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Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary
4.6 ★★★★★ 160 Google reviews · Running trail in Indianapolis, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary'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.
Nature preserve featuring trails for hiking and birdwatching, with some elevation change.
What runners say about Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary
“We saw wildlife, lush green trees, and beautiful flowers.”
This is an oasis in the city! The trails at this part of the eagle Creek system are amazing. We hiked in both directions in the past week. One leads out to the water and the other to the interior of eagle Creek. Terrain on the interior trail is moderate, lots of hills and tree roots, making the hike interesting.
You can take a short hike to see Eagle Creek reservoir, or you can take a longer hike to see the hilly areas. Both ways have beautiful views. Parking is not very big and sometimes crowded.
This was our first time to Scott Starling Nature Preserve and we were pleasantly surprised. The trails were nicely maintained and even though the area is close to the interstate, we could hear very little traffic noise. There were several other hikers there but it wasn’t crowded by any means.
Connects to the undeveloped half of Eagle Creek Park for a great hike or trail run.
Trail conditions & character
“There is two trails one is ADA compliant and there is a lookout platform that overlooks little Eagle Creek and the other trail connects to Eagle Crest.”
“The parking lot, however, was crowded by 9:00 a.”
“You can take a short hike to see Eagle Creek reservoir, or you can take a longer hike to see the hilly areas.”
“and there were no restroom options so be prepared for that.”
“There is two trails one is ADA compliant and there is a lookout platform that overlooks little Eagle Creek and the other trail connects to Eagle Crest.”
“Terrain on the interior trail is moderate, lots of hills and tree roots, making the hike interesting.”
“note that you’ll likely have to walk single-file for a bit on the boardwalk.”
Plan your run at Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Phone(317) 327-7110
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 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.
Eagle Creek Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6,203 reviews
Huge park with marina & beach, hiking & biking trails, wildlife-discovery centers, zip lines & more.
Zionsville Rail Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
Starkey Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 282 reviews
Natural area offering kid-friendly hiking trails that run along a creek.
Creekside Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
This 18-acre area of dense forest offers a paved path that runs along Eagle Creek & a parking lot.