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Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Running trail in Bloomington, Indiana · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Griffy Lake 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.

LoopDog-friendlyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

What runners say about Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (18 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“If you like to collect rocks there are dry creek beds as well as beautiful green Forest.”

I'm loving this nearby getaway from the city streets and noise. Hiking the East and West North Shore Loop trails allowed me to do just that! Don't be fooled though by the word "loop" however!🤪 It doesn't! Lol! I had to go back by the way i came. Pretty much😉Easy in places.. def rugged in other parts. Slipping. Sliding.

★★★★★ — Kathy , Jul 2022

There's a lot of trails that dead end and I ended up doing a lot more walking then expected. I didn't get to every trail so I will have to go back. Went about 6:30 am, only 2 other cars there, didn't run into any one till about 7:30. Hiked for about 2 hours and enjoyed every minute of it.

★★★★★ — K , Jul 2022

This place is excellent. There are tons of trails that are very long and a dam at the end of one of them.

★★★★★ — Nicholas , Jan 2022

Beautiful park and lake with some great quick hikes! Saw 3 deer on the way in too!

★★★★★ — Devin , Sep 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 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.

🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“Hiking the East and West North Shore Loop trails allowed me to do just that!”

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🚻 Restrooms

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🚰 Water fountains

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Plan your run at Griffy Lake 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.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitebloomington.in.gov
  • Phone(812) 349-3732
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–11 PM
Thursday 5 AM–11 PM
Friday 5 AM–11 PM
Saturday 5 AM–11 PM
Sunday 5 AM–11 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 Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

3400 N Headley Rd, Bloomington, IN 47408

Get directions

Running trails near Bloomington

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Lower Cascades Park

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MixedScenic

Green space with an extensive fully accessible playground, picnic shelters & a paved trail.

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Latimer Woods

4.1 ★★★★☆ 35 reviews

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Natural surface

Old-growth forest featuring a nature trail with signs detailing the area's history.

3.1 miles away

Will Detmer Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 277 reviews

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PavedShaded

Pretty park with playgrounds, trails and a pond, plus community gardens.

3.5 miles away

Switchyard Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 845 reviews

Bloomington, IN

PavedDog-friendly

Community park featuring picnic and barbecue areas, athletic courts and fields, a playground, and a stage.

3.8 miles away

Winslow Nature Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

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Paved

4.0 miles away

Karst Farm Greenway Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

Bloomington, IN

PavedDog-friendly

Peaceful, kid-friendly hiking area featuring a paved trail.

4.0 miles away

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.