HomeIndianaBloomington › Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve

Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 156 Google reviews · Running trail in Bloomington, Indiana · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve'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.

ScenicDog-friendlyHillyMile markers

Nature preserve featuring a limestone bluff, hiking, and wildlife sightings.

What runners say about Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (156 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Beautiful stream and limestone boulders to treat your inner child's love of rocks.”

Secluded getaway for those with limited time. Good hike. Beautiful. One of my fav spots to go! Update 05/06/2023 It's been 2 years since i last came here and was sadly disappointed. Impossible. Impassable.

★★★★★ — Kathy , May 2023

Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve is one of my favorite nature preserves in Indiana. The large rock bluffs provide for some great scenery and views from the top. Clear Creek runs through the property and is pretty nice creek. The trail is not long but a little rugged in spots. I highly recommend this place.

★★★★★ — Paul , Jan 2022

Good hiking trail with climbing over large rocks. Well marked. Great view over the river from top.

★★★★☆ — Song , Mar 2022

Great hike! There is some rock scrambling .... the Border Collie trail dog is the best!

★★★★★ — Shannon , Mar 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 156 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 12 mentions

“A left turn takes you to a moderate to difficult climb up the bluff to the top overlooking the creek below.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“You have to follow a beaten path through overgrowth to the left (before reaching the creek trail), then go up a very steep incline to the top.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Very beautiful creek and we had a friendly dog as a tour guide the whole way.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Follow the trail markers and white paint on the trees.”

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Plan your run at Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve

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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitenature.org
  • Phone(317) 951-8818

Hours

Monday 7 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–7 PM
Thursday 7 AM–7 PM
Friday 7 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7 AM–7 PM
Sunday 7 AM–7 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 Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve

8484 S Ketcham Rd, Bloomington, IN 47403

Get directions

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All running trails in Bloomington, 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.