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Schoen Creek Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · Running trail in Indianapolis, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Schoen Creek 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.
Kid-friendly park featuring a hiking trail that's shared with bikers.
What runners say about Schoen Creek Trail
“Great trail: moderate elevation changes, cool switch backs, awesome - gorgeous - landscapes.”
One of my favourite inner city trails in the USA. You'll forget that you're in the middle of indy on this trail. It's on the long side with some hills. I even came across deer. As far as park trails go, only one other tops it in my book. I'll be hitting this one again next time I'm in indy.
Great trail: moderate elevation changes, cool switch backs, awesome - gorgeous - landscapes. Hit it during the work week, or earlier on the weekends to avoid heavy bike traffic.
I have to say that I had and still have mixed feelings about this trail. The hiking path, itself is very narrow. You must walk single file. That is not what gives me mixed feelings, however. The fact that you must share a very narrow path with mountain bikes is what is disappointing about this trail.
This is one of my favorite Indy trails. It is less crowded than most of the other trails at Fort Harrison. Nice variety of habitats to enjoy nature, including wetlands, prairie, and forest. Note: Not accessible when it is muddy. Plan to go to other trails when it has been rainy or there has been a recent snow melt.
Trail conditions & character
“This trail is a little over 3 miles with varied terrain, technical at times and off camber but easily negotiable.”
“Great trail: moderate elevation changes, cool switch backs, awesome - gorgeous - landscapes.”
“Great trail: moderate elevation changes, cool switch backs, awesome - gorgeous - landscapes.”
“If you have kids be warned that some parts are quite narrow and muddy for a stroller.”
Plan your run at Schoen Creek Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Phone(317) 591-0904
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 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.
Fort Harrison State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,488 reviews
This 1,700-acre park offers activities such as cross-country skiing, fishing & hiking.
Lawrence Parks Department
4.4 ★★★★☆ 389 reviews
Family-friendly green space with swings, slides and picnic tables, plus a ball field.
Skiles Test Nature Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 392 reviews
Nature area with walking and biking trails, plus picnic tables.
Upper Fall Creek Loop Trail
4.2 ★★★★☆ 82 reviews
Unpaved trail bordering a small lake and pond that floods during certain times of the year.
Fall Creek Trail at Geist Dam
4.4 ★★★★☆ 134 reviews
Park featuring a kid-friendly gravel trail and picnic tables leading to a dam.
Town Run Trail Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 415 reviews
Recreational area for mountain biking and hiking with trails for all levels.