Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
70.00 ft (21.34 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
1.00 mi (1.61 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Flat Fork Creek Nature Trail follows a short mile-long course through Flat Fork Creek Park just outside of Indianapolis. Despite its length, it showcases the plains ecosystem that characterizes much of Indiana: Flat Fork Creek, which cuts through the park, a small pond brimming with aquatic, fowl, and insect life, and scenic and interesting grasses. Along the Flat Fork Creek Nature Trail, a 60-foot sled hill offers a fantastic view of the park, ideal for sledding adventures during the winter.

The Nature Trail is accessible from the west side of the parking area, and it tends to be overlooked in favor of the Loop Walk or the mountain biking trails to the east. Nevertheless, the Nature Trail should not be dismissed out of hand, as it offers wonderful prairie hiking and access to the pond. If there’s snow, don’t forget to bring a toboggan! The views atop the hill are excellent, offering family-friendly fun for everyone.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Family friendly. Sled hill. Pond.

Cons

Short.

Trailhead Elevation

861.00 ft (262.43 m)

Highest point

922.00 ft (281.03 m)

Features

Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Potable water
Near lake or river
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.