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Bear Overlook
4.6 ★★★★★ 100 Google reviews · Running trail in Indianapolis, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bear Overlook's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Bear Overlook
“Has walking trails, fishing spots, swimming area (I think), and overall a beautiful area to explore or just sit back and relax and enjoy the nature around.”
Great place for a quick hike with water views and gravel on the main trail. Quaint stone benches about 1.5 miles of trail. Also there is a dedicated fishing trail
Other than on occasion of having the gates down this place is the best. The trails it leads to are just amazing. I can't unload the bike here and go off in any number of directions and I love the access to the park
Cool little spot. I don't think a $5 parking fee is very much, but it still seems unnecessary for what the trail.
Not a particularly challenging trail, but you can do a 10+ mile hike if you go all the way to the starling sanctuary and back. Nice to know something like this is so close.
Trail conditions & character
“I miss the good ol days (just a couple years ago) where the main entrances cost but smaller, more in the woods, parking was free.”
“Has walking trails, fishing spots, swimming area (I think), and overall a beautiful area to explore or just sit back and relax and enjoy the nature around.”
Plan your run at Bear Overlook
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–8 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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