The Quarry Trail offers an invigorating hike through DePauw Nature Park’s reclaimed landscape, where former industrial grit has softened into rugged beauty. Spanning roughly 2.8 miles with an elevation gain near 300 feet, this trail carves through stretches of mature hardwood forest, open rock faces, and the quiet remnants of quarrying operations. As you move along the path, the land speaks—rock outcroppings daring you to trace their jagged edges, while the trees shift overhead like watchful sentinels. The trail’s terrain varies from packed dirt to loose gravel, demanding sturdy footwear but rewarding each step with fresh perspectives.

Start early to catch the cool morning air and dappled light threading through the canopy—perfect for steady pacing and absorbing the trail’s evolving moods. Midway, you’ll find vantage points overlooking the valley below, where the river below pushes forward, carving life through the land’s veins. No steep ascents here, but the steady climb tests endurance just enough to awaken the senses.

Plan ahead: bring at least 1 liter of water, as natural sources are scarce along the path, and a lightweight backpack to carry essentials. Footwear with solid grip is critical for the gravelly sections, especially after rain when the trail flexes into slickness. As the day progresses, the sun can press more heavily on exposed rock faces, so hats and sunscreen aid your comfort.

The Quarry Trail is a lesson in patience with nature reclaiming what industry once shaped. Its paths are practical passages through a landscape fiercely itself, inviting hikers to respond with respect and presence. Whether you’re a casual day walker or someone logging miles, this trail balances engagement with ease. It’s a straightforward adventure with enough character and challenge to remind you that the earth demands your attention and offers its own stories in return.