11 Indiana Trails for Ecotherapy
God & Nature
Why is it so valuable to spend time outdoors? Nature can have a great impact on our wellbeing. When you walk, run or bike outside, health benefits such as lowered blood pressure and improved sleep occur. Emotional transformation can also take place. Nature therapy reduces anger, stress and triggers positive emotions.
During the pandemic, nature is a great place to connect spiritually with God. If you’re alone or walking with loved ones, take some time to appreciate God’s beautiful creations.
Best Places for Nature Therapy in the Indianapolis Area
Eagle Creek Park
The sixth largest municipal park in the nation. The park has several different paths from quick walks to a more intense hike. Eagle Creek Park’s trails are open for pedestrians and cyclists.
Currently, parking on eagle creek park grounds is unavailable.
Marott Park
This park features 99.2 acres of natural beauty with a shelter and unpaved trail. Take a walk, go bird watching, or just enjoy being outdoors. Indy Parks' Natural Resource Areas are purposely kept in their original wild state for a true nature experience in an urban environment.
Coxhall Gardens
This 125-acre park is a great place to walk, bike ride, or simply relax by the water with a good book.
There is ample parking and the grounds are well maintained.
Fort Harrison Park
Spring is the season to walk with the woodland wildflowers in full bloom across the park. Located on the North-East side of Indianapolis, the 1,700-acre park features walking and jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access to Fall Creek and two national historic districts.
Southwestway Park
Southwestway Park Loop is a 2.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Indianapolis, Indiana. It features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activities.
Pennsy Trail
The Pennsy Trail is a 5.6 mile linear trail that is asphalt paved and intended for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. Historical Markers are located along the trail.
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is a 1.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Fishers, Indiana that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. While exploring the nature trails, visitors can enjoy one of the best spots in the city for bird watching and wildlife sightings, or meander down the Creek Ridge trail for a glimpse of Cheeney Creek located at the north end of the property. Bicycles are prohibited within the park.
Vandalia Trail
Vandalia Trail is a 8.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Plainfield, Indiana and is good for all skill levels. The trail surface is now smooth asphalt, perfect for bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy.
Town Run Trail Park
Town Run Trail is a 127-acre natural resource park that is a haven for mountain bikers. With approximately seven miles of packed dirt trails, there are plenty of hills that prove difficult for walkers, but perfect for mountain bikers.
Beginner and intermediate level trails are available. Town Run is one of two public sites for off-road mountain bike trail riding in the metropolitan area. Town Run also supports a varied amount of non-mountain biking groups including trail running, hiking, fishing, kayaking/canoeing, and other nature-observing activities.
Brown County
Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines.
Pogue’s Run
The Pogues Run Trail is 2.3 miles long and stretches from S. Rural St. to Brookside Park. Major access is at Brookside Park or Spades Park. You can enjoy walking, bicycling and cross-country skiing.
