USI-Burdette Park Trail

The USI-Burdette Park Trail is a scenic route that lets you and Fido experience the natural beauty of Southwest Indiana. Used by hikers, runners, and cyclists, this 3-mile paved trail connects one of the country's prettiest college campuses with a lovely park. It is recognized as a National Recreation Trail and a destination point of the American Discovery Trail.

The USI-Burdette Park Trail begins on the picturesque, 1,400-acre campus of the University of Southern Indiana, which is open to the university community and public alike. You'll find the start of the route on University Boulevard between the Physical Activities Center and Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center. The trail can also be accessed at the Broadway Recreational Complex, from the side of the baseball field, and via a paved connecting path at the end of Rochelle Lane. You may park your car on campus for free.

As you and your pup make your way along the trail, you'll find yourselves traveling past open fields, through forests, and across bridges over creeks. You'll encounter some twists, turns, switchbacks, and inclines, but nothing that a healthy, active pooch can't handle. Furtunately, multiple sitting areas are available at intervals, so you can always give your feet and paws a break. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as the broad-headed skink and eastern bluebird, and wildflowers like the red trillium and trout lily.

Reward yourselves with a packed lunch once you reach Burdette Park or, if you feel like hiking some more, check out the primitive trails that meander through this 170-acre site. As always, keep your pooch on a leash and clean up after them! Note that emergency phones are installed along the USI portion of the trail, while drink machines and public restrooms are available at the Burdette Park trailhead. A pawsome time awaits you and your best friend on the USI-Burdette Park Trail!