Turkey Run State Park, Indiana: Hiking, Activity & Camping Trip Guide
You discovered it! One of the most scenic hiking spots in the Midwest. This area in Indiana is stunningly beautiful and is full of outdoor adventures. Located in Northern Indiana, it draws visitors looking to enjoy the diverse natural beauty of Indiana each year. Only a 3 hour drive from Chicago and less than a 4 hour drive from lower Michigan; we knew we needed to visit. Now that it’s on your radar, here is a detailed guide to help you start planning your trip to Turkey Run State Park.
Turkey Run State Park is a geological menagerie providing one-of-kind hiking experiences. Hike along flowing riverbeds and through steep ravines, while scrambling up ladders and over boulders at this Indiana state park. Add in a thrilling high suspension bridge, tubing down Sugar Creek, horseback riding and a refreshing dip in the Olympic size swimming pool to the list of adventurous activities during your stay.
Double ladders at Turkey Run State Park Trail 3
Formed by glaciers, plus time and erosion the Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve offers a vast array of geological features to explore. The perfect spot to immerse yourself in lush forest trails and gaze upon towering sandstone cliffs in this beautiful area in Indiana. It’s one of our favorite vacations to date and I can’t wait to for you to experience it. You can’t help but marvel at the natural beauty of the area and you’re bound to fall in love with hiking!
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For reference our family of six visited and camped in June for 6 days in a 27ft trailer and hiked with four children, ages 4, 6, 8, 11. We found it was a very kid-friendly area and there were ample things to do with children.
Here is your guide to the best hikes and things to do at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. There is a ton to share so let’s get started.
Cost The entrance fee is $9/day to visit Indiana State Parks, so this can be an inexpensive trip with tons of outdoor adventures.
Length of Stay I’d recommend at least 3-7 days so you can take your time and really enjoy the natural beauty of the area. We stayed 6 days and it was the ideal length.
What to Wear/ Bring
Layers are important
Waterproof Footwear (we especially preferred to have hiking sandals like Keens, Chacos, and Tevas.
Quality Hiking Backpack with water and snacks! Check out the essential list of items we keep stocked in our hiking backpack.
WHEN TO VISIT
Views along Sugar Creek at Turkey Run Trail 5
Spring Hikes containing water features like Punch Bowl will be at their peak time in spring, particularly during the rainy months of April and May. Enjoy fewer crowds during this season. If visiting in early May venture to Trail 5 to see the gorgeous patch of Virginia bluebells along Sugar Creek.
Summer By far the busiest season to visit the park. Summertime draws the most visitors. Although for the most part, trails are shaded so it’s quite enjoyable. On hot days the Olympic size swimming pool and tubing or paddling down Sugar Creek is a refreshing experience.
Fall An especially stunning time to visit when all the vibrant jewel tones of fall leaves are visible and weather is cooler. Swimming is not allowed in Sugar Creek, plus hiking temperatures are cooler.
Winter Snow covered landscape and icicles create a unique experience with stunning winter scenery. During the winter season you can often have the trails to yourself and enjoy the stillness and solitude it offers. Although using yaktraks on your boots or shoes is advised to assist with traction on trails.
TIPS WHEN VISITING TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
Verizon and AT& T have good cell reception and coverage throughout the park. Pick up maps at the visitors center or download a map prior.
Start off by Visiting Turkey Run Nature Center when you first arrive to gain tons of helpful information.
Use the restrooms by the nature center/ parking lot because there aren’t many bathrooms once you cross the suspension bridge.
Avoid Crowds
Below is a view from the suspension bridge where the rocky beach area is located. One images shows it on a sunny weekend and the other was an evening during the week after a rain storm had cleared. Since this is one of the most popular state parks in Indiana, here are some tips to avoid crowds, if you prefer a quieter hiking experience.
Go off season
Go middle of the week on Tues, Wed, or Thurs.
Go late in the evening or early morning
Having a dog harness for our dog helped on Trail 3 Ladders
Dogs
Dog are allowed on all trails at Turkey Run State Park. Although Trail 3 has multiple ladders, which makes it a bit more challenging. We brought our small/midsize dog on every hike, including Trail 3, but benefitted from having a vest harness with handle so we could carry our pup up the ladders.
MAP
Pick up a map of Turkey Run State Park Trails
If you’re a visual person, this map can help you plan your route and get the big picture of the area. Reference this online map of Turkey Run State Park Trails to help plan your hikes. I advise picking up a map at the ranger station when you first arrive.
TRAILS
There are basically 11 different trails in the park which includes 14 miles of interconnecting trails. The vast majority of trails converge around the spectacular wooden suspension bridge that spans Sugar Creek. The trails are relatively short hikes, so you can hit several during the day and easily combine trails if you desire extra mileage. The trails are well marked with signs, but we still found it helpful to have a map on hand for reference. Most trails are rated moderate to rugged with rocky terrain, stair climbs, boulders, and steep cliffs.
Several trails were carved by water and these trails still follow creeks so expect to trek in riverbeds across wet or muddy areas. Be prepared with proper waterproof footwear during your visit. We felt comfortable and safe hiking with our four children, ages 4-11, who are well versed in following safe hiking practices and following rules.
Recommended Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss
These are the trails that we highly recommend. If you want detailed hiking loop suggestions with distance, allotted time and pictures, check out this post about The Best Hiking Trails at Turkey Run State Park. Here is a brief summary of the trails and featured highlights.
Trail 3 Our favorite hike of the trip. Once across the suspension bridge, hike to Rocky Hollow and the punch bowl. One of the biggest highlights is the double ladder section, which has cool photo opportunities. Considered Rugged
Trail 9 Boulder Canyon, Falls Canyon have large boulders to climb around and leads you along sandstone cliff edges
Trail 5 Great connecting trail that also takes you along Sugar Creek
Trail 1 Great views along Sugar Creek, including Goose Rock.
Trail 2 & Trail 4 The stretch along the Sugar Creek is a scenic on the North side of Sugar Creek. This allows you water views, as you cross the Narrows Covered Bridge, walk along the outcroppings and watch as people tube down the creek. Stop and enjoying wading into the creek. You can head North to view the Salmon Lush Home too and then continue on to 8 or follow it back and take Trail 1 or Trail 2 to see Gypsy Gulch and Newby Gulch.
5 Mile Challenge
If you only have limited time at the park there is a 5 mile challenge, which is a 5 mile loop that showcases the diversity of the stunning park’s terrain and hits many of the highlighted trail features at Turkey Run State Park. You can even earn a 5 mile challenge sticker during your visit from the Nature Center as you take pictures of the unique features along the trail.
Nature Center
Turkey Run Nature Center interactive exhibits
Stop at the Nature Center, which is located inside the park by the parking lot near the trailheads. It is air conditioned with modern restrooms and interactive exhibits, live snakes, and a topography large scale map. There is also a movie that shares the history of Turkey Run State Park and the Lusk family. The rangers offer weekly programs like owl night hikes, planetarium shows, live animal talks, and campfire programs so check them out when you first arrive. It’s a great place to head on a rainy day too. Check out there 5 mile hiking challenge and pick up maps.
Also weather dependent, some trails with water features may be impassable if there is an influx of rain, the nature center can provide all the information about trail closures.
WILDLIFE & FLORA
The towering trees were beautiful throughout the park and in the campground. The girth of these magnificent beauties spanned 3 of my children’s arms spread wide and connected around. Gorgeous spotted Sycamore trees and shaggy Hickories were easy to spot along the trails. While Hemlocks can be found in the higher altitudes. The rich chartreuse lime to deep rich emerald green of leafy ferns and delicate mosses cover the sandstone cliffs and alongside the trails. Spikey Spiderwort on Trail 8 and Virginia Bluebell on Trail 5 are some of the flowers you can spot along the forested paths.
During our hikes we stumbled on a baby vulture’s nest which was a unique experience. We also spotted a bald eagle, deer, a snake, squirrels, bats and tons of raccoons at the campsite.
Gypsy Gulch Trail 2
WHERE TO STAY IN OR NEAR TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
Although Marshall, Indiana is a rural town there are a handful of available lodgings nearby from campgrounds, cozy cabins and hotels. Here are the best vacation rental properties that VRBO offers which are only minutes away.
Turkey Run State Park Campground
Turkey Run State Park campground is one of the most sought after places to camp. The campground has over 200 sites with the vast majority being large and spacious with decent privacy.
Spacious Site 238 at Turkey Run State Park
Our spacious site at Turkey Run, was in the Sugar Ridge Loop #238, which was tucked into the forest under a canopy of towering maples offering ample shade. The site was sloped so it took a bit to level it up, but after we jacked up the back of our trailer we were set. We loved our spot which had tons of vegetation and privacy. Cooking over the fire was easy with the attached grate for convenience. For reference we camped in a 27ft trailer.
