McCormick's Creek Day Hike + Picnic

Join us for a day hike at McCormick’s Creek State Park, Indiana’s first state park, where you'll explore shaded canyons, flowing creeks, and rugged limestone bluffs. This hike is perfect for intermediate hikers or anyone looking to enjoy a mix of water features and scenic overlooks in a relatively short distance.

We'll plan to hike trails 5, 7, and 10. We'll have picnic lunch between trails. If time permits, we can hike additional trails.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 5+ miles
• Terrain: Forested dirt trails and rocky creek beds
• Special Considerations: steep, long fights of stairs lead down into the canyon
• Bonus Feature: Wolf cave shortcut on Trail 5 (optional, can be bypassed)

What to Bring

• $7 for park entry
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Water shoes / towel if you wish to get your feet wet in the creek
• Headlamp for Wolf Cave
• Day pack
• Water (at least 1L)
• Snacks (in day bag)
• Picnic Lunch (in a cooler)
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Walking stick or hiking poles (optional)
• Clean shoes for the car ride home (leave in the car)

Schedule

ALL TIMES LISTED IN CENTRAL TIME (CDT)

• 8:00 AM: Meet at Lowe's (Oak Grove Rd.)
• 8:05 AM: Depart for McCormick's Creek
• 10:15 AM: Arrive at Trail 7 / Wolf Cave Parking 
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at a picnic area
• 3:00 PM: Return to parking lot
• 5:00 PM: Arrive back at carpool location

Ground Rules

• Leave no trace, pack out all your trash.
• Dogs permitted on 6-ft non-retractable leash.

Cost

• $7 park entry per vehicle

Maps / Information

• Carpool from Lowes (Google Maps)
• Parking at Trailhead (Google Maps)
• Trail Map (Indiana DNR)