HomeIndianaSchererville › Ivan Gatlin Nature Preserve

Ivan Gatlin Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Schererville, Indiana · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Ivan Gatlin 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.

PavedScenic

What runners say about Ivan Gatlin Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (23 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Beautiful spot to watch colorful sunsets, appreciate nature, see animals, and be at peace.”

A nature preserve that is cared for! It surrounds a wetland lake. Wildlife seem to enjoy this sanctuary preserved between farmland, suburban houses, Turkey Creek and the Erie Lackawanna trail.

★★★★★ — Jesse , Dec 2018

Fantastic area to ride your bike. Relatively secluded paved path with a small pond and large open fields.

★★★★★ — Ryan , Oct 2022

This is a beautiful preserve! Paved path, lovely lake and full of prairie plants and wildlife, as well as ducks, geese, cranes, etc on the lake! A wonderful place to reunite with nature.

★★★★★ — Catherine , Sep 2020

A tranquil hidden lake with birds, butterflies, native plants galore. The biking trails are awesome

★★★★★ — Maitreyi , Jul 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 23 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Beautiful spot to watch colorful sunsets, appreciate nature, see animals, and be at peace.”

More trails like this →

🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“Paved path, lovely lake and full of prairie plants and wildlife, as well as ducks, geese, cranes, etc on the lake!”

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Plan your run at Ivan Gatlin Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.

Where to find Ivan Gatlin Nature Preserve

Turkey Creek Trail, Schererville, IN 46375

Get directions

Running trails near Schererville

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

Oak Ridge Prairie & Oak Savannah Trail park

4.6 ★★★★★ 423 reviews

Griffith, IN

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Natural prairie land serves as backdrop for trail hiking, bird-watching, picnicking & fishing.

1.0 miles away

Erie Lackawanna Trail - Griffith

4.7 ★★★★★ 79 reviews

Griffith, IN

Popular trail for walking and bike rides (from Hammond to Crown Point).

1.5 miles away

Peter G Redar Memorial Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 614 reviews

Schererville, IN

Athletic fields & courts, green space, a playground & amphitheater draw locals to this urban park.

2.1 miles away

Rohrman Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 216 reviews

Schererville, IN

Community park with a playground, picnic tables, and athletic fields, plus a restroom.

2.2 miles away

Walking Trail

Crown Point, IN

2.6 miles away

Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 69 reviews

Schererville, IN

75 miLoopMixedScenic

Park featuring easy-to-follow trails for walking and kid-friendly hikes.

2.6 miles away

All running trails in Schererville, 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.