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McCormick Woods Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Running trail in West Lafayette, Indiana · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from McCormick Woods Trail'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.
What runners say about McCormick Woods Trail
“Very hard to find entrance or to know how long each trail is, but they are very well-kept.”
“This is a basic level trail, which is perfect for biking or jogging.”
“Great easy hike, almost always see lots of wild life.”
I enjoyed this trail, minus a star because there isn't any parking available and hard to find the entrance. Here is a hint: We parked at the Purdue Northern Recreational parking area which is public parking on the weekends. This parking lot is across the street from the golf course.
This is a basic level trail, which is perfect for biking or jogging. But you want to be sure the trail is dry before diving in. It could be pretty muddy after rain. For biking, there isn't much elevation, descending or technical turn in this trail. But you still need a helmet.
Very hard to find entrance or to know how long each trail is, but they are very well-kept. The west trail is much shorter and has less hills than the east. Lots of beautiful trees and my dog loved it.
Basic wooded area. There is a pullout on Cherry Ln next to an entrance for parking. Not a terribly interesting place and feels a little synthetic given the proximity to everything else, but a nice place to a get a few miles of relative solitude in nonetheless.
Trail conditions & character
“I enjoyed this trail, minus a star because there isn't any parking available and hard to find the entrance.”
“Downside is the trail is usually muddy in spots, regardless of how long it may have been since it rained last.”
“Nice trail, well kept and all wooded to keep you and your furry friends healthy.”
“For biking, there isn't much elevation, descending or technical turn in this trail.”
“Great little novice MTB trail, rarely busy.”
“If you stay to the right (or left depending if you chose east or west) the entire time, you'll loop around completely for about 2.”
“This is a basic level trail, which is perfect for biking or jogging.”
Plan your run at McCormick Woods Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteag.purdue.edu
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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