Home › Indiana › Greenfield › Thornwood Nature Preserve
Thornwood Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Running trail in Greenfield, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Thornwood Nature Preserve'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.
Peaceful natural area offering trails for hikers of all levels, picnic facilities, and a suspension bridge.
What runners say about Thornwood Nature Preserve
“It is a primitive campground and a good, but well maintained walk from the parking area.”
“It is a beautiful place to just get into nature!”
“After a good snow it is so dead quiet and peaceful in the preserve.”
Small, but very enjoyable, nature area. Lots of the trails were covered in water from a storm, but there were still plenty of higher trails to use. We saw lots of birds and a snake. The camping area is small, but looks like it could be a lot of fun for a weekend. We’ll be back!
It is a beautiful place to just get into nature! There are multiple trails for different experience levels and neat spots where you can learn about the trees and many other things. There are also quite a few benches throughout. It's definitely my new favorite place to go for hikes!
A real gem!!! Just 30 minutes east of Indianapolis. There's so much to do here, hiking,camping( only when park staff are present), creek stomping, bird watching, nature programs ,interpretive programs abundance of wildlife, vernal pool and an amazing biodiversity!!! No paved trails, and trails are moderate to hard.
After a good snow it is so dead quiet and peaceful in the preserve. It made for a very serene walk through the property.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice place to walk in nature, benches to sit on through out the paths, porta potty in parking lot”
“It is a beautiful place to just get into nature!”
“After a good snow it is so dead quiet and peaceful in the preserve.”
“Nice place to walk in nature, benches to sit on through out the paths, porta potty in parking lot”
“No paved trails, and trails are moderate to hard.”
“Muddy today but to be expected with recent rain and snow.”
Plan your run at Thornwood Nature Preserve
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteparksingreenfield.com
- Phone+1 317-477-4340
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 Greenfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
City Of Greenfield Parks & Recreation
4.7 ★★★★★ 158 reviews
Family-friendly park featuring a splash pad and playground for kids, plus trails and a pool.
Depot Street Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
Playful park featuring railroad-themed swings and picnic tables, as well as an amphitheater for live shows.
Flat Fork Creek Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 750 reviews
This 60-acre park features a lake, nature trails, a sledding hill, a mountain-biking course & more.
Bee Camp Creek Trailhead
4.2 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews
Geist Waterfront Park
3.6 ★★★★☆ 170 reviews
Leisure park featuring clean sand beaches and a playground, along with grills and picnic spots.