Delaware Lake – Lawrence Creek Nature Preserve loop from Fort Harrison State Park

The Delaware Lake – Lawrence Creek Nature Preserve loop from Fort Harrison State Park offers a surprisingly varied mountain biking experience, especially for an "easy" 11.0-mile (17.7 km) route with 403 feet (123 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 18 minutes. This loop is a great choice if you're looking for accessible mountain biking trails that still offer some technical interest within Fort Harrison State Park.

What to expect on Delaware Lake – Lawrence Creek Nature Preserve loop from Fort Harrison State Park

This route winds through upland woods and ravines, providing a dynamic ride that blends flowy singletrack with more technical sections. You'll encounter roots, log crossings, and even some rock gardens, particularly in the Lawrence Creek Nature Preserve portion. While the overall loop is rated easy, be prepared for some sharp bermed switchbacks and significant descents, like a notable 67-foot drop within 0.37 miles. The scenery shifts from dense woodlands to wetlands and prairie grasses, making it particularly beautiful for viewing fall foliage or spring wildflowers in the wetter northern sections near Snake Creek.

Planning your visit

Before you head out, be aware that mountain bike trails within Indiana State Parks rated above "beginner" require an off-road cycling permit from the DNR. This is a multi-use trail, so you'll be sharing it with hikers and are expected to yield to pedestrians. The loops are generally ridden in a counter-clockwise direction. It's also wise to check Fort Harrison State Park mountain biking trail conditions, especially since the north-facing slope near Snake Creek can remain quite wet, even during summer.

Trail details

• Distance: 11.0 miles (17.7 km)
• Elevation gain: 403 feet (123 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 18 minutes