Home › Indiana › Spencer › McCormick's Creek State Park
McCormick's Creek State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,229 Google reviews · Running trail in Spencer, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from McCormick's Creek State 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.
Site offers hiking & horseback-riding trails, river fishing, indoor recreational center & campsites.
What runners say about McCormick's Creek State Park
“The park is well-maintained, and the trails are clearly marked.”
“It’s a beautiful park with friendly staff and trails that are both fun and challenging—I’d definitely recommend it for groups, families, or anyone looking for a refreshing hike.”
“The park is well-maintained, and the trails are clearly marked.”
“It was our first visit, and I was pleasantly surprised at how peaceful it was for a weekend.”
I took my youth group to McCormick’s Creek State Park last weekend for a hike and picnic, and we had a wonderful time! It was our first visit, and I was pleasantly surprised at how peaceful it was for a weekend.
McCormick’s Creek State Park is a beautiful and fascinating place to explore. The waterfalls are stunning, and there’s an abundance of wildlife—we spotted salamanders in several spots, saw a few water snakes, and even came across plenty of fossils. Wolf Cave was a really neat adventure (definitely bring a flashlight!).
I had heard good things about McCormick's Creek a long time ago, but just got around to visiting. Glad I finally did! It's a beautiful place and a well-maintained park. Lots of trails with a range of difficulties, from paved and relatively flat to rocky and fording the creek. The Canyon Inn is beautiful.
The hike to the falls (via Trail 3) was just the right mix of challenge and beauty—natural rock paths, stairs, and plenty of scenic views along the creek. The sound of the waterfall and the surroundings made it a perfect place to relax and recharge. The park is well-maintained, and the trails are clearly marked.
Trail conditions & character
“The park itself has a lot to offer for families — beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and even a swimming pool (note: there’s a small fee of $3 per person).”
“We did come across a few ants and spiders, but that’s not unusual given the wooded surroundings and cabin style.”
“It was our first visit, and I was pleasantly surprised at how peaceful it was for a weekend.”
“We decided on Trail 3, which is labeled “moderate” but definitely felt more challenging with its rocky paths, inclines, and winding turns.”
“Lots of trails with a range of difficulties, from paved and relatively flat to rocky and fording the creek.”
“The path eventually led us back to the Canyon Inn, where we took a bathroom and water break, peeked into the gift shop, and then hit the road.”
“Lots of trails with a range of difficulties, from paved and relatively flat to rocky and fording the creek.”
“The Echo Canyon Loop and the hike to Wolf Cave was super fun and moderate level.”
Plan your run at McCormick's Creek State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteon.in.gov
- Phone(812) 829-2235
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Spencer
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Porter West Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
Wooded nature reserve featuring hiking trails and an old cemetery.
Karst Farm Greenway Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
Peaceful, kid-friendly hiking area featuring a paved trail.
Will Detmer Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 277 reviews
Pretty park with playgrounds, trails and a pond, plus community gardens.
Lower Cascades Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 840 reviews
Green space with an extensive fully accessible playground, picnic shelters & a paved trail.
Karst Farm Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 717 reviews
Recreation area with athletic fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds & a splash pad, plus a dog park.