Mccormicks Creek State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
McCormick's Creek State Park is the oldest state park in Indiana and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors.
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Summary
The park is known for its beautiful canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the top reasons to visit McCormick's Creek State Park is to hike its numerous trails. The park has over 10 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. The trails offer scenic views of the canyons and waterfalls as well as opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Another popular activity at McCormick's Creek State Park is camping. The park has over 200 campsites, including sites for RVs and tents. There are also cabins available for rent that offer a more comfortable camping experience.
One of the top points of interest to see in the park is the Wolf Cave Nature Preserve. This preserve offers a unique opportunity to explore a cave system and see the underground stream that flows through it. There are also several lookout points throughout the park that offer stunning views of the canyons and waterfalls.
Interesting facts about McCormick's Creek State Park include that it was established in 1916 and was the first state park in Indiana. The park is also home to a historic covered bridge that was built in 1883 and is the only remaining covered bridge in Owen County.
The best time of year to visit McCormick's Creek State Park is during the fall when the leaves are changing colors. The park also offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including guided hikes, fishing tournaments, and nature programs.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Area 4
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Area 3
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Area 1
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Area 2
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Owen Putnam State Forest
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Horseman's Campground
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