Campsites include a small picnic table, fire ring with attached cooking grate, and most have a cement pad for parking. The campground has 4 sections and each one has great site options, including pull through sites, tent, RV options and even group sites. We noticed the majority of sites are RV friendly, plus, there were several pull-through sites, although these sites tend to be the ones that were smaller. Refer to the DNR website for reservations. Popular sites fill up fast, so book early. The soonest you can make reservations is 6 months in advance.
Amenities
Modern restrooms and showers were warm with good pressure
Electric hookup
Dump stations are available.
8 handicap accessible sites with a large cement pad.
Verizon and AT&T have solid Internet coverage in the campground at Turkey Run.
Small Camp Store & Firewood and & Ice for Sale
Pets are allowed
Two playgrounds are located in the camping area which features play structures, monkey bars, bouncers, slides and swings. (At the Turkey Run State Park hiking area there is also a playground. )
Campground Loops
Picking your site is always a daunting task. We biked throughout the campground on our 6 day stay and here is a brief synopsis of the differing loops with some pictures for reference
Sugar Ridge The loops 236-252 and 228-220 are completely shaded under a canopy of trees with lots of vegetation and good privacy. We saw large groups use the section by 245-242 area which was sunny and open. They even set up a large canopy tent and pushed picnic tables together. There is also a large open grassy area and playground in this section.
Turkey Hollow This stretch had some nice shaded sites, although some did seem sloped and a steep hill (my kids loved biking up and down) is part of the main paved road.
Shady Lane loop has nice spacious sites although there is no restroom in the loop.
Twin Oaks sites are a bit closer together but one perk with kids is that it does have the nicest playground in the park.
TIPS WHILE CAMPING AT TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
Take care of your trash because raccoons are common visitors
Bring bikes (and helmets) for the campground to make it to easy to get to the bathrooms, playground etc. We forgot helmets, but with a huge steep hill my kids loved to go up and down it would have been helpful.
Watch out for raccoons, they are notorious at the park. We saw them in the daytime meandering around the park. Plus, every night we were visited by these bold critters trying to get in our garbage. They even climbed into the bed of our truck to get it.
Check In/ Out 2 pm
Turkey Run Inn
Turkey Run Inn is open year round with rooms and cabins available. They also have a restaurant for onsite dining with friendly staff. Located right in the center of the park, you can enjoy modern conveniences as you explore the area. Described as quaint and comfortable, with rustic décor and all the basic amenities you need, including Internet, air conditioning, tv’s and a pool. The second floor deck has wooden rocking chairs, where you can relax while watching the comings and goings near the entrance. There is a rustic lounge with a fireplace to enjoy in the evenings too.
Cabins are available near the Inn and share access to the amenities of the Inn. They include full-sized beds, a full bathroom, coffee maker, and TV. The larger family cabins with two rooms also include sleeper sofas.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive/ Set Up Campsite/ Explore on Bikes/ Playground
Day 2 Nature Center/ Hike Trail 1- Trail 2-Trail 4/ Bonfire night
Day 3 Rain Day Movie in Crawfordsville/ Explore nearby towns / Hike to Punch Bowl in evening
Day 4 Morning Hike Trail 5 & Trail 9 loop, Swim at Olympic Size Pool/ Playground & Volleyball
Day 5 Tubing Sugar Creek/ Ice cream, food & drinks at Up The Creek Boat-tique
Day 6 Pack Up/ Hike Shades State Park
TOP THINGS TO DO AT TURKEY RUN
Turkey Run is best known for its amazing hikes and scenery, but there is a plethora of ways to explore the area. There is truly something for the whole family. Adults and kids alike will love tubing down Sugar Creek, crossing the suspension bridge and swimming in the Olympic size swimming pool.
Ladders on Trail 3
Hike the Trails
Turkey Run State Park has over 14 miles of stunning hiking trails that will highlight the natural beauty in Indiana. We quickly learned that each hike had unique features from waterfalls, ladder climbs, lush forests, large boulders, staircases, stunning ravines and exciting elements around each turn. A range of deep forest green to vibrant chartreuse create a Leafy ferns and delicate moss and towering sycamores hues of green. During summer, the array of vibrant chartreuse, lime green to deep rich emerald hues painted the walls of the canyons. hunter green I’m confident you will be so busy marveling at the astounding colors and beauty. These hikes will make your family fall in love with hiking! Some of our favorite hike were combinations of Trail 3, Trail 1, Trail 2, Trail 4, Trail 9, and Trail 5. Unique features along the trails were the Suspension Bridge, Narrows Covered Bridge, Box Canyon, Gypsy Gulch, Rocky Hollow, Punch Bowl, 140 Steps, Boulder Canyon, Falls Canyon and the ladders on Trail 5.
