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Shadyside Lake Activity Center

4.5 ★★★★★ 110 Google reviews · Running trail in Anderson, Indiana · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
65 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Shadyside Lake Activity Center'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.

Paved65 miShadedLit at nightScenicRestroomsQuiet

Park featuring a lake (which permits fishing), playgrounds, trails and shade.

What runners say about Shadyside Lake Activity Center

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (110 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“It's a beautiful place but unfortunately there's a lot of shady characters that hang around at times.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Its lush, green landscapes and winding trails create a serene and inviting atmosphere.”

Shadyside Park: A Verdant Oasis in Anderson Shadyside Park is a true gem in the heart of Anderson. Its lush, green landscapes and winding trails create a serene and inviting atmosphere. The park's commitment to maintaining its verdant beauty is evident in the well-manicured lawns and vibrant foliage.

★★★★★ — Travis , Oct 2024

I'm visiting from LA and on a morning run came across this place. It was very peaceful - I'm sure they have great activities in the summer. I saw turtles in the water and met some very friendly squirrels.

★★★★★ — Laurel , Apr 2019

Great place to walk the pups. See some wildlife and get some enjoyable exercise, with pretty scenery. ♡♡

★★★★☆ — Laura , Aug 2020

It was better when I was young and you could swim there but it's still great because there's all kinds of paved Trails you can walk your dog on or ride bicycles roller skate however you want to get around there's miles of them lakes and streams on the other side of the river which there is a bridge you can walk on…

★★★★★ — R , Sep 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 110 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“It's a beautiful place but unfortunately there's a lot of shady characters that hang around at times.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“Paved bike/foot trail that takes you to scenic areas around the area.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“The paths wind through the park's wooded areas, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Its lush, green landscapes and winding trails create a serene and inviting atmosphere.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

“65 mile trail - it was a bit hillier than expected!”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

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💡 Lit for night running

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Plan your run at Shadyside Lake Activity Center

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • Distance65 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • Websitecityofanderson.com
  • Phone+1 765-648-6858

Hours

Monday 6 am–11 pm
Tuesday 6 am–11 pm
Wednesday 6 am–11 pm
Thursday 6 am–11 pm
Friday 6 am–11 pm
Saturday 6 am–11 pm
Sunday 6 am–11 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Shadyside Lake Activity Center

829 Alexandria Pike, Anderson, IN 46012

Get directions

Running trails near Anderson

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Shadyside Park And Playplace

4.2 ★★★★☆ 173 reviews

Anderson, IN

ShadedScenic

Outdoor space featuring picnic areas, playgrounds, a lake and a veteran's memorial.

under a mile away

Shadyside Bait House

4.4 ★★★★☆ 315 reviews

Anderson, IN

Scenic

Park with a playground, picnic areas, and restrooms, plus a lake for kayaking.

under a mile away

Shadyside Memorial Park Terraced Gardens

4.4 ★★★★☆ 688 reviews

Anderson, IN

Scenic

under a mile away

Killbuck Wetlands

4.4 ★★★★☆ 170 reviews

Anderson, IN

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Fishing and walking are among the activities available at this dog-friendly park.

under a mile away

Alex Pike Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 43 reviews

Anderson, IN

LoopScenic

under a mile away

White River Trailhead: 8th and Raible

4.2 ★★★★☆ 57 reviews

Anderson, IN

2.2 miles away

All running trails in Anderson, IN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.