DePauw University Nature Park Entrance Marker

DePauw Nature Park Trail Guide


CONNECTOR TRAILS:
The long (1.45 miles) connector trails take visitors from the athletic fields on the west side of DePauw's main campus to the entrance to the Nature Park. These trails are relatively level.


CREEKSIDE TRAIL:
This 1.5-mile trail is level for most of its length, which runs along the floodplain next to Big Walnut Creek. Spring wildflowers are often seen along this trail. Mosquitoes may be common at times.


QUARRY TRAIL:
This level 0.92-mile trail takes visitors to the south side of the quarry pond and through the floor of the former quarry. Look for fossils in the exposed rocks at the south end of this trail.


RIM TRAIL:
Traversing the entire circumference of the quarry, this 2.13-mile trail offers spectacular views of the quarry and surrounding areas from several overlooks. Visitors should stay clear of the rim's edge because the rock near the edge is unstable


WOODLAND TRAILS:
The woodland trails are steep and total 2.92 miles. These trails take the visitors through mid-successional deciduous forest, much of which is growing on deposits from the quarrying operation.


RAIL TRAIL:
The 0.92-mile rail trail follows the old rail line used to transport aggregate from the quarry. The trail runs parallel to and above the creekside trail, which it meets at its southwestern terminus.

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