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Forest Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 386 Google reviews · Running trail in Valparaiso, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest 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.
Tree-topped park & gardens offering picnic shelters & a playground, plus a field for various sports.
What runners say about Forest Park
“It was quiet no trouble no unwanted people field was clean to look at fresh cut grass.”
“A wonderful garden, tranquil, sometimes a busy setting, but with the many varieties of beautiful flora, it's understandable!”
“There are plenty of little hide away spots, benches, gazebos and alcoves to spend some quiet time reflecting or just being peaceful.”
Forest Park is absolutely breathtaking! The weather was perfect to show off the natural beauty the park has to offer everyone in Valparaiso. The flowers are very stunning and colorful. The bushes were very well maintained and nicely trimmed. I would definitely come back here again.
We came on an invite my 7yr old granddaughter Absolutely! Loved! The nature! We were on the hill.It was quiet no trouble no unwanted people field was clean to look at fresh cut grass..Idk how bathroom were but what I did see was very nice.
Nice place for a wedding, pictures, or even just a little walk. There is a couple little bridges and wood walking path after the bridge. & Gazebo.
Trail conditions & character
“A wonderful garden, tranquil, sometimes a busy setting, but with the many varieties of beautiful flora, it's understandable!”
“There are plenty of little hide away spots, benches, gazebos and alcoves to spend some quiet time reflecting or just being peaceful.”
“Only complaint is the bathroom location to the shelter.”
Plan your run at Forest Park
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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitevalpoparks.org
- Phone(219) 462-5114
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Valparaiso
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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