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Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Running trail in Indianapolis, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 2.3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Oliver's 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.
What runners say about Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve
“Great well-maintained mountain bike trails that alternate between wooded and hilly to more flat through a beautiful wildflower meadow.”
“Great well-maintained mountain bike trails that alternate between wooded and hilly to more flat through a beautiful wildflower meadow.”
“There's a big parking lot and good signage, but be careful - if you miss a turn and go under 465, you're entering Town Run Trails and the 2.”
A gem of a park. No, there is no sign on the road, but follow the GPS directions and it should direct you properly. The kayak launch is a great spot for a folding chair and some silent prayer. Very peaceful by the water. Didn't get any bug bites either even while being still.
So thankful for the central indiana land trust for all they provide for our state. The trails here are so beautiful. There are places to stop and learn about learn about the landscape and river. The trails connect to the dirt bike trails. There are nice benches and a parking area.
Great well-maintained mountain bike trails that alternate between wooded and hilly to more flat through a beautiful wildflower meadow. There's a big parking lot and good signage, but be careful - if you miss a turn and go under 465, you're entering Town Run Trails and the 2.3 mile loop becomes 6+ miles.
Interesting preserve situated in the middle of 465, the fashion mall commercial area and the white river. You can walk all the dirt trails with the preserve in about an hour or so. The trails are definitely more for bikes so beware for bikers, however, it was a pleasant easy and safe walk.
Trail conditions & character
“Great well-maintained mountain bike trails that alternate between wooded and hilly to more flat through a beautiful wildflower meadow.”
“Just watch out for the a hole bikers if you cross the creek and you're walking with a dog.”
“There's a big parking lot and good signage, but be careful - if you miss a turn and go under 465, you're entering Town Run Trails and the 2.”
“This area is technically the south loop of Town Run Park.”
Plan your run at Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance2.3 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteconservingindiana.org
- Phone+1 317-631-5263
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–6 pm |
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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