Muscatatuck Park.
Terrain: Wooded
Activity: Walk, Hike, Bike and Run
Distance: 1.0 mile Paved Road | 10 mile Wooded
Address: 325 N. State Hwy. 3, North Vernon, IN
One of our absolute favorite places to get a good sweat in or to simply take a leisurely stroll in nature. This park boasts up to 10 miles of trails for runners, walkers, and bikers. Most trails are wooded, some that run alongside the river, that provide plenty of entry and exit points once you start. All trails are marked with available maps. During the summer months, this place is hopping with locals. However, it never feels overcrowded due to the extreme amount of green space. There are two restroom facilities at this location and a water bottle refill station at the paved trail location. Located in the heart of downtown North Vernon, this park is an unexpected surprise for the exercise enthusiast.
Muscatatuck Trail.
Terrain: Paved, Asphalt
Activity: Walk, Bike and Run
Distance: 1.0 mile Paved
Address: 325 N. State Hwy. 3, North Vernon, IN
Next to the west entrance of the park is a one-mile paved trail that starts at the county park and ends in the downtown area. This trail is open and partly to full fun pending the time of day. It is flat so it makes a great path for beginners or for those easy run/walk days. Also moms this one is great for strollers. This trail features a filtered water bottle refill and pet drinking station at the trail head parking area. Trail is marked with available map. There is bench seating along the path as well.
Tripton Park.
Terrain: Paved. Asphalt
Activity: Walk, Bike and Run
Distance: +2 miles
Address: 502 South Madison Avenue, North Vernon, IN
Website: https://www.facebook.com/tripton.park.
This park is the newest member of our trail family, completed in 2020. Tripton Park has 2.3 miles of non-motorized paved waking, running, and biking trails. These trails won’t disappoint as they provide some of the best views of the park. The terrain is moderately hilly but does have some flat areas. Great for beginners to the more advanced. There are restroom facilities, located on the southside of the welcome center found at the main entrance to the park, heated and cleaned daily. This is a park you will want to add to your outdoor exercise routine. An insider tip, if you hit this park in the morning you will get to experience the most stunning sunrise views of the entire county.
Cali Nature Preserve.
Terrain: Wooded
Activity: Walk
Distance: +2.0 mile
Address: 1200 North Private Road 40 East, North Vernon, IN
One of the more naturally authentic trails around. The two-mile outer loop trail is great for walkers and nature enthusiast. If visited during the spring, you might even spot a beautiful waterfall nearby. This preserve is mostly level with a few hills and lots of maintained wooden bridges over dry creeks. It is well maintained, has safe parking and wonderful views of the Muscatatuck River. Visitors have raved this about the preserve with expressions of, “This is a great find” and “A hidden gem.” You’ll want to make this a part of your next leisure outdoor experience.
Selmier State Forestry.
Terrain: Wooded, Gravel
Activity: Hike, Walk and Run
Distance: +2 miles
Address: 2900 N 90 E, North Vernon, IN 47265
Website: https://www.stateparks.com/selmier_state_forest_in_indiana.html
Hike or walking on several short trails or self-guided trails to enjoy nature is the best feature of this area. There is a gravel road that runs through area that is right at a mile that would be great for light running. This is a forestry, so paths are not high traffic and are surrounded by trees. It is recommended that walks wear bright clothing during hunting season.