MITCHELL — As the woodlands shake off the winter chill and wildflowers begin to carpet the forest floor, local outdoor enthusiasts are preparing for a week of movement and community. Walking Week, a tradition celebrated since 2007, will take place from April 12–18, offering a robust lineup of hikes designed to kick off the spring season.
Spring Mill State Park (SMSP) is partnering with the Friends of Spring Mill State Park and the Bedford Hiking Club to host these daily excursions. The event aims to highlight the physical and mental benefits of walking, which include improved heart health, joint mobility, and stress relief.
“We want people to get outside and start walking and then keep walking right through the rest of the year,” said Teena Ligman, President of Friends of Spring Mill State Park. “Ideally, we’d like to see people make walking a part of their lives outdoors.”
A highlight of the week is the introduction of a Volkswalk on Saturday morning. A German tradition brought to the U.S. by returning soldiers, a Volkswalk (literally “people’s walk”) is a non-competitive social hike through areas of natural or cultural significance. Many participants keep “distance books” to track their global mileage in this unique international sport.
Walking Week Schedule
With various terrains, times, and distances, organizers have ensured there is a hike for every fitness level. All hikes occur at Spring Mill State Park unless otherwise noted.
| Date | Time | Meeting Location | Hike Details |
| Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 a.m. | Spring Mill Inn | Volkswalk: 5K or 10K options through Trails 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. |
| Saturday, April 11 | 3:00 p.m. | Nature Center | Trails 1, 2, and 4 (Approx. 1.25 miles). |
| Sunday, April 12 | 4:00 p.m. | Donaldson Parking Lot | Trail 3 (2.5 miles). Women Only hike. |
| Monday, April 13 | 3:00 p.m. | Grissom Memorial | Trail 6 (0.25 mile). |
| Mondat, April 13 | 5:30 p.m. | Friendship Park (Mitchell) | Blue Jacket Trail (2.6 miles) with Bedford Hiking Club. |
| Monday, April 13 | 10:00 a.m. | Tulip Poplar Shelter | Trail 7 and Stagecoach Trail (2.25 miles). |
| Wednesday, April 15 | 5:00 p.m. | Donaldson Shelter | Trail 4 (2 miles). |
| Thursday, April 16 | 9:00 a.m. | Lake View Activity Center | Trail 5 (1 mile). |
| Friday, April 17 | 10:00 a.m. | Pool Parking Lot | Mountain Bike Trail (2 miles). |
Take the Challenge
Ligman noted that participation in Walking Week is an excellent way to get a head start on the Spring Mill Trail Challenge, a year-long initiative encouraging visitors to complete every trail in the park.
“We are fortunate to have such wonderful places locally to hike,” Ligman added. “Even if you aren’t able to come every day, you’ll have gotten a good start… and be more motivated to come back and finish.”
To learn more about the daily hikes, the Volkswalk tradition, or the Spring Mill Trail Challenge, contact Teena Ligman at 812-278-0139. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water for the longer treks.
