TRAILS

View of reservoir from CofferDam Trail

SUPPORT THE TRAILS

Whether you love the Red Trail, West Side Hiking Trail, or ADA paths, Eagle Creek Park’s Trail Crew is responsible for maintaining them.

Donations to the Trail Fund are used exclusively for trail maintenance and can only be invested in the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

The Eagle Creek Park Foundation oversees and ensures all funds are dedicated solely to trail upkeep or expansion.

Learn More >

In partnership with Indy Parks

For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

Plan your adventure

TRAIL SAFETY

NO MOTOR VEHICLES

No motor vehicles of any kind are allowed on the running and hiking trails. This includes cars, trucks, SUV’s, motorcycles, ATV’s, or any other form of transportation that uses a motor.

NO bicycles, etc.

The hiking and running trails are for hiking and running. No bicycles, scooters, skateboards or other modes of wheeled transportation are allowed on the trails. There are specific bike paths for bicycles.

IF YOU GET LOST . . .

Use one of the handy trail maps below to plan your visit in advance. Feel free to print it out and keep it with you, as paper never runs out of batteries. If you are lost, contact Ranger Assistance at 317-327-3811.

ADA ACCESSIBILITY

The West Side Trail project includes two ADA-accessible trails,

pedestrian bridges and scenic overlooks.

East Side Trails

The East Side of Eagle Creek Park contains the majority of the park trails, amenities, and both nature centers. The East Side can be thought of as the “main park”

East Side Trails Map

West Side Trails

The West Side Trail Complex was completed in 2024. The park’s West Side contains the Eagle Creek Golf Course, Eagle’s Crest Nature Preserve, and Starling Nature Preserve. Though less traveled, the West Side offers two ADA trails, a 5-mile through stunning canopy.

West Side Trail Map

ADOPT A TRAIL

Your donation helps support Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s mission to Promote, Protect, Preserve and Enhance Eagle Creek Park!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADOPT A TRAIL!

Explore Top Hikes on



Top Hikes East Side

Check out which trails All Trails users like most on the East Side of Eagle Creek Park.

Waterfowl Sanctuary (Cofferdam) Loop

2.4 mi (easy)

View on All Trails

Red Trail Loop

6.75 mi (moderate)

View on All Trails



Top Hikes West Side

Check out which trails All Trails users like most on the West Side of Eagle Creek Park.

Scott Starling Nature Preserve 1 (small)

Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary

ADA accessible 0.6 mi (easy)

View on All Trails

Scott Starling via Eagle’s Crest Loop

1.9 mi (easy)

View on All Trails

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

PARK TRAIL MAP

VIEW MAP

RUNNING COURSE MAP

VIEW MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

VIEW MAP

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER TREE MAP

VIEW MAP

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER TRAILS

VIEW MAP

FISHING MAP

VIEW MAP

STATE NATURE PRESERVES

VIEW MAP

GREENWAYS MAP

VIEW MAP

DONATE

Your donation helps support Eagle Creek Park Foundation's mission to Promote, Protect, Preserve and Enhance Eagle Creek Park!

$10

$25

$50

$100

$150

Fitness Trail

FITNESS TRAIL

FITNESS TRAIL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

In partnership with Indy Parks

For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

A WILD WAY TO GET HEALTHY AND FIT

Ready to workout in the wild? Visitors can jump on the trail near the 56th Street entrance, and enjoy a workout with 32 self-guided exercises, along with some help from signage on how to monitor your heart rate.

The Foundation recently provided $9,200 (half of the total cost) to replace 20 old exercise stations with new equipment, along with signage supplied by Indy Parks.

ADOPT A TRAIL

Whether you love the Fitness Trail, West Side Hiking Trail, or ADA paths, our Trail Crew is responsible for maintaining them.

Donations to the Trail Fund are used exclusively for maintenance and can only be invested in the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADOPT A TRAIL!

FITNESS TRAIL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

FITNESS TRAIL

With 20 exercise stations and a total of 32 exercises, the Fitness Trail on the north end provides a unique opportunity for a vigorous hike as it brings the indoor gym outdoors.

Signage at each station explains every exercise and how to monitor your heart rate.

