Getting away is not always about the lavish cross seas venture. Sometimes a day trip, or a weekend will do your soul just right. Sometimes something located in your very own backyard, such as state parks, are perfect. Within about an hour and a half of me there is the very beautiful Turkey Run State Park. Turkey Run has several things to offer such as hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, camping, picnic sites, a swimming pool, and many historic sites, as well as a nature center, all a a beautiful setting.
What Makes Turkey Run State Park Special?
Turkey Run State Park is located in west central Indiana, spread between two natural areas, the Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve which is on the north of Sugar Creek, and the Falls Canyon Nature Preserve, which lies on the south of Sugar Creek. The uplands and terraces are covered in two different types of old growth forest. Throughout there are canyons formed of Mansfield sandstone. It is not what you would expect in central Indiana! A portion of the Rocky Falls Nature Preserve is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
The landscape of the area was shaped by 300 to 600 million years of natural events. The swampy environment of the Carboniferous Period resulted in the formation of the sandstone, and large deposits of coal. (Early pioneers valued this area for their coal mining, rather than the recreational reasons it is valued for today.) Later, glacial melt and erratics swept through forming the gorges, canyons and ravines. Both seams of coal and erratics can still be found along the trails.
There are about 15 miles of trails through Turkey Run State Park, composed of 11 distinct trails. They range from a simple hike through the woods, classified as easy, to deep ravines with waterfalls labeled as rugged. Beautiful scenery goes along with all of them. Whatever your skill level may be, there is a trail in the park for you to hike!
Wear things that you won’t mind getting dirty or possibly wet.
Dress comfortably, as if for a workout, because believe me you will get one.
Also always bring a backpack with things such as first aid and water bottles or any other essentials you and your family may need, such as sunscreen, snacks, etc.
Always put things such as cell phones or keys in a plastic baggy inside the backpack to protect from water.
Pack a cooler for the car, this will save you money, and prepare you to be there the entire day.
Stay on the marked trails, these trails are marked for your safety.
If you want more in depth information on preparing for your first hike, see our article on Expert Hiking for beginners.
Hiking My Favorite Trail at Turkey Run
The trails at Turkey Run all have simple numeric names, from 1 to 11. My personal favorite is trail 3, in particular. It is classified as extremely rugged, full of ladders to climb, waterfalls to hike up, and deep gorges to explore. I really enjoy the challenge!
Trail 3 is full of beautiful scenery and wildlife, which I love. We always find interesting plants and flora, and meet a few animal friends along the way.
But remember, there is a lot more to do at Turkey Run State Park than just hike. We love to spend time exploring the ravines and climbing the rocks. If you prefer calmer activities, you might enjoy some of the other things to do at Turkey Run State Park.
Of course, if you like a bit of adrenaline pumping through your body, when you are done climbing at Turkey Run, you may want more Indiana adventure. Head about 45 minutes east, to the Hamilton County Ropes Course. You will love it!
Entrance price to Turkey Run State Park is $7.00 for Indiana residents, and $9.00 for non-residents.
Kirsten Kern going into the gorge.
The beauty of day trips such as Turkey Run and the surrounding communities is that you can scratch the itch of travel without breaking the bank. It cost you little more than the gas money to get there. Small trips are a great way to recharge your mind, body, and soul.
Hello Kirby, None of the waterfalls are “right there” so to speak. They all require going some distance on one of the trails. However, the route out to them and back can usually be completed in a little less than 2 hours. The entire trail is beautiful along the way, but a bit of a challenge, so not for young children or those with mobility concerns. There is a lovely sunset viewing location that is accessible by about a half-mile walk on an all paved trail too. I hope you get to visit, and enjoy it!
Thanks for sharing this post. When alternatively you want a backpack to go on a weekend climbing journey, you Will want the area to hold all the mandatory objects alongside. In case your outside actions carry you near water like kayaking or rafting,
How easy is acess to the waterfalls
Hello Kirby, None of the waterfalls are “right there” so to speak. They all require going some distance on one of the trails. However, the route out to them and back can usually be completed in a little less than 2 hours. The entire trail is beautiful along the way, but a bit of a challenge, so not for young children or those with mobility concerns. There is a lovely sunset viewing location that is accessible by about a half-mile walk on an all paved trail too. I hope you get to visit, and enjoy it!
Thanks for sharing this post. When alternatively you want a backpack to go on a weekend climbing journey, you Will want the area to hold all the mandatory objects alongside. In case your outside actions carry you near water like kayaking or rafting,
Point well made