7 Great Trail Running Routes Near Indianapolis
Schoen Creek Trail at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, Indianapolis, Indiana
Whether you're new to the area, visiting Indiana, or a lifelong Hoosier looking to switch up your routine, the Indy trail running scene offers some hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems. From forested singletrack to lakeside paths, these seven routes are perfect for beginners and seasoned trail runners alike. Here are our favorite spots for trail running near Indianapolis.
1. Fort Harrison State Park (Lawrence)
Highlight Trail: Lawrence Creek Trail
Distance: ~4.5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: ~250 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Park Hours: 7 AM – dusk, year-round
Fee: $7 in-state / $9 out-of-state (per vehicle)
Trail Use: Shared with mountain bikers (multi-use)
Fort Harrison is one of the most popular spots for trail running in Indianapolis—and for good reason. The Lawrence Creek Trail offers rolling hills, shaded forest, and just enough technical terrain to keep you engaged. It's a well-marked loop with some elevation changes that make it ideal for tempo runs or race training.
Looking for a longer and more technical run? Add the Schoen Creek Loop to your Lawrence Creek route. This combination is my personal favorite trail loop in Indy. Running both loops twice is a great practice run for those training for a trail half marathon like the Tecumseh Trail Challenge, Big Foot Trail Run, or Dance with Dirt Gnawbone. Making the trip to Brown County is going to be your best option for more vert, of course, but the Lawrence Creek - Schoen Creek Trail linkup is a more than acceptable backup plan.
Coffee nearby: Cafe Audrey at the Fort (Breakfast and Lunch) – 1 minute away in Fort Ben area.
Brewery nearby: Triton Brewing Company and Bistro – 1 minute away in Fort Ben area.
2. Eagle Creek Park (Indianapolis)
Highlight Trail: Red Trail Loop
Distance: ~6.75 miles
Elevation Gain: ~300 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Park Hours: 7 AM – 9 PM, year-round
Fee: $5 (per vehicle for Marion County residents); $6 out-of-county
Trail Use: Hikers and runners only (no bikes or horses)
Eagle Creek offers one of the largest urban parks in the country and is a staple for local runners. The Red trail forms a beautiful loop that winds through dense woods and along the reservoir. It's peaceful, flowy, and moderately challenging. The trail passes multiple bathrooms, so those with runner’s trot phobia, need not worry. Check out the other routes here
After you fall in love with this trail, make sure to come back for the Summer Night Trail Run on July 12th, 2025 and Winter Night Trail Run in January. (2026 date TBD)
Coffee nearby: Gaia Cafe and Botanical – 8 minutes away.
Brewery nearby: Daredevil Brewing Co – 14 minutes away.
3. Southwestway Park (Indianapolis)
Highlight Trail: Bluff Trail Loop
Distance: ~5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~400 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Park Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Trail Use: Multi-use (runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and horses)
Often overlooked, Southwestway is a hidden gem with legit elevation for Central Indiana. The Bluff Trail loop offers wooded switchbacks, ravine views, and a mix of soft and technical surfaces. It’s great for hill training or long easy runs.
Coffee nearby: Strange Brew Coffee– 15 minutes away in Greenwood.
Brewery nearby: Mashcraft Brewing Greenwood – 15 minutes away in Greenwood
4. Town Run Trail Park (Northeast Indy)
Highlight Trail: Main Loop
Distance: ~6.6 miles
Elevation Gain: ~300 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Park Hours: Sunrise to sunset, seasonal closures during wet conditions
Fee: Free
Trail Use: Primarily mountain biking; runners welcome, but run opposite direction
If you like fast, flowy trails, Town Run is your spot. Although it's designed for mountain bikes, runners can use it too (just go against bike traffic). The trail is twisty, shaded, and great for keeping a steady pace with minimal foot traffic.
Coffee nearby: Café Patachou – 8-10 minutes away (three locations within 10 minutes)
Brewery nearby: Sun King Carmel – 14 minutes away.
5. Southeastway Park (New Palestine)
Highlight Trail: Outer Trail Loop
Distance: ~4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: ~150 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Park Hours: 7 AM – 9 PM
Fee: Free
Trail Use: Shared use (runners, hikers, occasional bikes)
Southeastway Park is a great beginner-friendly option with flat, wide trails that are ideal for recovery runs or family jogs. While not as rugged as other parks, it’s peaceful and lined with wildflowers in the spring and early summer.
Food nearby: Skip and the beer and coffee and get some food at New Bethel Ordinary Pizza
6. Cool Creek Park (Westfield/Carmel)
Highlight Trail: Cool Creek Loop Trail
Distance: ~1-2 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: ~90 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Park Hours: Dawn to dusk
Fee: Free
Trail Use: Runners and hikers only
Cool Creek Park is a scenic option tucked into the Westfield/Carmel area with gentle terrain and a beautiful wooded path along a creek. It’s not the longest trail, but it's ideal for beginners or those looking to get off the pavement and touch dirt. You can get creative with your route since many of the trials intersect. Once you hit 2 miles you may start feeling like you are running on a track in the forest, but hey it’s something.
Coffee nearby: Rivet Coffee Bar & Roastery – 5 minutes away in Westfield.
Brewery nearby: Field Brewing – 5 minutes away in Westfield.
Extend your run to Rivet and Field Brewing by linking Cool Creek Park with the Natalie Wheeler Traill and Midland Trace Trail
7. Skiles Test Nature Park (Indianapolis)
Highlight Trail: Main Loop Trail
Distance: ~2.5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: ~180 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Park Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Trail Use: Runners and hikers only
Skiles Test offers a unique and slightly eerie running experience, with winding forest trails and remnants of old estate structures. It’s a peaceful and moderately challenging trail that offers solitude without having to drive far. If you are trying to get in a hill workout, this is the place to go. You are immediately hit with a decent hill right from the parking lot.
Coffee nearby: Uptown Cafe– 5 minutes away.
Brewery nearby: Blind Owl Brewery – 5 minutes away.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're chasing vert or just want a peaceful morning jog on some dirt, these seven spots offer some of the best trail running in the Indianapolis metro area. Each park brings its own vibe—some challenging, some laid-back—but all are worth exploring. Trail running in Indianapolis is alive and well, and there’s a path out there for everyone.
We hope this guide inspires you to lace up and head for the trailhead—where the vibes are just right – fresh coffee in hand, playlist dialed in, and the legs feel fresh. Not much better than that fleeting moment at a trailhead.
New to trail running or just moved to Indy? Join a local running club, or check out upcoming trail races like the Summer Night Trail Half Marathon (Eagle Creek) Tecumseh Trail Challenge (Yellowwood State Forest), Dances with Dirt Gnawbone race (Brown County, Indiana), or Big Foot Half Trail Run (Porter County, Indiana).
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