A babbling stream, the call of birds, woodlands, wetlands and a quiet respite from the city await you at many area nature parks & trails. The wild pace of life stops when you take your first step into peace and tranquility while connecting with nature at some of our favorite trails around the city.
Sounds amazing, right?
You can easily find neighborhoods in and around Indy boasting Parks & Trails with just one click!
We’re locals, and here are a few trails we know and love:
MacGregor Park – Westfield
Located in the northeast corner of Westfield, MacGregor Park becomes visitors to veer off the highway into connection with nature. As you enter the park, the woods and native plants appear to climb to the skies ahead of you. Pull into parking at the foot of the trails and enjoy the adventure of exploring the 96-acre park.
More than three miles of aggregate trails invite visitors of all abilities to explore and enjoy this dog-friendly, passive nature park. With wildflower prairies, native tree species, a rain garden, streams, pollinator garden, open fields and wetlands – the park provides a welcoming habitat for birds, amphibians, deer and more.
MacGregor Park
21105 MacGregor Park Road
Westfield, IN 46075
Starkey Nature Park – Zionsville
Zionsville is a coveted community most known for its Village with brick-lined downtown streets, an array of local shops & businesses and wonderful schools. But just a quarter mile from the renowned downtown Village sits the largest park in Zionsville: Starkey Nature Park.
With six (6!) trails that wind through the park, plus a trail following the slow bends of Eagle Creek, there is a length and terrain for everyone. Additionally, trail goers can connect to the Big-4 Rail Trail to take you to most of the city’s extensive trail system outside of the park.
Bring a camera on these trails – from nature and wildlife to stunning landscape and rustic stairs – there are endless reasons to capture the day and share it with friends and family.
Starkey Nature Park
667 Sugarbush Drive
Zionsville, IN 46077
Fort Harrison State Park – Lawrence Township
Located less than three miles from 465, locals know that this incredible state park is easy to access and nearby to many. Patrons may enjoy visiting the park year-round, especially in winter since Fort Harrison features one of the biggest sledding hills in the area. Spring is the season to walk with the woodland wildflowers in full bloom across the park. Summer is the perfect time for a canoe trip down Fall Creek, the major water feature that runs through the north side of Fort Harrison. Autumn brings warm, sunny days and breathtaking fall colors to this, the last forested corner left in Marion County.
With 6 trails ranging from 1 mile to over 4 miles, Fort Harrison offers an array of options for exercise or a leisurely stroll. In addition to miles of trails, visitors can enjoy a large dog park, nature center, bike trail, fishing, and many shelters perfect for a gathering or break during a hike.
Fort Harrison State Park
6000 N. Post Road
Indianapolis, IN 46216
Nickel Plate Trail – Fishers
Located in the heart of Fishers, directly through the downtown District hub of the city, the Nickel Plate Trail takes users now from 106th Street all the way north to 146th Street. It’s a unique trail experience for walkers, runners and bikers to traverse the entire town from north to south.
Downtown Fishers is the hub of the Trail. In spring 2022, the City of Fishers opened the Nickel Plate Trail pedestrian tunnel beneath 116th Street, providing pedestrians with safe and efficient passage through the 116th Street intersection without disrupting traffic flow. With a terraced wall, the monumental stairs and seating immediately next to the concrete steps has composite decking and provides seating overlooking the trail-level plaza, the perfect spot for live music, special events, and community gatherings. Lighting and charging stations allow guests to the Trail the ability to pause and recharge.
In addition to offering plaza space for gatherings and community events, the bridge provides an important east-west connection through the Nickle Plate District off 116th Street. Swings have also been installed under the train platform to provide additional seating around this area.
Nickel Plate Trail
2.3 Nickel Plate Trail
Fishers, IN 46038
Dwellane 