lead you to the right trail.Full of interesting and scenic destinations in the northern, central, and southern sections of the state, Hiking Indiana offers you a guided tour of 46 featured areas. The book even provides urban hiking areas in case you want to enjoy Indiana’s unique cities (amazon.com).

9. Storm, Roger. (1995). 40 Great Rail-Trails in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. Washington, DC: Rails-to-TrailsConservancy. ISBN: 0-92574-08-2
B-Hper GV191.42.M5 A16 1994

10. Thomas, Phyllis (2001). Indiana: off the beaten path. Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot Press. ISBN: 0-7627-0711-9
B-Busspea F524.3 .T47 2001
Whatever you do when you travel, get off the highway. Who needs more bland rest stops and fast food? Get into the heart of things with Globe Pequot's Off the Beaten Path series. Devoted to travelers with a taste for the unique, this easy-to-use guide will help you discover the hidden places in the Indiana that most tourists miss - unsung, unspoiled, and out-of-the-way finds that liven up a week's vacation, a day trip, or an afternoon (amazon.com).

Internet Resources

There is a wealth of information that can be found on the internet and listed below are some of the best resources about Indiana. The majority of websites take you directly to local, county, and state organizations that maintain the vast number of parks and recreational areas. If you are looking for a map of a state park or ideas of things to do with the kids these websites will be helpful.

1. Back Packer Magizane
This is a direct link within Backpackers website that takes you directly to information about Indiana. This page is a starting place to more in depth knowledge about wilderness areas and organizations involved in the outdoors.

2. Bloomington Parks and Recreation
The City of Bloomington’s website is very similar to the one above. Detailed information about the parks that are maintained by the City.

3. Enjoy Indiana
Contains ideas about the different type of activities you can do. It also provides information about state and private campgrounds. This is a great resource for people that are looking for activities that they can do with their kids.

4. Historic Southern Indiana
This is a listing of links to other websites that have information about different activities in Southern Indiana. It is a springboard to state parks, visitor bureaus, and historic sites to just name a few.

5. Hoosier Hikers Council
Hoosier Hikers Trail Council is a trail building associations that helps to maintain trails throughout the state. Part of their goal is to put people in touch with others that have an interest in hiking and the outdoors.

6. Indiana Department of Natural Resources
This website is good starting place for outdoor recreation that breaks up the state of Indiana into different regions. You can search by region, state parks/reservoirs, fish and wildlife areas or nature preserves.

7. Indiana Department of Natural Resources
This is another subset to the Department of Natural resources website that gives you a direct link to hiking trails and rail to trails.

8. Indiana Universitty Outdoor Adventures
This organziationoffers a variety of outdoor activities that people in the Bloomington area can participate in (available to students, staff, and local residents).

9. Monroe Couny Parks and Recreation
This is a listing of the Monroe County parks. It gives you directions on how to get to the parks and a printable map of each one.

Outdoor Orginizations

If you are in search of a hiking partner or other people that have similar intrests in the outdoors get in touch with one of the following organizations. This one of the best ways to get information about recreational oppurtunities in the state of Indiana.

1. Hoosier Hikers Council

2. IUOA - Indiana Univirsity Outdoor Adventures - Bloomington, Indiana

3. Northwest Indiana Hiking and Backpacking Club