Big Four Trail
Colfax
A paved, 23.1-mile rail-trail built along the old Big Four Railroad line, running through farmland and small towns between Lebanon and Colfax. The northern stretch reaches Colfax Park and crosses Sugar Creek on a restored iron bridge — flat, easy walking the whole way.
Getting Here
Who it’s for?
Parents pushing strollers and casual bikers pick this one on purpose, since it’s flat and paved for all 23 miles with zero roots or gravel to dodge.
Food nearby
Colfax Pizza King is right in town for a post-walk bite.
Best time
Paved and walkable most of the year. No RSVP or booking needed.
Cost
Free
Eunice H. Bryan Nature Preserve
Frankfort
A 29-acre pocket of old-growth forest, bequeathed to the public in 1971 and named for Eunice Hamilton Bryan. Self-guided long and short loop trails wind past white oaks more than four feet across and 250 years old, with spring wildflowers — trout lilies, Dutchman’s breeches, wild blue phlox — carpeting the forest floor from April into May.
Getting Here
Who it’s for?
Wildflower photographers build their whole April around this preserve, since the trout lilies and Dutchman’s breeches only carpet the forest floor for a few weeks a year.
Food nearby
Frankfort and Mulberry are both a short drive, either way, for a bite after.
Best time
Peak wildflowers in April-May; fall color later in the season. Open year-round, dawn to dusk. No booking needed.
Cost
Free
Roundabout and Black Trail Loop
Frankfort — at Camp Cullom
A 1.9-mile loop tracing the perimeter of Camp Cullom, almost entirely wooded. The eastern half runs through the camp’s original hardwood forest — a mix of upland and bottomland — with a few rugged, uneven stretches along the way.
Getting Here
Who it’s for?
Hikers who think they’ve done every trail in the county come back for this one, since the ground actually changes underfoot between the upland and bottomland stretches.
Food nearby
Bring your own — the camp is rural, several minutes from Frankfort or Mulberry’s restaurants.
Best time
Firmest footing in dry weather; can get rugged and uneven after rain. No booking needed to walk the loop.
Cost
Free
Broadview Acres Campground
Colfax
A 1.9-mile loop tracing the perimeter of Camp Cullom, almost entirely wooded. The eastern half runs through the camp’s original hardwood forest — a mix of upland and bottomland — with a few rugged, uneven stretches along the way.
Getting Here
Who it’s for?
Hikers looking for a longer loop with real forest variety. Leashed dogs welcome.
Food nearby
Bring your own — the camp is rural, several minutes from Frankfort or Mulberry’s restaurants.
Best time
Firmest footing in dry weather; can get rugged and uneven after rain.
Cost
Free
Camp Cullom
Frankfort / Mulberry
Clinton County’s youth camp since 1947, with hiking trails, a nature center, a lodge, a 24-hole disc golf course, and the Prairie Grass Observatory — open to group reservations.
Getting Here
Who it’s for?
Groups, church camps, and families booking a retreat; stargazers on observatory open-house nights.
Food nearby
Bring your own — the camp is rural, several minutes from Frankfort’s restaurants.
Best time
Observatory open houses run monthly, May through October, weather permitting.
Cost
Reservation-based group camping — call (765) 296-2753 for group rates.
Frankfort Camp Ministries
Frankfort
A century-plus-old camp property hosting camp meetings, teen camps, family retreats, conferences, concerts, and reunions for groups of all sizes.
Getting Here
Who it’s for?
Churches, youth groups, and families planning a retreat or reunion.
Food nearby
Frankfort’s restaurants are minutes away by car.
Best time
Contact the camp for the current event and booking calendar.
Cost
Reservation-based — call 765-357-4414 for group rates.
Did you know?
Colfax Park
The Big Four Trail follows the route of the old Big Four Railroad. Its northern stretch reaches Colfax Park, then crosses Sugar Creek on a restored iron bridge — so part of your walk is actually following a piece of the area’s railroad history.
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