Turkey Run State Park in Indiana offers a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a family with young children, this comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit and discover the park’s scenic trails, historic sites, and unique features.
Park Maps and Trail Information
- Turkey Run State Park Maps: Visitors can download various park maps, including the Turkey Run State Park Brochure with a park map and information, before arriving at the park.
- Hiking Trails: The park has over 14 miles of trails, ranging from easy to very rugged. Trails are open from dawn to dusk, and all hikers must be off the trails before dusk.
Trail Descriptions and Difficulty Levels
Turkey Run State Park offers a variety of hiking trails, each with its own unique features and difficulty levels:
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 1 | Moderate to Rugged | 3 miles | Narrows Covered Bridge, Sycamores, Black Walnut Trees |
| Trail 2 | Rugged | 1 mile | Box Canyon, Gypsy Gulch |
| Trail 3 | Very Rugged | 1.7 miles | Bear Hollow, Rocky Hollow, Ladders |
| Trail 4 | Moderate to Rugged | 2 miles | Coal Mine, Sugar Creek, Narrows Covered Bridge, Lusk Home |
| Trail 6 | Moderate | 0.7 miles | Virgin Wood, Hemlock Trees, Hilltop Views |
| Trail 7 | Moderate | 0.5 miles | Turkey Hollow |
| Trail 11 | Easy | – | Family-Friendly |
Accessible Trails for Families with Small Children
If you’re visiting the park with young children, Trail 11 is an easy and accessible option that provides a more family-friendly hiking experience.
Suspension Bridge and Nature Center
- Suspension Bridge: A 70-step bridge over Sugar Creek that leads to the Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve. Be cautious as the bridge can be slippery during high water.
- Nature Center: Open all year, offering hands-on activities, live animals, bird viewing, nature library, planetarium, trail information, and naturalist services.
Scenic Trails and Unique Features
For the most scenic and unique highlights of the park, consider the Turkey Run Trail 3 to 5 to 9 Loop, a strenuous 4.7-mile loop that combines Trails 3, 5, and 9. This loop takes you through the stunning Bear Hollow gorge and Boulder Canyon.
The park also features historic sites, such as the Narrows Covered Bridge, the Lusk Home, and the Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin.
Camping and Other Activities
- Camping: The park offers camping facilities, including family cabins and a campground.
- Interpretive Naturalist Service: Available all year, offering special hikes, planetarium star shows, workshops, park patch programs, live animal talks, campfire programs, and history talks.
- Swimming: An Olympic-size pool with a wading pool and pool house, open approximately from Memorial Day to early August.
Fees and Contact Information
- Entrance Fee: $7.00 for in-state visitors and $9.00 for out-of-state visitors.
- Contact Information: For reservations, call 1-877-LODGES1 (1-877-563-4371) or visit IndianaInns.com. For park information, call 765-597-2635 or visit on.IN.gov/turkeyrunsp.
References
- https://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/turkey-run-state-park-maps/
- https://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/turkey-run-state-park-trails/
- https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/turkey_run_trail.pdf
- https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/indiana/turkey-run-state-park
- https://www.coveredbridges.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-turkey-run-camping-and-hiking-trails.