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

RUNNING COURSE MAP

VIEW MAP

PARK TRAIL MAP

VIEW MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

VIEW MAP

GREENWAYS MAP

VIEW MAP

IRON EAGLE PADDLE RUN

This all-ages adventure showcases the trails and reservoir at Eagle Creek as participants run-paddle-run their way through the park, all while raising money for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation.

Run 2.6 miles on a wooded trail from the swimming beach to the marina, hop in a canoe or kayak for a 1.5 mile loop on the water and then hit the trails again for a 2.6 mile run back to the swimming beach. Both individual and relay teams can participate.

All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the Quaff ON! Brewing CO. post-race party.

EXPLORE MORE PLACES

Main Office

EAGLE CREEK PARK OFFICEEMERGENCyFor Emergency Dispatch: CALL 911Non-EMERGENCyRANGER ASSISTANCE: 317-327-3811DNR HOTLINEDNR HOTLINE: 317-847-4367Eagle Creek Park OFFICE LOCATION: 6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 CONTACT: 317.327.2473 (BIRD) HOURS:...

Parking

Where to park when traveling to Eagle Creek Park.

Gatehouse – 71st Street

Eagle Creek Park Gatehouse – 71st Street Entrance

Gatehouse – 56th Street

56th Street Gatehouse at Eagle Creek Park

Earth Discovery Center

Learn ecology at Earth Discovery Center.

Ornithology Center

The Eagle Creek Ornithology Center: It’s for the birds.

Trails

Check out the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

West Side Hiking Trails

Explore the newly established West Side Hiking Trails.

Fitness Trail

FITNESS TRAILFITNESS TRAIL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK In partnership with Indy ParksFor Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page. A WILD WAY TO GET HEALTHY AND FIT Ready to workout in the wild? Visitors can jump on the trail near the 56th Street...

Playgrounds

Have some fun at our Playgrounds throughout the park!

Marina Overlook

Marina Overlook at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle’s Hideaway

Eagle’s HIdeaway at Eagle Creek Park

Shelters

Find and rent shelters throughout the park.

Amphitheater

The Amphitheater at Eagle Creek Park

Bark Park

The Bark Park, specifically for 4-legged friends!

Lilly Lake

Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

Waterfowl Sanctuary

Waterfowl Sanctuary at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Outfitters

Rent all the gear you need at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

Marina

Dock your boat at the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Sailing Club

Come sail away with us: The Eagle Creek Sailing Club.

Rowing Center

Learn about the Eagle Creek Rowing Center.

Peace Learning Center

Explore Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park.

Golf Club

Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Soccer Complex

Kick it around at the Soccer Complex.

Rick’s Boatyard

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard offers excellent dining options.

Airport

Flying in for a visit? Learn about Eagle Creek Airport.

Running

RUNNING

Trail Running at Eagle Creek Park

In partnership with Indy Parks

For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

RUN EAGLE CREEK PARK!

Over 16 miles of trails provide an active escape in one of Indianapolis’ most serene settings.

Six major trails along with additional trails located at the Ornithology Center wind throughout the park and are easy-to-moderate in difficulty.

Natural and gravel paths lead you through mature woods filled with beech, maple, tulip, white ash and black cherry into open meadow areas, and past the reservoir and Lilly Lake.

You’re bound to encounter some wild creatures, as well as companion animals as you venture over bridges, steps, and a few steep hills.

ADOPT A TRAIL

Whether you love the Red Trail, West Side Hiking Trail, or ADA paths, Eagle Creek Park’s Trail Crew is responsible for maintaining them.

Donations to the Trail Fund are used exclusively for maintenance and can only be invested in the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADOPT A TRAIL!

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

RUNNING COURSE MAP

VIEW MAP

PARK TRAIL MAP

VIEW MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

VIEW MAP

GREENWAYS MAP

VIEW MAP

FITNESS TRAIL

With 20 exercise stations and a total of 32 exercises, the Fitness Trail on the north end provides a unique opportunity for a vigorous hike as it brings the indoor gym outdoors.

Signage at each station explains every exercise and how to monitor your heart rate.

FITNESS TRAIL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

IRON EAGLE PADDLE RUN

This all-ages adventure showcases the trails and reservoir at Eagle Creek as participants run-paddle-run their way through the park, all while raising money for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation.

All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the Quaff ON! Brewing CO. post-race party.

EXPLORE MORE PLACES

Main Office

Parking

Where to park when traveling to Eagle Creek Park.

