Home › Indiana › Columbus › Touch the Earth Natural Area
Touch the Earth Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbus, Indiana · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Touch the Earth Natural Area'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 with trails that wind through meadows, scrubland, and forest, and are open to dogs.
What runners say about Touch the Earth Natural Area
“Beautiful spot with great trails, i went 2 days after a heavy rain and prime tick season so fully expecting mud and ticks which I got plenty of both.”
“I’ve been here a few times, it’s an easy trail but if there has been any amount of rain; there will be slippery areas due to the soil structure.”
This is one of my favorite trails! I work with special need children and it is accessible to those who have difficulty walking but there are alot of slopes and ridges. It a fun trail that continuously connects but it is not wheelchair accessible.
Nice trail right outside of Columbus! Trails are well maintained. It was December when I visited, but am sure during the spring the wildflowers are beautiful. Got some great views of birds all along the trails.
Was looking to take a break from 6 hours of driving and found this little hiking trail. It’s a gem. It’s about 3 miles off I65. We hiked about 2 miles on one of the loops. We were there on a sunny day so it was dry, but still pretty damp on the ground.
This is a beautiful and usually uncrowded nature preserve with several nice loop trails! A few notes, though: The parking area only holds 4-5 vehicles. Ticks are INSANE here during the warmer months. The last time I visited, I actually found four INSIDE my shoe when I got home.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful spot with great trails, i went 2 days after a heavy rain and prime tick season so fully expecting mud and ticks which I got plenty of both.”
“Saw a big black dog walking around the woods with no owner today.”
“A bit muddy after a good rain but otherwise a nice walk.”
“I work with special need children and it is accessible to those who have difficulty walking but there are alot of slopes and ridges.”
“A few notes, though: The parking area only holds 4-5 vehicles.”
Plan your run at Touch the Earth Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — 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.
- Websitesycamorelandtrust.org
- Phone+1 812-336-5382
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Columbus
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Harrison Ridge Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Public park with a playground, tennis and basketball courts, and Tipton Lakes.
Mill Race Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,181 reviews
Developed 32-acre city park features paved people trails, a covered bridge & an observation tower.
Columbus People Trail Noblitt Park Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
Noblitt Park
4 ★★★★☆ 209 reviews
Open area featuring baseball fields, wooded walking paths and fishing spots.