Interlake’s 100 Miles of Trail Around Seventeen Lakes
Interlake’s reputation comes from the way its trails wind through reclaimed mine land, past water and across changing terrain. But “about 100 miles” doesn’t mean every route is open, easy, or sensible to tackle in one visit. This guide explains how to plan a ride, choose terrain, prepare for changing conditions, and make the most of Interlake’s lakes and trail network.
What to Expect at Interlake
A large trail network with changing terrain
Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area sits near Lynnville in southwestern Indiana, across parts of Pike and Warrick counties. Its roughly 100 miles of trails cross former coal-mining land, so riders encounter a landscape shaped by old mine roads, spoil piles, wooded stretches, open areas, hills, and water. It’s a very different feel from a single, straightforward loop.
The mileage is best understood as a network of routes rather than one continuous ride that every visitor can follow from beginning to end. Trail options and access can vary, and a route that looks simple on a map may involve steep grades, loose surfaces, or turns that are easy to miss. If you are visiting for the first time, it’s more practical to choose a manageable section and leave room to explore than to set out with the assumption you will cover the whole system.
Interlake is also spread across a sizeable area. A group can spend much of a day riding without repeating the same stretch, but that depends on which trails are open and how quickly the terrain is going. For a broader look at the location and its access points, see [Interlake at Lynnville]. For more on the trail network itself, [Nearly 100 Miles at Interlake] offers a related overview.
Seventeen lakes are part of the setting, not a promise of access
The “seventeen lakes” in Interlake’s name and descriptions are a striking part of the landscape. These water bodies sit among the reclaimed mine terrain, creating a mix of views that can feel surprisingly varied for an off-road area. You may ride through wooded sections, climb onto an exposed bench, and then catch a glimpse of water below.
That doesn’t automatically mean every lake has a trail beside it, a place to stop, or permission to enter the water. Stay on marked routes and follow posted instructions. Avoid riding along shorelines, down unmarked banks, or across ground that looks like a shortcut to a better view. Those areas may be unstable, environmentally sensitive, or simply outside the permitted route.
It’s worth setting expectations with children and passengers before you arrive: the lakes are part of the scenery, but the day is still a trail ride, not necessarily a swimming or shoreline outing. If you want to understand how the water features fit into the area, see [Seventeen Lakes Inside Interlake]. The trail network also extends across county lines, which is useful to keep in mind when orienting yourself; [Interlake Across Pike and Warrick Counties] covers that aspect of the area.
Why the terrain can feel harder than the mileage suggests
On a map, a route may look short and direct. On the ground, hills, loose material, ruts, turns, and stops for other riders can make the same distance take much longer. Reclaimed mine terrain often changes quickly from one section to another, so don’t assume every trail will have the same surface or difficulty.
A newer rider may find a rolling trail tiring even when it is not technically extreme. A wider side-by-side can need more room to turn or pass than a narrow ATV, while a smaller machine may require more careful throttle control on a climb. Choose routes based on the least experienced rider and the least capable machine in your group, not on the person who is most comfortable pushing ahead.
If you’re comparing Interlake with another Indiana riding area, think about the kind of day you want rather than relying only on acreage or mileage. [Indiana's Two State ORV Areas Compared] can help frame that decision.
Planning a Ride Around the Trails and Lakes
Pick a realistic route before unloading
Before you unload, look at the current trail map and identify a starting area, a manageable first section, and a way to return. Don’t plan a day around a single ambitious loop if you don’t know how the trails connect or how long your group rides at a comfortable pace. A shorter route gives you a chance to learn the surface and signage before you commit to a longer outing.
Use a map that you can consult without relying on a strong mobile signal. A mapping app such as onX Offroad can be useful for viewing your position and checking your route, particularly when you have prepared the map for offline use before leaving home. Still, treat any digital map as a planning aid, not permission to ride somewhere. Follow the park’s signs and current route information if they differ from what appears on your screen.
A simple planning table can help your group agree on a day’s priorities:
| Planning question | Practical approach |
|---|---|
| How experienced is the group? | Start with a shorter, easier-feeling section and reassess before extending the ride. |
| What machines are coming? | Plan around the widest or least capable machine in the group. |
| How will you navigate? | Review the official trail information and prepare an offline map before arrival. |
| What if a route is closed? | Choose a backup section instead of relying on one planned loop. |
| Where will you regroup? | Agree on a meeting point before anyone rides ahead. |
| How much daylight is available? | Leave time to return, load, and deal with a delay without rushing. |
The official trail map is the starting point for route planning. Check [Indiana Trail Maps From the DNR] before your trip, then compare what you see on the ground with the posted signs. onX Offroad can provide a second reference for orientation, but don’t use it to justify entering a closed trail or leaving a marked route.
Keep the lakes and trail network in perspective
The lakes can make it tempting to plan a ride around a particular view. It’s better to treat them as landmarks than as guaranteed destinations. Water levels, trail access, closures, and the route you’re allowed to use can all affect what you actually see. If your chosen route passes near water, slow down where visibility is limited and watch for other riders, hikers, or vehicles where permitted.
Avoid stopping in a narrow trail, around a blind turn, or on a steep slope just to take a photo. If there is a safe, permitted place to pull over, move the entire machine well clear of the riding line before taking a break. Make sure children understand that a lake edge is not a place to wander unattended, especially where the bank is steep or the ground is loose.
A saved map can also help your group keep track of where it has been, but it won’t replace a clear ride plan. If you use onX Offroad, download or prepare the relevant map before you leave an area with reliable service, and make sure someone in the group knows how to use it. Keep a paper or official map available as a backup if your phone battery runs low or the screen becomes difficult to read in bright sunlight.
