Home › Indiana › Muncie › Dutro-Ernst Woods
Dutro-Ernst Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Muncie, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dutro-Ernst Woods' 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.
Kid-friendly nature preserve offering trails for walking, jogging, and biking.
What runners say about Dutro-Ernst Woods
“As with other redtail conservancy parks, well maintained trails in a reclaimed former brownfield that's been converted into a wildlife preserve.”
“Beautiful small urban/post industrial nature area with well-maintained trails.”
“If seeking calm refuge without having to drive, this is it.”
“Slight gradual grade that makes for a very easy walk.”
Great new suburban nature area, with the plants still getting established. Includes preserved woodland and wetland areas. A mile of nice stone-paved trails, with some in the shade of the woods.
Lovely nature preserve with clearly defined paths. Slight gradual grade that makes for a very easy walk. Limited parking that is often full. Many plants and birds can be found. Prairie and wooded areas make for a refreshing break from the built environment. If seeking calm refuge without having to drive, this is it.
Excellent place to walk. Trail is scenic and well maintained. The gravel on the trail is very helpful because it prevents you from having to walk in mud if it's been raining. It's wonderful to have a green space such as this this right in town where it's accessible and available for people to enjoy.
Pleasant walk through woods. The trail is composed of connected figure eights so you can choose the length of your walk easily without having to backtrack. Another person was using the trail for a run. Convenient parking lot at the entrance on the southwest corner of Purdieu and Kilgore (SR 32)
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful small urban/post industrial nature area with well-maintained trails.”
“Prairie and wooded areas make for a refreshing break from the built environment.”
“The paths are wide, there's shady areas and it's quiet.”
“A mile of nice stone-paved trails, with some in the shade of the woods.”
“The gravel on the trail is very helpful because it prevents you from having to walk in mud if it's been raining.”
“It's wonderful to have a green space such as this this right in town where it's accessible and available for people to enjoy.”
Plan your run at Dutro-Ernst Woods
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
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefortheland.org
- Phone+1 765-288-2547
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Muncie
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Thomas Park
4 ★★★★☆ 188 reviews
Relaxed, family-friendly greenspace featuring a playground, baseball field, beer stand and picnic tables.
White River Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
Pretty riverside park featuring walking trails, outdoor recreation and scenic views.
Cardinal Greenway McCulloch Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Park featuring a soapbox racing hill, scenery, fishing, and kid-friendly hiking.
Morrow's Meadow
4.7 ★★★★★ 631 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring 2+ playgrounds along with picnic tables, barbecue grills and shelters.