Secretly tucked within the grounds of DePauw University in Greencastle is the DePauw Nature Park, a 520-acre wonderland for anyone with a love of the outdoors. With eight and a half miles of awesome hiking trails, it’s not difficult to simply get lost here in the best of ways. It’s calming for the soul to wander through the woods, into ravines, and along shorelines, and lucky for us, DePauw Nature Park has plenty of all of this. Embark upon the delightful DePauw Creekside Trail, an amalgamation of all the best trails in the whole park. If you’re like me, you’ll always be on the lookout for the best hikes in Indiana – and this one might just turn into a favorite.

It's pretty tough to understate the beauty of this particular trail.
Kate Gregg/AllTrails
You'll find yourself fully immersed in a beautiful paradise you didn't think you could find in Indiana, complete with water, cliffs, trees, and all sorts of other flora and fauna that are sure to charm and intrigue.
The DePauw Creekside Trail is actually a mash-up of a few of the shorter trails in the park.
Eric Thomas/AllTrails
Personally, I love mixing it up and combining trails to see what happens for the ultimate adventure, and this one already does it for us!
With every twist and turn, you'll find new wonders to marvel at.
Don Freeman/AllTrails
The cliffs you'll encounter along the way are amazingly, tall and usually green with life (unless it's winter, in which case it's white with snow... or autumn, then it's yellow and red, but I think you get the idea). Wildlife spotting is a popular pastime here as well.

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The geology of the park is fascinating and not quite like any others in the Hoosier State.
Max Rheuble/AllTrails
Every park, of course, has its pros (and cons), and this one is no different. It does, however, definitely have more pros than cons, which makes for several reasons I love it so much.
Given its spellbinding beauty, it's a fairly popular place for hikers and birdwatching, though if you show up during the week or early in the morning you could maybe get it to yourself.
Michelle Privratsky/AllTrails
Plus, if you've never done an early morning hike through one of the most peaceful places in Indiana, you absolutely need to - no question!
So sink your toes in the soft sand surrounding the lake and relax a while... you've earned it.
Jaclyn Musselman/AllTrails

For more information about the DePauw Creekside, Rim, and Quarry Trail, be sure to visit our friends at AllTrails. And while you’re here, be sure to explore the rest of the nature park – it’s a delight!

If you find you need more ideas for your next hiking adventure, no worries; check out some of our favorite easy hikes in Indiana.

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DePauw Nature Park, 1400 W County Road 125 S, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA