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Fern Cliff Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 130 Google reviews · Running trail in Greencastle, Indiana · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Fern Cliff 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.
Preserve featuring rugged sandstone cliffs, wooded ravines, bryophytes, rare ferns, and hiking trails.
What runners say about Fern Cliff Nature Preserve
“The creek is so clean and well kept!”
“Beautiful views of cliffs, caves, and homesteads once part of a daily practice of life.”
“This place is so beautiful, peaceful, and unique!”
Lovely place to hike! We went up to the building remains and it was a bit hard to find the trail from there. However, eventually we looked to our right and found the trail pretty much across from the square building remains. This place is so beautiful, peaceful, and unique!
Really cool hidden gem. If you are driving too fast you might miss the tiny parking lot. The single trail is about 1.5 miles long. The beginning is easy and towards the end it gets moderate/difficult. There are ruins form and old quarry, beautiful cliffs, moss, and ferns.
As someone who loves ferns, moss, and lichens- this place was heavenly! Most of the trail/s are very easy, though to get the best view of the moss and fern covered cliff faces you have to follow a steep and narrow path. Definitely worth it if you're able, but there is still plenty to enjoy if not!
Beautiful off the beaten path nature preserve. Very well preserved. Unique geologically and it seemed like a diverse set of bird, mushroom, floral, and insect species. The sandstone cliffs are gorgeous!
Trail conditions & character
“Most of the trail/s are very easy, though to get the best view of the moss and fern covered cliff faces you have to follow a steep and narrow path.”
“If you are driving too fast you might miss the tiny parking lot.”
“This place is so beautiful, peaceful, and unique!”
Plan your run at Fern Cliff Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- Websitenature.org
- Phone(317) 951-8818
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
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