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Charlestown State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,906 Google reviews · Running trail in Charlestown, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Charlestown State Park'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.
Scenic spot with rugged terrain for hiking & bird-watching, plus fishing & full hookup camping site.
What runners say about Charlestown State Park
“Bathroom were clean and had water pressure, but they use push valves that are timed and aren't long enough in the showers, so you press it repeatedly.”
“Located just a short drive from Louisville, this park offers beautiful hiking trails with stunning views of the Ohio River and dense woodlands.”
“The main waterfall has decent flow and was incredibly peaceful to watch and listen to, particularly at its base.”
Charlestown State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! Located just a short drive from Louisville, this park offers beautiful hiking trails with stunning views of the Ohio River and dense woodlands.
I traversed 9 miles of Charlestown State Park in southeast Indiana yesterday while enjoying the beautiful weather of the day. Trails 2, 3, 4, and 6 boasted an embarrassment of wildflowers, which filled the air with a sweet, perfume-like fragrance.
I'm amazed this wooded park is about 20 minutes from downtown Louisville. We went in August when all the plants are in full growth mode. The forrest seemed very dense and reminded me of Forrest Park in Portland, Oregon, but without the ferns. Lots of nature to see, hear and smell! In a good way.
All around an incredible campground and start to the camping season. Wasn't busy yet, so very quiet and peaceful. Incredibly clean, both the outdoor property and restrooms. Maintained trails and fascinating history about Rose Island. Would highly recommend!
Trail conditions & character
“Located just a short drive from Louisville, this park offers beautiful hiking trails with stunning views of the Ohio River and dense woodlands.”
“The main waterfall has decent flow and was incredibly peaceful to watch and listen to, particularly at its base.”
“Nice campground, spacious-enough sites, mostly all level that I observed.”
“I expected them to be flater with not a lot of variation or elevation change, but we were on cliffs, found waterfalls, and so much history.”
“Our site had an asphalt pad and gravel area for the picnic table.”
“Some are not well shaded, but ours has a nice oak tree that we enjoyed it's shade all weekend.”
“Bathroom were clean and had water pressure, but they use push valves that are timed and aren't long enough in the showers, so you press it repeatedly.”
“Very large, grassy site with paved parking.”
“Our site had an asphalt pad and gravel area for the picnic table.”
“Beautiful area, trail 2 was very muddy and super slippery!”
“The loop we're staying in has a shower house and they have been clean and well kept during our stay.”
“I traversed 9 miles of Charlestown State Park in southeast Indiana yesterday while enjoying the beautiful weather of the day.”
Plan your run at Charlestown State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance6 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteon.in.gov
- Phone+1 812-256-5600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Charlestown
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rose Island Resort
4.6 ★★★★★ 319 reviews
Historic park with guided tours, hiking trails, and exhibits on land reclaimed by nature.
Charlestown State Park Trail 1 Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
Kid-friendly area offering a number of hiking trails.
