By Herald Staff

Two guided hikes are coming up at Patoka Lake.

The first, on Saturday, Nov. 28, is a reschedule of an event that was rained out. Starting at 11:30 a.m., it will teach participants about what some animals do to prepare for winter and how they survive the extremes.

Hikers will meet at the lower beach parking lot, where the hike will begin. This trek will be 1.25 miles roundtrip on a paved bike trail. Midway, the group will stop at an overlook equipped with stone benches to take in the fall view of the lake.

Hikers should dress for the weather and plan to stop at the Nature Center for a restroom visit before heading to the beach. All other amenities along the hiking route will be closed for winter. Advance registration is required.

The next hike starts at noon on Saturday, Dec. 12. During this event, participants will take a hike back in time to discover what life was like in the Patoka Lake area before the lake was made, learning what was there before the lake and what the people who lived there did for a living and for entertainment.

The hike will begin at the Nature Center with a brief introduction and then head along the old Narrows Road.

Hikers should dress for the weather and wear appropriate shoes for the wooded quarter-mile trail.

Advance registration for either or both hikes is required by calling the Nature Center at 812-685-2447, which you can also call for more information on these programs or other events at Patoka Lake.