Eagles Crest Nature Preserve

As of this review there is construction going on and you can’t get to the trailhead. It would be nice to have seen that on the website prior to the drive out there. I will update when I am actually able to hike here.

This is a great hidden gem. Parking is very limited (atleast during tge off season, I imagine they unlock the gates when weather warms up to allow for more oarking space). It is part of eagle Creek park but there is no fee required for entry. The main loop overlooks the river. There is even a cool cinder block structure hidden in the woods. It appears to be a youngster hangout. This part of Eagle Creek is much less populated with visitors than the part east of the resevoir. I consider it a must hike for the hiking enthusiast.

There is a well built official trail that is extremely well marked that offers nice views overlooking the reservoir towards Starling Nature Sanctuary and even provides a path out to the reservoir at about the halfway point. Additionally, these trails provide access to countless additional unmarked trails winding all the way through the west side of the park to the Great Bear statue off of 56th street. The only negative is that it seems hit or miss whether the gate is open; there is a small parking lot outside the gate, but it makes the walk to the official trails almost as long as the hike itself.

I've been walking in these woods since 1978 and I've enjoyed every walk.
And now to make it even better they are putting in a whole new set of trails! This is a great place to go for some quiet time on a trail in the woods.

Great place to hike in Indianapolis! There are a seemingly endless amount of interconnected trails between Wilson Road and 56th Street.

The south entrance and parking lot on 56th Street has a large, metal bear monument and is a popular place for fishermen. Unfortunately there is a lot trash everywhere throughout the woods, in the parking lot, and in the water left by people who have no respect for nature.

The north entrance at Scott Starling Nature Preserve on the other hand is more secluded and has way less litter. There is also less parking, but it is split between two trailheads.

This was a peaceful hike. There were guide posts along the way that were easy to follow.

It is a very beautiful park! Had great trails, beautiful scenery, and most of all an amazing place to bring the family