Gatehouse – 71st Street

Eagle Creek Park Gatehouse – 71st Street Entrance

Gatehouse – 56th Street

56th Street Gatehouse at Eagle Creek Park

Earth Discovery Center

Learn ecology at Earth Discovery Center.

Ornithology Center

The Eagle Creek Ornithology Center: It’s for the birds.

Trails

Check out the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

West Side Hiking Trails

Explore the newly established West Side Hiking Trails.

Fitness Trail

Playgrounds

Have some fun at our Playgrounds throughout the park!

Marina Overlook

Marina Overlook at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle’s Hideaway

Eagle’s HIdeaway at Eagle Creek Park

Shelters

Find and rent shelters throughout the park.

Amphitheater

The Amphitheater at Eagle Creek Park

Bark Park

The Bark Park, specifically for 4-legged friends!

Lilly Lake

Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

Waterfowl Sanctuary

Waterfowl Sanctuary at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Outfitters

Rent all the gear you need at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

Marina

Dock your boat at the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Sailing Club

Come sail away with us: The Eagle Creek Sailing Club.

Rowing Center

Learn about the Eagle Creek Rowing Center.

Peace Learning Center

Explore Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park.

Golf Club

Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Soccer Complex

Kick it around at the Soccer Complex.

Rick’s Boatyard

Rick’s Cafe Boatyard offers excellent dining options.

Airport

Flying in for a visit? Learn about Eagle Creek Airport.

Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Iron Eagle

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

Iron Eagle is a unique run-paddle-run adventure race designed for all fitness levels and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun challenge, this race offers a scenic and exciting course through Eagle Creek Park’s trails and reservoir.

The race centers around a 1.5-mile paddle on Eagle Creek reservoir, sandwiched between two 2.6-mile runs through Eagle Creek Park’s beautiful wooded trails.

Individuals and relay teams can participate. All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the post-race party.

About the Race > More Info > Race Experience & Results >

Support the park

Eagle Creek Park Foundation presents Iron Eagle – a relaxed race for all ages and abilities. Proceeds from the race go to Eagle Creek Park’s trail maintenance fund.

The trail maintenance fund was used to build a new bridge on the Orange trail in 2023, which competitors now run over during the race!

Iron Eagle 2025

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

About the Race

Iron Eagle Course Map

Download Course Map

About the Race

Iron Eagle is a run-paddle-run adventure race for individuals and teams of all ages and ability levels. The race features a 2.6-mile trail run, a 1.5-mile paddle, and another 2.6-mile trail run back to the finish at the Eagle Creek Park swimming beach for the post-race party.

This event showcases the amazing trails and open water of Eagle Creek Park while offering a fun and scenic challenge. Proceeds support trail maintenance and improvements at Eagle Creek Park.

Date and Time

August 9, 2025
6:30 am-7:30 am boat drop-off, at marina
6:30 am – 7:30 am check-in/registration, & packet pick-up at beach
8 am race starts at the beach.
Post-race party concludes at 12 pm.

Pricing

Priced per person, team information below
Proceeds benefit Eagle Creek trail fund
$50 before June 9th
$60 before July 9th
$70 before August 3rd
$80 from August 4th until race day
Foundation members receive a $10 discount for Iron Eagle. Become a member today >

Race Experience and Results

Iron Eagle Race Day

Iron Eagle Photo Gallery

Iron Eagle participants range in age, gender, and ability level. The only thing they have in common is that all finishers receive a custom Iron Eagle medal.

Prior Years' Photos

Group of runners participating in a race on a gravel path near a lake.

Two male runners participating in a trail race through a wooded area.

Group of runners participating in a trail run through a wooded area.

Three women running along a wooded trail during a race in a forested area.

A woman in a green tank top running on a wooded trail with other runners in the background.

A male runner wearing a backpack running on a forest trail surrounded by greenery.

Two individuals running on a forest trail, one waving and the other smiling, both wearing race bibs.

Multiple kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with two individuals observing from a railing.

Two individuals paddling in a double kayak on calm water with blue paddles.

Individual paddling a bright yellow kayak on calm water, wearing a blue life jacket and a headband.

An adult and a child paddling together in a double kayak on calm water.

A group of kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with several boats in the background.

Individual paddling a turquoise solo kayak on calm water with a paddle.

