Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve - Sycamore Land Trust - Ellettsville, IN
Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve – A Unique Dog-Friendly Nature Experience in Ellettsville, Indiana
Located on N Woodall Rd in Ellettsville, Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve offers pet owners a scenic escape into Indiana wilderness. This nature preserve features pet-friendly hiking trails and a distinctive boardwalk that winds through wetlands, immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of a thriving, diverse ecosystem. It’s a favorite local spot for those looking to explore with their dogs while enjoying beautiful wildlife including eagles, owls, deer, and abundant flora and fungi.
What sets this destination apart is the elevated boardwalk, which provides a safer way to traverse wetland areas (note: metal grates can be uncomfortable for some dogs). While not a traditional dog park, Beanblossom Bottoms is ideal for leashed, well-behaved dogs who love the outdoors and nature hikes. Due to local conditions, visit with caution after heavy rains, and consider parking along the road if flooding is present.
FAQ
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve features a main trail with a raised boardwalk and natural paths through wetland habitats.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the trail and access road can be flooded or muddy after significant rain, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are shaded areas along the trails and boardwalk, provided by natural tree cover.
- Is parking available? Yes, visitors can park along the road, especially if the access road is flooded.
Reviews
Lovely preserve, we went pretty late in the season so most of the flowers were gone but we saw a lot of mushrooms. There is a pathway, part made with raised boards and part made with grates, the grates are not dog friendly.
Lovely preserve, we went pretty late in the season so most of the flowers were gone but we saw a lot of mushrooms. There is a pathway, part made with raised boards and part made with grates, the grates are not dog friendly.
Lovely preserve, we went pretty late in the season so most of the flowers were gone but we saw a lot of mushrooms. There is a pathway, part made with raised boards and part made with grates, the grates are not dog friendly.
Awesome trail and pond. I have also spent many nights here and have heard things that I still can’t explain and could not see them at the time. But there are things in these woods that are not quite what we are used to but they are just trying to survive also. So if we stay out of their way they stay out of ours
Awesome trail and pond. I have also spent many nights here and have heard things that I still can’t explain and could not see them at the time. But there are things in these woods that are not quite what we are used to but they are just trying to survive also. So if we stay out of their way they stay out of ours
Awesome trail and pond. I have also spent many nights here and have heard things that I still can’t explain and could not see them at the time. But there are things in these woods that are not quite what we are used to but they are just trying to survive also. So if we stay out of their way they stay out of ours
We went and the road was flooded (very thankful we parked along the road and walked up instead of trying to go through the water with my sedan) and so was the trail. It looked super awesome though and we’re excited to go on the trail in the future! PSA to not visit right after a bunch of rains.
We went and the road was flooded (very thankful we parked along the road and walked up instead of trying to go through the water with my sedan) and so was the trail. It looked super awesome though and we’re excited to go on the trail in the future! PSA to not visit right after a bunch of rains.
We went and the road was flooded (very thankful we parked along the road and walked up instead of trying to go through the water with my sedan) and so was the trail. It looked super awesome though and we’re excited to go on the trail in the future! PSA to not visit right after a bunch of rains.
it’s small, but one of the nicer nature preserves, huge amount of wildlife diversity from eagles, to owls to deer and all the insects and frogs. eagle is active but kinda far away to get a decent view, pretty easy to spot in the first 1/5th of the boardwalk. The wood portion is not the best if it’s wet, flooded, or Icey, very slippery when wet.