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Marott Woods Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 731 Google reviews · Running trail in Indianapolis, Indiana · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Marott Woods 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.

ShadedScenicDog-friendlyHillyQuiet

Wooded 102-acre park including a nature preserve with trails, birdwatching & spring wildflowers.

What runners say about Marott Woods Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (731 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“But it's a beautiful park just full of steep hiking trails and a creek so if you go be sure to wear grippy shoes!”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 6 mentions

“Great for families and the river part is peaceful and fun for stomping with the kids.”

This so far is my favorite park in indy. It's very stunning and flows like you are going hiking within your own city. I enjoy the natural stairs that have been implemented but even more so i love the flowing water that lives on the top of the hill after you climb it.

★★★★★ — Ryan , Sep 2019

The trails are small with heavy roots from beautiful big trees. Beautiful gem in Indianapolis! Went in a small hike with two friends and my 5 month old daughter. We all were very pleasantly surprised as to how much we loved it.

★★★★★ — Cari , Aug 2025

Love this trail. Very well secluded . Nice parking space. Great for families and the river part is peaceful and fun for stomping with the kids.

★★★★★ — Martine , Nov 2022

A great place to relax, and take in nature, very close to Broad Ripple, there are trails, and viewing vistas.

★★★★★ — Ray , Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 731 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.

🐕 Dog-friendly 13 mentions

“I think people should always travel safety in numbers we also had a dog basically in any park these days.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 11 mentions

“But it's a beautiful park just full of steep hiking trails and a creek so if you go be sure to wear grippy shoes!”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“Great for families and the river part is peaceful and fun for stomping with the kids.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“Beautiful scenery and it was nice and cool due to the canopy the trees provided.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“I enjoy the natural stairs that have been implemented but even more so i love the flowing water that lives on the top of the hill after you climb it.”

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Plan your run at Marott Woods Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • 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
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteparks.indy.gov
  • Phone(317) 327-7180
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–9 PM
Thursday 8 AM–9 PM
Friday 8 AM–9 PM
Saturday 8 AM–9 PM
Sunday 8 AM–9 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 Marott Woods Nature Preserve

7350 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Get directions

Running trails near Indianapolis

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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Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve

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Interurban Trail

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Skiles Test Nature Park

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Nature area with walking and biking trails, plus picnic tables.

5.1 miles away

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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.