Take a summer road trip with ACRES!

Thanks to member and volunteer support, ACRES offers many places to explore throughout our region. Each preserve is unique, featuring diverse landscapes. If you’re looking for some new-to-you trails, why not make a day of it?

We’re starting a road trip series to suggest some routes to check out. So fuel up, grab your walking shoes, and pack your lunch (or support a local restaurant—see our suggestions for pit stops!). For the first route in this series, we’re heading to Huntington and Wells counties.

1. Start at Pehkokia Woods

Located northwest of Huntington just off U.S. 24, Pehkokia Woods takes its name from the Miami word for “peace.” The property offers a 1.9-mile trail for easy walking. As you enter the preserve, veer off to the left (west) for trails through rolling upland woods bisected by 20-foot-deep ravines. Continue straight (north) for a loop through Pehkokia’s grassland area.

2. Next stop: Tel-Hy

From Pehkokia, take State Road 9 (also known as the “Highway of Vice Presidents” because four of Indiana’s six vice presidents lived in cities along the route) south to Tel-Hy Nature Preserve, a 7-minute drive.

Here you will find a moderately challenging 1.1-mile trek that includes some steep grades. In Hebrew, Tel means “high” and Hy means “life.” It’s a fitting name for this property which offers visitors a view of the winding Wabash River from a bluff high above.

3. Follow the River

From Tel-Hy, head southeast, following the direction of the Wabash River to reach Acres Along the Wabash, a 20-minute drive. This preserve offers 2.3 miles of trails through hilly terrain. As its name suggests, much of the trail runs parallel to the river bank. Here you’ll find trees that have stood for over 100 years, overlooking the river and those who have paddled these waters. Look for nesting birds like the wood thrush and red-eyed vireo.

Pit Stops

Here are a couple staff picks for local restaurants to fuel your trek!

Joseph Decuis Emporium
151 N Main St, Roanoke, IN 46783
Mon – Sat, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
260-672-1715
www.josephdecuis.com/emporium

Nick’s Kitchen
506 N Jefferson St, Huntington, IN 46750
Mon – Tue, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wed – Sat, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
260-356-6618
www.nicksdowntown.com