Written by Lisa Viaches
If you’re looking for some adventure this weekend, Turkey Run State Park is a fantastic getaway to enjoy hiking, nature, and breathtaking sights. Located less than an hour and a half away from Indianapolis, Turkey Run State Park would be a great day trip for any free day you might have coming up.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park boasts 2,382 acres of hiking trails, canyons, ravines, sandstone gorges, old-growth walnuts and sycamores, a scenic suspension bridge over Sugar Creek (known for great inner tube floating, canoeing, and fishing), a saddle barn, horseback riding, a nature center, an Inn with a restaurant, a park, and a swimming pool.
Hiking at Turkey Run State Park
The hiking at Turkey Run State Park is unlike any hikes I’ve done in Indiana and was more scenic than some of the hikes I’ve done in California! The trails take you through awe-inspiring canyons, next to flowing creeks, up and down rocky terrain, along sandstone cliffs, up close with waterfalls, and past some of the most beautiful sights imaginable right here in Indiana.
There are 11 hiking trails, all between .5 to 2 miles long, ranging from easy to moderate to rugged and very rugged. When they say rugged, they mean it! We tried to do a moderate\rugged trail and had to turn around halfway through because it was too treacherous (carrying a toddler). There are spots where you have to walk through flowing water and climb up or over boulders. Some have many steps or ladders to climb up or down.
There is a long suspension bridge over Sugar Creek that you have to cross to access several trails. Just crossing the bridge is fun with little ones. You can even just walk to the other side to explore the grounds, stop and enjoy the panoramic views over the creek, and come back.
11 Breathtaking Hiking Trails
There are 11 breathtaking trails you can explore. Many are quick and intersect with other trails, so you can map out a couple or several trails you’d like to complete during your visit.
Trail 1: A Moderate/Rugged 3-mile trail leads to historic Narrows Covered Bridge and past Goose Rock and Lusk Earth Fill. You’ll find fine sycamores and several huge black walnut trees along this trail.
Trail 2: A Rugged 1-mile trail follows under cliff edges, taking you through Box Canyon and Gypsy Gulch.
Trail 3: A Very Rugged 1.7-mile trail follows the cliffs along Sugar Creek, passes by the Ice Box, and moves between the steep walls of Bear Hollow and Rocky Hollow. Trail 3 brings you to the ridgetop by a series of ladders and to the Punch Bowl.
Trail 4: A Moderate/Rugged 2-mile trail passes the old Coal Mine and follows Sugar Creek upstream to the Narrow Covered Bridge, then up to the Lusk Home. It returns along a stream and joins Trail 3 at the Punch Bowl.
Trail 5: A Moderate .7-mile trail passes fine trees and contains 140 steps. It joins up with Trail 3 at the ladders down to Bear Hollow.
Trail 6: A Moderate/Rugged .5-mile trail forms a loop starting at Turkey Run Inn, going around Lieber Cabin, past Sunset Point, through Turkey Run Hollow, and around Overlook Cabin.
Trail 7: A Moderate .7-mile trail, starting at the campground, forms a loop through virgin wood and hemlock trees and offers nice hilltop views of Sugar Creek.
Trail 8: A Moderate 1.5-mile loop offers a peaceful hike along a small creek. It joins Trail 4 for a couple of stretches, one of which is at the old coal mine.
Trail 9: A Very Rugged 1-mile trail is one of the best to see virgin wood. It splits off of Trail 5 and takes you through Falls Canyon and Boulder Canyon.
Trail 10: A Mooderate 1.4-mile trail starts at the Suspension Bridge and heads up through Crevice Rock. The trail offers a scenic view on its way back to the “Camel’s Back” overlook.
Trail 11: An Easy .5-mile trail above Tukey Run Hollow runs from one end of Turkey Run Inn, across the Old Highway Bridge, to the Lieber Memorial and Log Church.
Visit Animals at the Nature Center
The nature center on site is the perfect starting point for a day of exploring Turkey Run State Park. There is a large parking lot and there are bathrooms inside. You can grab a park map and ask the staff any questions about the trails before you venture off.
We were lucky enough to be in the nature center when they were doing a snake feeding, which my son really enjoyed. Check their website for any events or special programs that might be going on the day you’ll be there. Being inside is a nice respite from the sun on a hot summer day. After a stop at the nature center, we set off to cross the suspension bridge and start our hikes!
Parking, Restrooms, Food, and Lodging
There are two main parking lots. One by the nature center and one by the Turkey Run Inn. Both the nature center and Inn have indoor restrooms. The Inn also has a full-service restaurant with a lunch buffet so if you don’t want to have to worry about packing lunch, you can plan a stop at the Inn. The Inn also offers a game room, a gift shop, vending machines, and a lounge where you can get out of the heat for a little bit. It’s really nice to rest inside in the air conditioning on a very hot day.
Turkey Runn Inn is a hotel right in the center of all the action at Turkey Run State Park. If you are interested in hiking for a couple of days and want to stay overnight, the Inn has a pool and fire pits available to guests. There are also standalone cabins next to the Inn for more rustic and private lodging. Or, you can RV or tent camp on-site at the Turkey Run State Park Campground.
Getting There
Turkey Run State Park is located directly west of the northwest corner of Indianapolis. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from pretty much anywhere on the west side of 465. The entrance is on State Road 47 about two miles east of SR 41. I put the nature center into my GPS and had no problems finding it (although you might want to print out directions in case you can’t get service in the area).
We parked at the nature center for the first couple hours of hiking, then came back and moved our car to the Inn side and hiked around there after lunch. Park hours are 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and entrance into the park is $7 per vehicle ($9 out-of-state).
Turkey Run State Park With Kids
Children, teens, and adults of all ages would absolutely love spending a day at Turkey Run State Park. There is so much to see and do. You could even stay the night and spend two days there exploring all of the trails and activities. Don’t forget to bring water, insect repellent, water shoes, a trail map, printed directions, and snacks. You might also pack the car with an extra pair of shoes (my son somehow lost one in the mud in one of the creeks!), extra clothes, towels, and a walking stick if needed.
We borrowed a friend’s infant carrier and could not have done without it as there is a lot of walking up and down steps and over rocks and creeks. The suspension bridge alone is about 70 steps down. Much of our time was spent playing in the creeks and collecting rocks, but the carrier was definitely needed for getting from here to there.
If you have very young children, Turkey Run State Park is doable as just a morning excursion. We took our 5-year-old and 22-month-old from about 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and enjoyed a full morning of hiking with naps in the car on the way home. Remember to read the trail descriptions listed and stick to the trails marked easy and moderate if you’re hiking with little ones.
Keep Exploring!
I went to Turkey Run State Park in the summer with my family and it was so shaded throughout that we were quite comfortable even on a sweltering day. I cannot wait to return in the fall to see the changing colors and falling leaves. My kids will be so excited to go back! My dog too (did I forget to mention Turkey Run State Park is dog-friendly?!). After conquering Turkey Run State Park, you’ll want to keep exploring! Here are 20 breathtaking places to go hiking near Indianapolis with kids!
Have you experienced Turkey Run State Park? Share your best comments and pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
Address
8121 E. Park Road
Marshall
Indiana
47859
Visit Turkey Run State Park’s 11 Breathtaking Hiking Trails
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