Hiking

Hiking

 Members Hiking on the West Side Trail

 

Miles and Miles of trails

Lace up your boots and discover the natural beauty of Eagle Creek Park on foot!

With 3,900 acres of forests and meadows, featuring nearly 30 miles of maintained trails, our hiking trails offer a peaceful escape and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird-watching in every season.

The terrain is relatively flat, so whether you’re looking for a short, scenic walk or a longer, more immersive trek, there’s a path for you.

Thanks to a 2018 grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the park now features 7 more miles of trails, making even more of this beautiful landscape accessible for exploration. Check out the new West Side Hiking Trail page here

Grab a park map, choose your route, and experience firsthand why over one million visitors are drawn to our trails each year.

More Visits. Give Back.

A Foundation Pass grants unlimited gate entry and is the easiest way to give back to the park. If you love hiking and want to support the Park, we’ve got you covered!

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 (see below).

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

PARK TRAIL MAP

RUNNING COURSE MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER TREE MAP

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER TRAILS

FISHING MAP

STATE NATURE PRESERVES

GREENWAYS MAP

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek Park

Marina

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

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

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Beach

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

Golf Club

Golf Club

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

Trails

TRAILS

View of reservoir from CofferDam Trail

Trails, Trails Everywhere

Welcome to the trails of Eagle Creek Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States! Explore over 3,900 acres of forests, meadows, and ponds, and enjoy more than 1,400 acres of reservoir that serve as a fantastic resource for both wildlife and recreation

The park has trails on both the East side and West Side > With nearly 30 miles of marked trails for you to enjoy, you’ll always have something new to explore!

See Maps > 
See Popular Hikes > 

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 > 

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 (see below).

Find your trail

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”

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.

ADOPT A TRAIL

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

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)

Red Trail Loop

6.75 mi (moderate)

Top Hikes West Side

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

Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary

ADA accessible 0.6 mi (easy)

Scott Starling via Eagle’s Crest Loop

1.9 mi (easy)

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

PARK TRAIL MAP

RUNNING COURSE MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER TREE MAP

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER TRAILS

FISHING MAP

STATE NATURE PRESERVES

GREENWAYS MAP

DONATE

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

West Side Hiking Trails

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

Members on West Side Hiking Trail

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

TRAILHEAD ACCESS

Starting April 21, 2025: Automatic gates will be in place at the three West Side Trail access points. Visitors can enter with an annual pass or pay a $6 fee by credit card. Automatic gates use the same hours as the main park >

Eagle’s Crest

7201 Fishback Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary

8245 Wilson Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

Bear Overlook

8600 W. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46234 >

West Side Trail FAQs

Get informed about the changes coming to the West Side!

Paid Entry Starting April 21st, 2025?

Starting April 21st, 2025, three automatic gates will be in place at each access point for the West Side Hiking Trail complex (Bear Overlook, Scott Starling, and Eagle’s Crest). These gates accept annual Eagle Creek Park Passes and Foundation Passes and credit cards.

While there has been an automatic gate at Bear Overlook, since March of 2023, starting April 21st, 2025 a new scanner will be in place that will function much more smoothly.

You may seen these helpful signs as you enter or exit

.

Bear Overlook Entry?

To enter Bear Overlook, you can: 1. Scan your annual pass – Eagle Creek Park Pass or Foundation Pass 2. Pay upon entry using a credit card ($6).

When you leave, approach the exit gate arm slowly, the gate arm will open automatically.

Eagle's Crest Entry?

This is a Pay Upon Exit Gate.

To enter Eagle’s Crest, approach the gate slowly, and it will open as you get close. You will have 5 minutes after you enter before you’ll be charged (annual pass holders won’t be charged).

For access to Eagle’s Crest 1. Scan your annual pass – Eagle Creek Park Pass or Foundation Pass 2. Pay upon exit using a credit card ($6). If paying with a credit card, be sure to press the “Push for Ticket” button and keep your ticket so you can pay as you leave.

 

Scott Starling Entry?

This is a Pay Upon Exit Gate.

To enter Scott Starling, approach the gate slowly, and it will open as you get close. You will have 5 minutes after you enter before you’ll be charged (annual pass holders won’t be charged).

For access to Scott Starling 1. Scan your annual pass – Eagle Creek Park Pass or Foundation Pass 2. Pay upon exit using a credit card ($6). If paying with a credit card, be sure to press the “Push for Ticket” button and keep your ticket so you can pay as you leave.

 

Maps?

You can access a map for the West Side Hiking Trail complex here >

Eagle Creek’s Best Kept Secret

About the West Side Hiking Trail

Eagle Creek Park’s west side, a hidden gem since its 1972 opening, gained prominence during the 1987 Pan Am Games, where archery was hosted near Eagle’s Crest.

Today, visitors can explore three ADA-accessible trails, two nature preserves (Eagle’s Crest and Starling), and the scenic 5-mile trunk trail that stretches from north to south.

The main trail provides a peaceful escape under a lush canopy, offering a serene retreat from everyday life.

