HomeIndianaGreencastle › Big Walnut Nature Preserve, Hall Woods Trail

Big Walnut Nature Preserve, Hall Woods Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Greencastle, Indiana · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
1 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Big Walnut Nature Preserve, Hall Woods Trail'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.

1 miLoopScenicRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Park featuring kid-friendly hiking trails.

What runners say about Big Walnut Nature Preserve, Hall Woods Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (44 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful hike that takes you near the creek and up and down some Hills with stairs so it makes for an easy hike.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“It's so peaceful out there.”

I've went here for years ,its a nice little hike. I think maybe a little over a mile? The trail is kept well and the views are decent. There is a little cabin that's cool to see and talk about There are 2 stair walls about 20 yards long,one down and the other up.

★★★★☆ — Indy , Aug 2021

Beautiful hike that takes you near the creek and up and down some Hills with stairs so it makes for an easy hike. The trail is only about a mile long and is looped. Great place to check out for a quick little hike.

★★★★★ — Marty , Dec 2018

Hall woods is such a pristine, healthy little ecosystem. Lots interesting mushrooms, flora, majestic trees and singing birds. Everything that lives here is thriving. The trail is not long, but it’s perfect. I wouldn’t recommend for anyone who isn’t physically fit.

★★★★★ — Tina , Aug 2022

Beautiful little preserve with a nice trail through what can be a sea of Bluebells on the way to the creek. A few laps make a decent workout. The descent and ascent from the creek valley could be challenging for those with mobility concerns.

★★★★★ — Tom , Apr 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 44 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 7 mentions

“Beautiful hike that takes you near the creek and up and down some Hills with stairs so it makes for an easy hike.”

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🔁 Loop trail 5 mentions

“- short 1 mile loop that has an old cabin, a river, and boardwalks - 4 parking spots at the entrance but it isn’t busy - no bathrooms - no entrance fee”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It's so peaceful out there.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“- short 1 mile loop that has an old cabin, a river, and boardwalks - 4 parking spots at the entrance but it isn’t busy - no bathrooms - no entrance fee”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“- short 1 mile loop that has an old cabin, a river, and boardwalks - 4 parking spots at the entrance but it isn’t busy - no bathrooms - no entrance fee”

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Plan your run at Big Walnut Nature Preserve, Hall Woods Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners

Hours

Monday 9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–5 PM
Thursday 9 AM–5 PM
Friday 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday 9 AM–5 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Big Walnut Nature Preserve, Hall Woods Trail

3301-3727 E County Rd 675 N, Greencastle, IN 46135

Get directions

Running trails near Greencastle

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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Big Walnut Sports Park

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Open-air site featuring playgrounds and courts for baseball and basketball, plus disc golf.

8.0 miles away

Walking Path At Shadowlawn

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All running trails in Greencastle, IN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.