Check conditions before you travel
A route can feel entirely different after rain. Wet clay may become slick, ruts can deepen, and low areas may hold water. Even when the trail is technically open, the conditions may not suit a new rider, a heavy machine, or a group that wants an easy day. If the ground is saturated, riding aggressively can cause damage and make the experience less enjoyable for everyone.
Check for current trail notices and closures before loading up, then look again when you arrive. Conditions can change between the time you leave home and the time you reach the park. If a trail is closed, stay off it; don’t assume a closure is optional because the route looks passable. For a more detailed checklist, see [Indiana Trail Conditions Before You Ride].
A sensible decision is sometimes to shorten the ride, pick a different open section, or reschedule. That can be frustrating after you have loaded machines and driven to southwestern Indiana, but it’s better than getting stuck, damaging a trail, or turning a fun outing into a recovery job.
Preparing Your Machine and Group
Match the route to your machine
Before the trip, check the basics: tires, brakes, steering, lights, fluid levels, battery, and any machine-specific items such as a drive belt or air filter. Reclaimed terrain can be dusty in dry weather and muddy after rain, so arrive with a clean air filter and bring what you need to handle ordinary trail cleanup. For a side-by-side, check seat belts and secure loose equipment so it cannot shift on uneven ground.
A winch can be useful for recovery, but it does not make every hill or muddy section a good idea. If your machine has a winch, know how to use it safely and bring suitable recovery gear. Keep a safe distance from a loaded line and avoid using another rider as an anchor unless the recovery plan is appropriate for the equipment and conditions.
A machine that is comfortable on a broad trail may still feel awkward on a narrow turn or steep, uneven approach. Be especially cautious if you’re riding a longer or wider UTV with a group that includes ATVs. Give each machine room to turn, avoid crowding one another on hills, and use a designated stopping area when you need to regroup.
Set group rules before anyone rides ahead
Groups often lose time because everyone assumes someone else is watching the route. Before starting, decide who leads, who rides at the back, and what to do if the group gets separated. Agree on a stop-and-wait rule at intersections or confusing junctions, and don’t leave a less experienced rider to guess which way the others went.
Carry water, basic first aid, a charged phone, and any machine-specific tools you’re comfortable using. Keep your registration and required park documents accessible, and secure personal items against dust and vibration. A small dry bag can help protect items you may need even if the weather changes or a machine gets splashed.
If you’re riding with children, make sure they know to stay with their supervising adult and to avoid approaching moving machines. Helmet and other riding requirements can depend on the rider and the setting; review [Indiana Helmet Rules at Redbird and Interlake] before your visit. For general park-use and permit questions, see [Indiana's Daily and Annual Trail Permits].
Plan breaks and a turnaround point
Don’t wait until someone is tired or a machine starts acting up to decide when to stop. Pick a reasonable turnaround point and allow time for short breaks. On a large trail network, it’s easy to keep going because the next section looks close on the map. That can leave the group facing a longer return ride than expected.
A turnaround time is often more useful than a mileage target. If the group leaves later than planned, the trails are slower than expected, or a rider is feeling uncomfortable, use the agreed time as a reason to head back. This keeps the day flexible without making the return a race against closing time or fading light.
If you are planning to stay overnight nearby, confirm your lodging or camping arrangements separately rather than assuming the riding area itself provides the setup you need. [Camping Near Indiana ORV Trails] is a helpful next read for planning an overnight trip around a ride.
Making the Most of an Interlake Visit
Give yourself time to learn the area
A first visit is easier when you treat it as an orientation day. Start on a route that looks appropriate for your group, pay attention to trail markings, and note where the terrain changes. Once everyone is comfortable, decide whether to continue farther or return to the staging area.
If you ride with friends who know Interlake, ask them to explain the route choices rather than simply following at speed. Knowing why they choose one trail over another can help you make better decisions on a future visit. Keep enough space between machines to see and react to trail conditions, especially on dusty stretches or where vegetation limits sightlines.
The area can reward repeat visits because changing conditions make the same trail feel different from one outing to the next. A dry day may make some sections straightforward but dusty, while recent rain may make the same ground slow and slippery. Keep notes about the routes your group enjoyed, where you stopped, and what conditions you encountered.
Ride with care around other visitors
Interlake is a shared recreation area. Stay on permitted routes, ride at a speed that lets you react to what is ahead, and slow down near intersections or places where sightlines are limited. Give other riders room to pass safely, and avoid roosting dirt or mud toward people, machines, or water.
If you encounter a stopped machine, approach cautiously and give the group space to move or signal. Don’t assume a rider who has pulled over is ready to merge back into traffic. If your own machine needs attention, move it to a safe location where possible and make your group visible to approaching riders.
Take your litter with you, and don’t leave damaged parts, straps, food packaging, or cans at a stopping point. Respecting closures and keeping to marked trails helps protect the terrain and preserve access for the next visit. For general route planning, use the official information first and treat a mobile map such as onX Offroad as a helpful additional reference, not a substitute for posted instructions.
Build a flexible day plan
A satisfying Interlake outing doesn’t have to mean riding every available mile or seeing every lake. It can mean completing a comfortable loop, learning the area, and returning with enough energy to load safely. Leave space in the plan for a slower-than-expected trail, a mechanical check, or a break with the group.
Before leaving home, check current conditions, confirm that the area is suitable for your machine and riders, and review any permit or entrance requirements. When you arrive, read posted notices and adjust your route accordingly. With a realistic plan, a prepared machine, and respect for closures, Interlake’s trails and reclaimed-land scenery can make for a rewarding day of riding.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