We hope park goers find time and space on Eagle Creek’s West Side Hiking Trails to relax, unwind, and connect with nature.

Read more about the trail

The West Side Hiking Trail project, first envisioned by John Pankhurst in the 1980s, was included in the 1997 Eagle Creek Park strategic plan. In 2014, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation voted to move forward with securing funding for the trails. After years of planning and fundraising, a $2.6 million Lilly Endowment grant in 2018 brought the vision to life. Trail construction began in 2019 and continued through the COVID-19 pandemic, with completion of the trunk trail and the ADA loops by 2022. By 2024, final additions, including automatic gates, signage, and a dedicated podcast, were introduced.

Wander on the West Side

ADA TRAILS

The West Side Trail Complex features 3 ADA-compliant trails.

Scott Starling Nature Preserve

Explore this gallery of images taken of the scenery and migratory birds from the nature preserve – via the ADA Starling Trail.

Exploring the West Side Hiking Trail

Foundation Members stop in a massive tulip grove in the northwest portion of the West Side Hiking trail. Marty Risch, former park ranger, environmental scientist, and life-long lover of Eagle Creek Park teaches members about the amazing ecology through which the trail cuts.

Listen to the Trailer Episode

John Pankhurst lays out the scope of Season one of Nature Notes. He’s the Director Emerita of the Eagle Creek Park Foundation and self-proclaimed “Chief Sheepdog”. John is one of central figures behind the entire West Side trail project.

Foundation Podcast

Eagle Creek Nature Notes
The podcast helps you plan your next adventure to Eagle Creek Park.

Season One of our podcast, Eagle Creek Nature Notes, is now available! This season is dedicated to the West Side of Eagle Creek Park and was made possible by funding from the West Side Trail grant.

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

PARK TRAIL MAP

RUNNING COURSE MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER TREE MAP

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER TRAILS

FISHING MAP

STATE NATURE PRESERVES

GREENWAYS MAP

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.

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

PARK TRAIL MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

GREENWAYS MAP

IRON EAGLE PADDLE RUN

 

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

Main Office

EAGLE CREEK PARK OFFICEEMERGENCyFor Emergency Dispatch: CALL  911Non-EMERGENCyRANGER ASSISTANCE: 317-327-3811DNR HOTLINEDNR HOTLINE: 317-847-4367Eagle Creek Park OFFICE  LOCATION: 7840 W 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46254 CONTACT: 317.327.7110 HOURS:...

Parking

Parking

Where to park when traveling to Eagle Creek Park.

Trails

Trails

Check out the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

Fitness Trail

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

Playgrounds

Have some fun at our Playgrounds throughout the park!

Shelters

Shelters

Find and rent shelters throughout the park.

Bark Park

Bark Park

The Bark Park, specifically for 4-legged friends!

Lilly Lake

Lilly Lake

Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

Marina

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

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

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Beach

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

Sailing Club

Sailing Club

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

Golf Club

Golf Club

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

Airport

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.

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

RUNNING COURSE MAP

PARK TRAIL MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

GREENWAYS 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.

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.

IRON EAGLE PADDLE RUN

 

EXPLORE MORE PLACES

Main Office

Main Office

EAGLE CREEK PARK OFFICEEMERGENCyFor Emergency Dispatch: CALL  911Non-EMERGENCyRANGER ASSISTANCE: 317-327-3811DNR HOTLINEDNR HOTLINE: 317-847-4367Eagle Creek Park OFFICE  LOCATION: 7840 W 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46254 CONTACT: 317.327.7110 HOURS:...

Parking

Parking

Where to park when traveling to Eagle Creek Park.

Trails

Trails

Check out the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

Fitness Trail

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

Playgrounds

Have some fun at our Playgrounds throughout the park!

Shelters

Shelters

Find and rent shelters throughout the park.

Bark Park

Bark Park

The Bark Park, specifically for 4-legged friends!

Lilly Lake

Lilly Lake

Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

Marina

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

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

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Beach

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

Sailing Club

Sailing Club

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

Golf Club

Golf Club

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

Airport

Airport

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

Skiing

Skiing

SKIING AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

 

Cross-Country Skiing

Indiana winters typically bring snow, which means if we get around four or so inches, you can leisurely ski through the park. Although there are no trails specifically designated for skiing, self-directed skiers may use a 2.5 and 3-mile trail that loops around the central east side of the park, which begins just before you turn left into the Earth Discovery Center off Walnut Point Road. Personal equipment is required as there are no rentals in the park.

Give back with a Foundation Pass

An Eagle Creek Park Foundation pass grants unlimited gate entry and is the easiest way to give back to the park. If you’re going to ski or hike often, it’s a great way to give yourself access all year!

Note about waterskiing

Because motorboats on the reservoir are restricted to 9.9 horsepower or less, waterskiing and other motorized water sports are not permitted at Eagle Creek Park.

LOCATION:

5901 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7148

HOURS:

Park Hours: Open Dawn to Dusk, Monday-Sunday

Building Hours

Tuesday – Saturday

10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday

1:00pm-5:00pm

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek

Marina

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

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

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Beach

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

Golf Club

Golf Club

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