Two Lake Loop, Hoosier National Park

Here's both a good trail race and a great place to spend a day running (or doing anything else you might like). Located just south of I-64 at the US37 (Tell City, Exit 79) exit, Hoosier National Park has a great 12+ mile trail that circles two lakes. The trail race to be held on June 9th. this year touts itself as the most difficult in the mid-west. I can't speak to that. The trail is demanding but not as physically demanding as McKay Hollow.  (see my blog on McKay Hollow Madness)  This will be my first time running the Two Lake Loop race and, having run the trail, I am really looking forward to it.
     The trail is generally free of roots and rocks.  There was a torrential rain storm the night before I ran Two Lake Loop so there was a tremendous amount of water. However the trail was, for the most part dry.  I lost count of the small streams and washes that I crossed.  The majority of these were easily cross by an easy jump. But unless there's a long dry spell before you run this trail, you need to plan on getting wet.  There are at least 8 streams that are wide, deep and swift enough to require some skill fording. Again, they might not be as bad when there hasn't been a big storm.  There were two that were thigh deep and even with my Lexi were hard to cross.  The western most lake was flooded and covered part of the trail but, again, that probably only happens after heavy storms.  Just be warned.
     There are some tough hills on the Two Lake Loop. They aren't as steep or rugged as Mont Sano but they'll definitely make you work.  The only thing that really slowed me down were the fords and one time when I couldn't find the trail on the other side of a stream.  The trail made a dog-leg, a tree fell right at the turn and the stream wash out the trail for a good 20-30 meters. I probably would hardly have broken stride if I had been running with a map.
     The trail was beautiful and extremely enjoyable to run.  My only complaint of the loop was that it crosses two earthen dams. The cross-country folk will undoubtedly use that to really make time but I don't do grass. When I ran the trail the grass with 12-18" high and the trail was hardly 8-10" wide. I suspect they might cut it back for the race, but again, don't count on it.  I came away with chiggers and a few ticks and I probably got them on the dams. There was also a hill that was old scrubby pines that looked like a tornado had touched down. There was enough light that the trail was grass covered.  This will only be a problem if you're like me and find grass almost intolerable. I would much rather face roots and rocks. I worry about sprained ankles or worse on grass. I know where I stand with rocks and roots. (pardon the unintended pun).
      The rangers tell me that most of the runners drive in the morning of the race.  The nearest town is Tell City about 20 miles away. I'm not sure what type of motels it has or how many. Evansville is a good hour west and Louisville is probably that or more east.  I'm planning to spend the night before in the back of my Toyota van. The last thing I want is to have to get up an extra hour early to drive. But whatever, do try to do this race if you can.  Registration closes the first of June, so don't delay.