Allen: Discover Parks and Trails

When planning a stay in Allen, you can choose among nature preserves, varied landscapes and trails, and activities on the water. The county parks Fox Island, Metea, Payton, and Cook’s Landing each offer a different focus.

Nature preserves and size comparisons

Fox Island County Park is in southwestern Allen County and covers 605 acres. Within the park, a 270-acre State Nature Preserve protects unique plants, animals, and geographic features. Seven miles of marked trails run through the preserve.

Metea County Park is in central northern Allen County, near Leo-Cedarville, and covers 250 acres. It includes the 120-acre Meno-aki State Nature Preserve. Comparing the two parks, Fox Island is larger in area; its preserve also covers more land than the Meno-aki Preserve. Fox Island is in southwestern Allen County, while Metea is in the central north.

Forests, fields, and wetlands

At Metea County Park, Cedar Creek separates the northern and southern parts of the park. It is also a state-designated scenic river. Payton County Park features different landscapes: it combines open fields, wooded areas, and wetlands in northern Allen County. Several miles of trails pass through former fields, forest, and wetland areas. Payton thus differs from the two parks with designated nature preserves in both its landscape and the character of the areas its trails cross.

Trails and activities on Cedar Creek

Cedar Creek also defines Cook’s Landing County Park: the park is on the river and provides access to Cedar Creek for fishing and canoeing. The parks therefore offer two different ways to experience the same waterway. At Metea County Park, the creek separates two parts of the park and carries a state designation; at Cook’s Landing, the focus is on fishing and canoeing on the river.

For longer routes, the Pufferbelly Trail offers a route of its own. It is part of the 81-mile Poka-Bache Connector and runs from the DeKalb County line to Lawton Park, where it meets the Rivergreenway.

Important restrictions on use

Not all trails and natural areas are intended for the same activities. The Allen County Equestrian Course trails are for horseback riders only; hiking and cycling are prohibited. Deer Run Wilderness Area is reserved for programs and is not open to the general public. Keep these differences in mind when choosing trails or natural areas for your stay.

The county parks offer a variety of ways to explore the area.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Fort Wayne, Roanoke, Elkhart, Spencer County, Steuben County, Scott, Tippecanoe, Dubois County.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.