By Katie H. Carlson
Spending time outdoors can deliver significant benefits for law enforcement officers — and their families! — especially when recovering from critical incidents.
In a recent article published in Police1, I laid out the many benefits officers can gain by spending time outdoors. Research has associated exposure to greenspace with lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones, along with other indicators of improved physical health and nervous system regulation. Time in nature can also create opportunities to experience awe, an emotion associated with resilience and well-being.
For law enforcement officers, those benefits can be especially valuable after critical incidents or other periods of prolonged stress. Getting outside can combine several practices that support recovery — light physical activity, sensory engagement, connection with others and a temporary change of environment. Nature can even give officers an opportunity to practice slowing down, becoming quiet and noticing what is happening around them — skills of awareness and attunement that can be valuable both on and off duty.
Read the full Police1 article: What the Outdoors Can Teach Officers About Stress, Resiliency and Awareness
When we consider how intertwined our human nervous systems are with the great outdoors, it makes sense that spending time outside — especially sharing that time with our friends and loved ones — can help an officer recover from the most stressful days on the job.
Not only is spending that time with our loved ones important, but visiting new locations can help bring a racing mind back into the present moment by feasting the senses with new-to-you sights, sounds, experiences and memories.
Another bonus to spending time outdoors is that it is free! You don’t have to spend money on an expensive vacation to get these benefits. Taking a hike or packing a picnic in a local park can benefit your nervous system, bring you into the present moment and strengthen bonds with your loved ones — all while being easy on the wallet.
Here are a few of my favorite outdoor destinations in Central Indiana (or within an easy drive).
Marion County
Southwestway Park
8400 Mann Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46221
This one doesn’t even feel like you’re in Indianapolis! While there is some damage from recent flooding, Southwestway Park still has a long system of trails that can make each visit feel different — giving you plenty of opportunities to see something new even on repeat visits. The White River provides a scenic backdrop for a hilly hike, short or long.
The biggest downside to this park, in my opinion, is the mountain bikers, who aren’t always the best about sharing the trails. That’s the biggest complaint I hear from others as well. But it’s so beautiful and scenic — and not far off I-465 — that it’s definitely worth checking out.
Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab
3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222
This is kind of a hidden gem on the campus of Marian University. While there are different points to access the trails, my favorite is the long stone staircase behind Allison Mansion.
From there, the trail wraps around restored wetlands featuring lots of lily pads and wildlife, then connects to a system of trails that wraps back around to Crooked Creek. There’s lots of old and interesting stonework along the way and even a little “beach” — plenty of changing scenery to keep your senses engaged in what’s around you.
Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary
8245 Wilson Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278
While there are a lot of great trails inside Eagle Creek Park, one of my favorites is just outside: Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary.
For the most part, it’s an out-and-back trail, but it’s the quiet, the length, the simplicity and the views — from the top of the hills to the edge of Eagle Creek Reservoir — that put it so high on my list. It’s a great place to slow down and simply pay attention to what’s around you.
Outside Marion County
Mounds State Park
4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017
Mounds State Park not only has a great system of trails and wooden staircases with beautiful views of the White River, but also tons of space for picnicking and recreation, like throwing a football or a Frisbee.
History buffs will also love the ceremonial mounds built by the prehistoric Indigenous peoples of what is now Anderson, Indiana. A little research ahead of time can deepen your glimpse into the significance of the mounds, providing a little additional awe — already mentioned as beneficial to officers — in addition to the great hiking.
Brown County State Park
1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448
Autumn is just around the corner, which is my favorite time to visit Brown County State Park. The multitude of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, or even just taking a drive through the park, provides access to sprawling scenic views that can be naturally regulating for your nervous system.
About an hour away, there are plenty of spots to picnic, but I also love walking through Nashville, Indiana — especially for a post-hike stop at Miller’s Ice Cream House at 61 W. Main St.
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460
Just about an hour west of Indianapolis, Cataract Falls is off the beaten path, not too crowded, and includes great trails for hiking to the Lower Falls.
I can spend an hour wandering, sitting and playing around the falls as they provide that peaceful backdrop of flowing water. Whether the water is high or low, the falls are a point of visual awe that can stimulate the senses and ground you in the present moment.
When it’s open, a trip to the Cataract Schoolhouse at 2661 Cunot-Cataract Rd. is also fun to explore — and to get an ice cream cone. (Are you noticing a trend?)
Clifty Falls State Park
2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250
Last but not least, less than two hours from Indianapolis, Clifty Falls provides challenging terrain for hikes that make you feel like you’re on vacation in the mountains!
The trails can get a little crowded sometimes, but the rugged terrain, waterfalls and scenic views make the trip worthwhile — especially if you’re looking for someplace that feels completely different from your usual surroundings. Nearby Madison, Indiana, is also a great town to visit for a post-hike lunch or to watch ships travel down the Ohio River.
Be sure to share in the comments your favorite spots to spend time outdoors!