TOP 10 Hiking in state parks in Carmel, Indiana

Cool Creek Park Nature Center is a popular destination in Carmel, Indiana, offering a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. With 90 acres of beautiful parkland, visitors can explore 4 miles of wooded trails, perfect for hiking, jogging, and bird watching. Scenic paved roads are also available for cycling and rollerblading. In addition to the trails, the park features playgrounds, soccer fields, and a basketball court for more active pursuits. Nature lovers can appreciate the wetlands, prairies, and benches along the trails, all installed by Eagle Scouts. The Cool Creek Nature Center is a hub for learning about Indiana woodlands and the importance of preserving natural habitats, open daily for exploration.

Carey Grove Park, located at 14001 Carey Road in Carmel, Indiana, is a cherished neighborhood park that has recently undergone a complete transformation. This 5-acre park features a playground, year-round bathrooms, outdoor exercise equipment, resurfaced trails, a half-basketball court, and both a community and rentable shelter. The playground, designed for children ages 2-12, offers a unique musical experience with interactive features. Parents can also enjoy the outdoor workout equipment while keeping an eye on their children playing. For a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are encouraged to follow park rules and report any concerns to the appropriate authorities. Explore and play at Carey Grove Park, a modern and innovative outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy.

Lenape Trace Park, located at 9602 Westfield Boulevard in Carmel, Indiana, is a charming 3-acre park that was developed in 2001-2002. Situated at the corner of 96th Street and Westfield Blvd, where Carmel and Indianapolis meet, this park offers a peaceful escape for visitors. Despite its smaller size, Lenape Trace Park boasts many of the same features found in larger parks. Visitors can relax under a cozy shelter, enjoy a picnic using the available grill, or take a leisurely stroll along the .75 mile trail that connects to the Monon Greenway.

River Heritage Park is a charming destination nestled along the scenic River Road in Carmel, Indiana. This unique institution offers a delightful blend of food, park, and restaurant experiences, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, take in the breathtaking views of the river, and indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun outing with friends and family, River Heritage Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem in the heart of Carmel.

Founders Park is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located at 11675 Hazel Dell Parkway in Carmel, Indiana, United States. This charming park pays homage to the founders of the city and offers visitors a peaceful and scenic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush greenery, walking paths, and tranquil atmosphere, Founders Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply take in the beauty of the surroundings, Founders Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Central Park is a sprawling 159-acre hub for recreation and exploration located at 1235 Central Park Drive East in Carmel, Indiana, United States. This institution offers a variety of amenities, including the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark, providing endless opportunities for fitness and fun for the community. With over 6 miles of trails winding through native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, Central Park is the perfect place to connect with nature. The park also features Westermeier Commons, a playground with inclusive design principles, a splash pad, picnic shelters, and more. Additionally, the East Woods section of the park offers over 3 miles of trails through various ecosystems and Carmel Creek, making it a great spot for wildlife spotting. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or an active adventure, Central Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Flowing Well Park, located at 5100 East 116th Street in Carmel, Indiana, offers visitors a serene natural oasis spread across 15 acres. As the first public park opened by CCPR in 1994, Flowing Well Park has become a popular tourist attraction known for its national park-like ambiance. Visitors come from near and far to fill up their water jugs at the famous “Old Faithful” artesian well, discovered in the 1800s. The park features a mile-long trail that winds through the woods and alongside the creek, with interpretive signage providing educational information about the surrounding natural environment. Cool Creek offers opportunities for fishing and creek stomping, making it a great spot for families to enjoy the outdoors.

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation - Parks & Natural Resources Office is a park institution located at 1427 East 116th Street in Carmel, Indiana, United States. They manage and maintain over 700 park acres throughout Carmel, including 20 parks and greenways. In partnership with the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF), they are the first park system in Indiana to be certified as wildlife and habitat-friendly. The parks offer a variety of amenities such as playgrounds, splash pads, park shelters, restrooms, and greenspace, providing fun for everyone whether you enjoy hiking, biking, walking, playing, or running. They also have a lost and found for any belongings left behind in the parks.

Central Park Boardwalk is a vibrant hub for recreation and exploration located in Carmel, Indiana, United States. This 159-acre park is home to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Monon Community Center and The Waterpark, providing endless opportunities for fitness and leisure activities for the community. With over 6 miles of trails that wind through native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, every step in Central Park is a chance to connect with nature. The park also features Westermeier Commons, a playground with a futuristic design and inclusive amenities for children of all abilities. Adjacent to the playground is a splash pad designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, offering relief from the heat in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition to these amenities, Central Park East Woods provides a serene natural escape with over 3 miles of trails that showcase a variety of ecosystems and Carmel Creek. Visitors are encouraged to follow park rules and report any concerns to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Grindstone on the Monon, located at 17470 Wheeler Road in Westfield, Indiana, is a bar, food, and restaurant institution that welcomes guests from all over, whether they walked from Carmel or pedaled from downtown Indianapolis. Situated along the scenic Monon Trail, this establishment is your go-to destination for craft beers, unique wines, and artisanal cocktails. Enjoy great food made with quality ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors dedicated to sustainability. Looking to host a private event? Grindstone on the Monon offers private and semi-private dining options, perfect for business meetings, rehearsal dinners, or parties on the patio. Their private events team will work with you to create a memorable experience. Full buyouts are also available for larger gatherings. Come drink, dine, and relax at Grindstone on the Monon.

Westermeier Commons Playground & Splashpad is a unique and inclusive institution located at 920 Central Park Drive West, Carmel, Indiana, United States. Situated within the expansive Central Park, this institution offers a futuristic playground design with over 25 thousand square feet of play space. The playground incorporates universal design principles, allowing children of all abilities to play together. Adjacent to the playground is a splash pad with environmentally friendly water features that mimic nature. In addition to the playground and splash pad, Westermeier Commons also offers picnic shelters, restrooms, outdoor classroom space, an open meadow, a lagoon, and a boardwalk. The park itself features over 6 miles of trails that wind through native prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, providing ample opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.