If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure with your friends and family, look no further than the Chain O’Lakes State Park in Indiana.
The park offers many attractions, such as 29 miles of hiking trails, canoeing, a swimming beach, and fishing; there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
However, Chain O’Lakes State Park’s most unique feature is its 13 lakes, 9 of which are connected through a water channel. This allows you to paddle through all 9 lakes without leaving the water.
It’s become such a popular activity that it’s even been turned into a fun challenge called the 9 Lake Challenge.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an exciting challenge with your friends and family, the Chain O’Lakes State Park is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Take 9 Lake Challenge
Embark on the 9 Lake Challenge and paddle through a 9-mile stretch with 9 interconnected lakes.
The 9 Lake Challenge starts at Sucker Lake and concludes at Miller Lake, and it usually takes about 2-3 hours to complete. As a part of the challenge, participants need to take a photo at each of the nine lakes as evidence of completion.
Once you finish the challenge, return to the Park Headquarters and show the staff your photos as proof of completion.
1st lake. The Sucker Lake is the lake where you start. The sign will have a mile 0 marker since it is the starting point of your challenge.
Photo Challenge: Photo of the Paddle Trail Mile 0 Sign
2nd lake. The second lake is Long Lake. You will pass Long Lake before the 1-mile marker.
Photo Challenge: Photo of Wagon Wheel Ramp
3rd lake. Dock Lake is the third lake within the 9 Lake Challenge and is after the 1-mile marker.
Photo Challenge: Photo of park headquarters up on the hill
4th lake. The fourth lake is Bowen Lake, part of the 9 Lake Challenge. You will enter Bowen Lake after a small passageway from Dock Lake.
Photo Challenge: Photo of a selfie on the lake
5th lake. The fifth lake is Sand Lake, which is after the 2-mile marker. It features multiple fishing piers, a swimming beach, concession stands, and a canoe and kayak launch.
Photo Challenge: Photo of the beach and/or evidence of beavers.
6th lake. The sixth lake is Weber Lake. Weber Lake is one of the smaller lakes. It is after the 3-mile marker. You will experience a long, winding passage from Sand Lake to Weber Lake.
Photo Challenge: A selfie going into Weber Lake
7th lake. Mud Lake. Mud Lake is another smaller lake on the 9 Lake Challenge. Before entering Mud Lake, you will journey down a skinny channel from Weber Lake. Mud Lake is before the 4 Mile Marker.
Photo Challenge: Photo of Canoe Camp Bridge
8th lake. The is River Lake. Shortly after leaving Mud Lake, you will enter River Lake briefly after the 4-mile marker.
Photo Challenge: Photo of the Landscape
9th lake. Miller Lake. Shortly after leaving River Lake, you will enter Miller Lake, the 9th and final lake on the 9 Lake Challenge. Miller Lake ends at the 5-mile marker.
Photo Challenge: Completion photo you made it.
After you complete the photo challenge, you can opt into tagging your photos at @chainolakessp
Once you complete the challenge, you can say you paddled the Chain. Stop by the park headquarters, where you can purchase your 9 Lake Challenge as a memory of the day!
Download more information and a map for the 9 Lakes Challenge.
In conclusion, the 9 Lake Challenge at Chain O’Lakes State Park is an excellent outdoor adventure for anyone interested in exploring Indiana’s natural beauty.
It offers a unique opportunity to paddle through a series of interconnected lakes, each with distinct features and landmarks.
With the added photo challenge, completing the 9 Lake Challenge is a fun adventure and a way to create lasting memories and commemorate your achievement.
So, whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, the 9 Lake Challenge is an adventure worth taking on.
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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