Trail Overview
- Location
- Evansville, Indiana
- Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Surface
- Packed dirt
- Trail network
- 13+ miles
Angel Mounds State Historic Site sits on the banks of the Ohio River and includes both an archaeological site and a adjoining nature preserve. In addition to the historic mound area, the wooded property offers hiking and mountain-biking trails maintained largely by volunteers. [1][14]
The trail system is generally flat and suitable for newer riders, though conditions vary by season and after heavy rain. The southern, lower portions can become rutted or flooded; the higher northern sections are usually the better choice after wet weather. [12][14]
Helpful links
Directions
From Evansville, take U.S. 41 to Riverside Drive and turn east. Follow Riverside Drive, then turn left onto Pollack Avenue. Continue east on Pollack Avenue to the I-164 overpass. Just beyond the overpass, turn right and then quickly left into the parking area. Follow the levee toward the signed trail entrance.
The main visitor address is 8215 Pollack Ave., Evansville, IN 47715. The interpretive center and parking area are generally open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; outdoor self-guided access is listed as available until 4:30 p.m., with the parking-lot gate closing at 5 p.m. [15]
Riding & Hiking Notes
This is a fun, relatively flat ride for less experienced mountain bikers. Summer and early fall are often the best times to ride, while the southern portion may flood after heavy rains. [12]
Historical Reference
On Sunday, November 6, 2005, at approximately 1:50 a.m. CST, a tornado touched down near Smith Mills in Henderson County, Kentucky, crossed the Ohio River into Vanderburgh County, and moved northeast through the Evansville area. It caused extensive damage at the Angel Mounds facility. [12]