Depauw Nature Park: Explore Trails and Stunning Views

Majestic cliffs, tranquil trails, stunning ridge walks, and photo-worthy views at every turn. These surprising central Indiana sights await the traveler to the Depauw Nature Park in Greencastle, Indiana.

Stewardship of the park is maintained by Depauw University. An active limestone quarry was located here from 1917 to 1977. The land was donated to the University in 2003.

The park is open year round, from sunrise to sunset.

Depauw Nature Park view of tiered rocky cliff surrounded by vegetation as seen from the quarry trail
Cliff overlooking Quarry Pond

There are 10.1 miles of trails over 520 acres of stunning beauty.

For more information visit the website: https://www.depauw.edu/about/campus/naturepark/

Safety at Depauw Nature Park

Stay on marked trails at all times.

Always stay behind the fencing on overlooks.

Accessibility

Accessible trails are not available at the park.

Depauw Nature Park Trails

Access the parking area from County Road 200 South. There is a hill to climb to access the trails. You can download a map here: https://www.depauw.edu/files/resources/natureparkguide-5_24_20250502.pdf

Quarry Trails

Two short, easy trails, covering a total of 1.2 miles, surround the old quarry. Get your camera or smartphone out; the views are photo-worthy.

Depauw Nature Park Quarry Pond features a rocky cliff overlooking calm, blue-green water.

Prindle and Woodland Trails

3.3 miles long, these trails are peaceful and easy through the Depauw Nature Park woodland.

Serene trail travels through the woods with tall pines surrounded by greenery
Woodland Trail

Rim Trails

Slightly more challenging, the Rim Trails take you 1.9 miles on top of the cliff rim.

Rocky steps leading to rocky trail bed in a wooded area that covers the rim cliffs of DePauw Nature Park
Ridge Trail

These trails have fantastic views of the park and quarry.

View of a high, rocky, tiered cliff overlooking the Quarry Pond
Flat-topped cliff overlooking Depauw Nature Park
Large multi-colored cliff face

Creekside Trails

These are tranquil, easy trails that traverse the shore of Big Walnut Creek.

Depauw Nature Park Creekside Trail features a flowing creek along wooded shores with lots of greenery.
Creekside Trail view facing north with trees and greenery reflected in the peaceful water.

Creekside Trail views

Other Area Places to Visit

Depauw Nature Park is a must-visit spot in central Indiana.

Once you have completed your hike, be sure to stop by Breadworks in Greencastle to reward yourself with a delicious treat and a cup of coffee.

Another nearby Indiana beauty spot you won’t want to miss is Cataract Falls.

Check out my full post here: https://dirtundermyboots.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2283&action=edit

I hope you have enjoyed this post. Not a lot of words, but the scenery speaks for itself. This was a great place to get some dirt under my boots. See you next time!

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