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Meltzer Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 144 Google reviews · Running trail in Shelbyville, Indiana · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1.3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Meltzer Woods' 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.
Easy hiking amid old-growth trees and a boardwalk-lined path, with a pumpkin patch across the way.
What runners say about Meltzer Woods
“This place may be smaller in size but I was pleasantly surprised by how many beautiful, huge burr oaks, sycamores and hickory trees there were.”
“Trail was very well marked and all ground was level for an easy hike.”
“Trail was very well marked and all ground was level for an easy hike.”
This old growth forest nature preserve was a pleasant surprise. Starting with the well maintained parking lot.All 1.3 miles of the trail in great shape.There are many bridges and boardwalks on this flat trail.The old trees are huge with lots of under growth and wildflowers from early spring to late fall.
This 60-acre preserve is completely forested with a small creek going through it. A gravel parking lot for 20+ vehicles is on the north side of the road. Important: the public land is on the south side of the road. A single trailhead is directly across from the parking exit on the west end of the preserve.
Wonderful 1+ mile hike to see old trees possibly 400 years old. Experience what Indiana woods were like before the settlers. You might choose a day when conditions were dry for a few days. The path was muddy in places.
They have the old school made into a free library give a book take a book. They have a walking trail me and the kids have yet to walk because every time we come out here we get distracted! Corn field maze is cute! Reasonable prices $5 for adults $3 for child, They had 2 pumpkin patches to choose from..
Trail conditions & character
“This place may be smaller in size but I was pleasantly surprised by how many beautiful, huge burr oaks, sycamores and hickory trees there were.”
“A gravel parking lot for 20+ vehicles is on the north side of the road.”
“It was really muddy but well marked and just gorgeous!”
“Trail was very well marked and all ground was level for an easy hike.”
“Trail was very well marked and all ground was level for an easy hike.”
Plan your run at Meltzer Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1.3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteconservingindiana.org
- Phone+1 317-631-5263
Running trails near Shelbyville
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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Sunset Park
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