Home › Indiana › Mitchell › Spring Mill State Park
Spring Mill State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,371 Google reviews · Running trail in Mitchell, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Spring Mill State 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.
Hiking/biking trails, caves, a nature center, campsites & an inn surround a restored 1814 village.
What runners say about Spring Mill State Park
“🚗🏕️The staff were incredibly friendly, and the camp store was well-organized and clean.”
“I recently had the pleasure of camping and exploring this beautiful park for the first time, and I must say it was an absolute blast!”
“One of the most peaceful and prettiest state parks I've ever been to.”
“Pilgrim Village is super charming, quaint and just a family friendly environment with a leather, blacksmith, apothecary, school, etc buildings.”
Spring Mill State Park: A Decent Indiana Day Trip Spring Mill State Park, located near Mitchell, Indiana, offers a unique blend of historical and natural attractions, making it a perfectly decent local destination—but perhaps not a must-visit for out-of-state travelers.
This place is definitely worth visiting again! We came with our camper for a weekend and had an absolute blast with our two young daughters. From hiking, to swimming at the pool, and exploring the caves! Donaldson Cave is accessible by lots of stairs and it’s muddy and slippery which added to all the fun!
One of the most peaceful and prettiest state parks I've ever been to. My family and I hiked along the trails along with my dog. My dog also enjoyed swimming in the water. The only place dogs aren't allowed is pioneer village, which is understandable. The historic buildings are in amazing condition.
This place is very well setup and beautiful scenery. The village is a very interesting place for kids to learn how the old timers did things. The caves are AMAZING. Very easy hikes and friendly people. Restrooms are easy to find and very clean. If you go to the village get some cornmeal.
Trail conditions & character
“I recently had the pleasure of camping and exploring this beautiful park for the first time, and I must say it was an absolute blast!”
“There are 1-3 steps leading up into most of the buildings so the elderly, people in wheelchairs, and children in strollers may not have access to all parts.”
“However, the overall experience falls slightly flat when compared to other regional options.”
“My family and I hiked along the trails along with my dog.”
“One of the most peaceful and prettiest state parks I've ever been to.”
“Donaldson Cave is accessible by lots of stairs and it’s muddy and slippery which added to all the fun!”
Plan your run at Spring Mill State Park
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
- Loop distance10 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- 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.
- Websiteon.in.gov
- Phone(812) 849-3534
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Mitchell
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wilson Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 365 reviews
Neighborhood playcenter with multiple slides, plus a clean shelter house, rental option available for events.
Murray Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Park featuring 3 to 4 baseball fields and a concession stand, along with trails.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest
4.5 ★★★★★ 101 reviews
Peaceful park and trail system featuring old-growth forests, hikes and creeks.
Lothlorien Nature Sanctuary
4.8 ★★★★★ 144 reviews
Wooded retreat with a peaceful vibe, known for drum circles and festivals held on the property.
Hoosier National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,781 reviews
Camping, fishing & more in a natural setting with scenic roads, historic sites & rural communities.