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Skiles Test Nature Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 392 Google reviews · Running trail in Indianapolis, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Skiles Test Nature Park'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 area with walking and biking trails, plus picnic tables.
What runners say about Skiles Test Nature Park
“This park is very clean and there are places to sit along the path and best of all it's free!”
“This is a beautiful park with nature trails and hiking paths.”
I had driven by several times before I tried to give this place ago. I think it's a great secret for Indianapolis. I will occasionally cross bikers, runners, or other hikers but usually don't see too many people.
It was a small but lovely place for a walk/hike. I would recommend getting off the paved path and exploring the other trails. I gave four stars instead of five because the constant and unrelenting highway noise.
Absolutely beautiful! An unexpected landscape in the middle of Indiana. Great place to walk your dogs, just don't let them off leash.
Perfect for a casual hike. There is some deris along a few of the trails that need to be cleaned but very minor.
Trail conditions & character
“There's a large paved path that goes up and around and ends at a neighborhood, and there are lots of dirt pads off the side that make for some nice trail hiking.”
“You'll see deers very close, last park my dog visited before surgery, he never fully recovered so I'm glad we took him there and enjoyed it.”
“This is a beautiful park with nature trails and hiking paths.”
“There is a huge incline when you first get there so make sure you're cardio is ready to go!”
Plan your run at Skiles Test Nature Park
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
- 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.
- Websitefunfinder.indy.gov
- Phone(317) 327-5588
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 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.
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