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Events
Property Map (PDF)
Inn
- McCormick's Creek State Park Alerts (3)
- Temporary Closure: The property will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The property will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- PARK OPEN: The park, nature center, Canyon Inn, cabins, most shelters, and some trails for hiking are open and operating. The campground and some park trails remain closed due to the March 31, 2023 tornado damage.See details and read about recovery efforts.
- SADDLE BARN CLOSED: The saddle barn will be closed during the 2024 season for pasture restoration and barn maintenance.
Description
Explore the spectacular limestone canyon, flowing creek, and scenic waterfalls that highlight Indiana’s first state park. Hike trails featuring diverse forest trees, spicebush, and native wildflowers on an accessible trail at the nature center. Experience history as you climb the fire tower, use shelter houses cross the stone arch bridge created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or examine the historic Statehouse Quarry, which furnished limestone used for the Indianapolis Statehouse. Relax in the lobby of Canyon Inn, open to all park visitors, or watch birds from the dining room porch as you enjoy a meal. Catch cultural events such as concerts in the park amphitheater or attend the several special events hosted annually at the park. McCormick’s Creek State Park offers active enjoyment through all seasons of the year. The park, nature center, Canyon Inn, cabins, most shelters, and some trails for hiking are open and operating. The campground and some park trails remain closed due to the March 31, 2023 tornado damage. See details and follow recovery efforts.
During the summer, pool hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.
This property is a stop on the
- Activities
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services
- April - October: Daily 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- November - March: Thursday - Monday 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Picnicking/Shelters
(Shelter reservations) - Hiking trails
- Saddle barn - Closed 2024
- Tennis courts
- Recreation buildings
- Recreation center
- Swimming/pool (policy). Check office for hours.
Camping
Campground is closed indefinitely for tornado recovery.Lodging
Cabins
Make a reservation.More information
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services
- Trails
Note: For trail locations, view the property map under the MAPS tab.
McCormick’s Creek State Park offers a motorized wheelchair and manual all-terrain wheelchair that can be taken on trails and around facilities.
1. MODERATE (0.5 miles)—Trail 1 is a loop trail that begins between family cabins 6 and 14, loops through large native timber in McCormick’s Cove Nature Preserve, and ends at the entrance to the Family Cabin Area.
2. MODERATE (1.0 mile)—Trail 2 begins behind the CCC Recreation Hall, ventures into McCormick’s Cove Nature Preserve, and ends between family cabins 11 and 12. Trail 2 also offers access to the Quarry Loop Trail for observation of the Old State House Quarry.
3. RUGGED (0.8 mile)—Trail 3 is a loop trail that begins across from Canyon Inn and offers access to the falls and canyon before ending at Stoney restroom. There are no bridges crossing the creek. Fluctuating creek levels may make areas of the trail seasonably inaccessible.
4. MODERATE (1.4 miles)—Trail 4 begins behind the Canyon Inn pool and travels toward the Recreation Field, McCormick’s Cove Nature Preserve, and the CCC fire tower. Trail 4 ends on the road near Canyon Inn.
5. MODERATE (2.0 miles)—Trail 5 is a loop trail that begins at the Wolf Cave Parking Area, enters Wolf Cave Nature Preserve, loops through a Beech Maple forest, crosses Litten Branch, and offers access to Wolf Cave before ending near the Wolf Cave parking lot.
6. EASY (0.6 mile)—Trail 6 begins beside Beech Grove Shelter, travels through dense forest, and ends in the Class A campground between campsites 19 and 20.
7. MODERATE (1.8 miles)—Trail 7 is a loop trail that begins across from the Wolf Cave parking lot, and travels along the canyon rim before descending toward the White River. Along the way hikers encounter a boardwalk. Fishing is permitted on the river.
8. ACCESSIBLE (0.7 mile)—Trail 8 is a paved trail that begins in the campground, between campsites 14 and 15, and proceeds through woodlands and the Pine Bluff picnic area, ending at the pool and concession stand.
9. EASY (1.2 miles)—Trail 9 loop trail begins in the Deer Run parking area and loops through hardwood forest, old farm fields and crosses the bridle trail twice before ending in the Deer Run area.
10. MODERATE (0.7 mile)—Trail 10 begins across McCormick’s Creek, from the Old State House Quarry, and proceeds upstream to the Trail 3 stairway that leads out of the canyon.
11. ECHO CANYON TRAIL (0.5 mile)— Most of this half-mile trail follows along the top of McCormick's Creek, looking down into the stunning Echo Canyon. A quarter mile of the trail is ADA accessible with a natural, firm, and stable surface, and gradual slopes. The accessible path leads to two ADA accessible overlooks of the creek and falls. The trailhead and accessible parking are located at the Centennial Shelter. Details about this and other accessible trails.
PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAILS.
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