Hiking at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana

The ability to go hiking is one of my favorite things about warmer weather in Indiana - the seemingly endless greenery, shallow shale-lined creeks and varied wildlife. I grew up visiting Turkey Run State Park, and have never tired of its gorgeous scenery or challenging trails. Turkey Run State Park is easily one of the most popular state parks in Indiana, with some truly amazing hiking trails. Deep ravines and stunning sandstone formations are the highlights of Turkey Run's eleven trails. Whether you prefer an easy wilderness walk or really want to get down and dirty, there is a perfect trail for everyone at Turkey Run.

Trail 1

This trail's difficulty level is moderate to rugged, with a total distance of about 3 miles - the longest individual trail at Turkey Run. Lined with walnut and sycamore trees, this trail will take you to three of Turkey Run's attractions: the Narrows Covered Bridge, Lusk Earth Fill and Goose Rock.

Trail 2

A rugged-level trail, Trail 2 is for the serious hiker who is in moderately good shape. Although this trail is only one mile in length, it takes you through Gypsy Gulch, Box Canyon and to the Lusk Earth Fill. It involves a lot of climbing through ravines and hiking along cliff edges. A lot of fun, but not for the faint-hearted!

Trail 3 (Hardest)

If you're ready for a real challenge, this 1.7-mile very-rugged trail is the most difficult at Turkey Run State Park. You'll climb rocks and ladders along steep cliffs and creeks to reach two of the most popular geological attractions at Turkey Run: the Punch Bowl and the Ice Box.

Trail 4

This 2-mile valley trail provides a taste of the region's history. Although the trail is listed as moderate to rugged, it will take you to the Lusk Home and mill site, built by the first settlers to own the land. This trail also passes an old coal mine known as Wedge Rock and runs a short distance through the Rocky Hollow.

Trail 5

This trail may not seem very daunting, with a moderate difficulty and length of only .7 miles, but it's the best glute workout around. With 140 steps, this .7 miles is a lot of work.

Trail 6

This trail stays fairly close to the cabins and inn at Turkey Run State Park. It's a moderate ½ mile loop trail starting at Turkey Run Inn, running along the park cabins, and ending up back near the inn.

Trail 7

More of a nature trail than a hike, this moderate .7 mile trail runs through some of the most unspoiled woodlands at Turkey Run. There's pathways are easy to follow, with very little climbing.

Trail 8

This trail offers a creekside 1.5 mile hike of moderate difficulty. Although it doesn't show as many of Turkey Run's attractions as some other trails, it does run by Wedge Rock.

Trail 9

This very-rugged trail should be taken with caution, but it's another perfect trail for the challenge-loving hiker. It's only a mile long, but it's an arduous mile: climbing muddy rocks and scaling the boulders of Boulder Canyon is part of the fun.

Trail 10

This is the first trail you'll encounter after crossing Turkey Run State Park's famous suspension bridge. Trail 10 is moderate in both difficulty and length at 1.4 miles. This trail is best for those wanting a scenic view of the overall park.

Trail 11

The only trail at Turkey Run State Park designated as having an "easy" difficulty level, this short ½ mile hike stays above the challenging hollows of Turkey Run. It's good for sightseeing, as it runs across the Old Highway Bridge, Lieber Memorial and Log Church.

Whether you choose one trail or combine several for a full day of fun, Turkey Run State Park is one of the best locales in Indiana for hiking.