A man in swim shorts and a life jacket exiting an orange kayak onto a riverbank.

Individual paddling a kayak on calm water with a paddle in hand.

Individual paddling a red and yellow kayak on calm water with a paddle.

A runner in an orange tank top crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.

Two women crossing the finish line of a race with arms raised in celebration.

A male runner crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event with a camera in hand.

A man and woman running together across a finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.

Iron Eagle Results

Check out race results from 2019 onward by clicking below! The gallery highlights our 2024 winners. Awards are given for Male and Female Individual, 2-Person Team, and 2-Person Relay categories. (The 3-Person Relay category is not awarded.)

Prior Years' Results

Two women standing together, one holding a trophy and the other wearing a medal, in an outdoor event setting.

A man in athletic wear receiving a paddle award from a woman in a casual shirt at an outdoor event.

Three women holding paddles and awards after a competition, smiling at the camera.

Two male relay race winners holding wooden paddles and medals, smiling at the camera.

Three individuals wearing gray t-shirts and medals, smiling and holding snack bars at an event.

2024 Iron Eagle with Foundation Staff

In 2024 Eagle Creek Park Foundation Staff decided to participate in Iron Eagle – and we had a blast! We particularly enjoyed making our team name: “Titanium Turkeys” into a fabulous t-shirt and getting to meet many of the participants on the day of the event. Also we technically won the 3-Person Relay, as we were the only entrants in the category for 2024.

2024 Iron Eagle Staff Takeaways

Our staff team had a blast at Iron Eagle 2024 and learned a few things along the way! The race atmosphere is fun and welcoming, no intense training is required to enjoy it, and many participants return year after year. If you’ve ever thought about joining, now’s the perfect time to sign up!

Group of participants running in a race, some wearing numbered bibs and athletic clothing.

A woman running on a trail in a forest, with other runners visible in the background.

Individual paddling a turquoise kayak on calm water, wearing a gray shirt and a cap.

A participant in athletic attire crossing a finish line at an Eagle Creek Park Foundation event.

More Information

Iron Eagle Divisions

You will select your division when you register on the race website

Individual

One person completes the entire race by themselves.
This includes both the run stages and the paddle stage.
Historically, it is our most popular division.
1st place male and female individuals receive an award.

2-Person Team

Both participants run both running stages and the paddle stage
Teams can consist of two people of any gender.
Teams are welcome to use two single boats or a double boat
Participants need to stay within 50 feet of their teammate
Boat(s) must remain in the boat transition area until both runners have arrived
Finish time and place are based on when the last runner crosses the finish line.
One award is presented to the winning team for this category.

2-Person Relay

Relays can consist of two people of any gender.
One person runs both running stages, and the other completes the paddle stage.
The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the runner arrives.
One award is presented to the winning team for this category.

3-Person Relay

Relays can consist of three people of any gender.
One person runs the first run stage, the second completes the paddle, and the third person runs the second run stage.
The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the first runner arrives
The second runner must stay in the boat transition area until the paddle portion is complete
3-person relay teams are welcome, but will not be eligible for the awards

Iron Eagle FAQ

If you have additional Iron Eagle questions, email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org

Is there a course map?

The Iron Eagle course used for the 10th anniversary race has become our standard race and can be found here Iron Eagle Course Overview

Can I bring my own kayak/canoe/watercraft?

Competitors and teams are allowed to bring their own watercraft, provided you also bring your own appropriate lifejacket(s) and paddles.

Are watercraft rentals available?

Yes. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in advance through Eagle Creek Outfitters on a first-come, first-served basis. $10 from every boat rental benefits the Foundation. Rentals come equipped with paddles and life jackets.

Single dugout & sit-on-top kayaks are $28. Double kayaks & canoes are $33.

What are the award categories?

Winners will be honored in the following categories:

First place individual female
First place individual male
First place two-person team (2 participants complete the entire race together)
First place two-person relay team (2 participants, each completes 1 or 2 stages)

Where can I park?

The race begins and ends at the beach.
Race check-in, packet pick-up, and registration all occur at the beach.
There is plenty of parking at the beach for competitors and spectators alike.
Before the race, you’ll need to visit the marina to drop off your watercraft or pick up your rental.
Plenty of temporary parking at the marina while you get your watercraft situated before the race.