Float Down Sugar Creek
Only 1/4 mile down the road from the entrance is Sugar Valley Canoe Trips. Sugar Valley offers canoe, tube, and kayak rentals. With convenient shuttles, life jackets and options for 5 different trips including 3, 6, 10, 12, and 15 mile trip lengths. During peak hours and weekends, advance reservations are recommended.
This is definitely one of the most scenic trips you will go on in the Midwest. We chose to do the 3 mile tubing trip, which actually took us 4 hours since we pulled off to have snacks, look for shells and rocks, swam, and jumped off rocks into the water. We also rented a canoe so our dog could come along. Both open and closed bottom tubes are available, plus string if you prefer to float together. In June the water temperature was warm enough to enjoy. During the trip we passed under 2 red covered bridges, the massive suspension bridge, and along sandstone cliffs. We spotted garr fish, rock bass, and carp swimming along the edges of the creek.
Swimming and cliff jumping is prohibited, but many people jumped off the cliff outcropping into the deepest spot of the river next to the covered bridge for a fun thrill.
Check the website for water levels, since that does affect the age restriction or closures if the creek levels are high.
Cost: Ranges depending on trip length
Explore the Covered Bridges
Covered Bridge at Turkey Run State Park
Some unique local activities include visiting the covered bridges. Parke county is home to 31 covered bridges, which is the most in the nation. In October you can enjoy the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. During your stay you can cross several bridges when you hike at the park. Pick up a covered bridge map, if you want to drive to see all of them.
Learn at Turkey Run Nature Center
A great spot to visit at the start of your stay. The rangers are a wealth of information and can help you plan which hikes to take. There is a informative movie to learn about the Lusk family and the history of Turkey Run State Park. Programs are offered during the week from animal feedings to night hikes. Interactive exhibits can be explored by the whole family.
Cross the Suspension Bridge
One of the biggest draws in the park is the iconic suspension bridge stretching across Sugar Creek. This impressive bridge gives you a birds eye view of the area and once you cross it, most of the trailheads begin. It definitely will get the flutters in your stomach when you cross, especially as the vibrations of other people move the bridge.
Explore on Horse Back
The Saddle Barn provides guided horseback rides inside the park that last 50 minutes through the lovely forest trails. Riders must be at least 8 years old. Bring either cash or check for payment. For $5, younger children can have a parent led pony ride. Another option for families is to join a hayrides on weekends through the park. Call for reservations 765-597-2280.
Cost $20 per rider
Cool Off in the Olympic Size Swimming Pool
Olympic Size Swimming Pool at Turkey Run State Park
Take a dip in the enormous pool to cool off during your stay. It has a diving board, handicap ramp, and even an attached playground. Lifeguards are stationed poolside and a snack bar is open during busy summer hours. Pool is open Memorial Day- Labor Day.
Cost : $3.00/ person entrance fee for everyone.
Play at the Park & Playground
Tons of open space is available in the park to play soccer or football. There is a large play structure, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and basketball courts available for sports lovers.
Pack a Picnic
There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park. I highly recommend packing a picnic lunch. There are even covered pavilions for groups and picnic tables along the path leading to the suspension bridge, which begins many of the trails in Turkey Run.
Go Fishing
Fishing is allowed in Turkey Run State Park from January through March and June through October. Sunfish, Bass, bluegill, catfish, carp, and garr are all found in the waters of Sugar Creek. A state fishing license is required.
Rock Skipping
There is a rocky beach area near the suspension bridge which is great for skipping rocks. Flat, smooth stones are abundant on the shores and you’ll see people wading in the water in this calm shallow area. Rock hounds will appreciate that some of the best crinoid fossils can be found between Turkey Run and Crawfordsville to the east of the park.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS/ RESTAURANTS/SHOPPING
Cox Ford Recreation Park
Go, Go-Carting!! Just North of Turkey Run is a fun place to ride go-carts. The staff is friendly and you can enjoy some refreshments and snacks during your visit.
Shades State Park
Nearby Shades State Park backs up to Turkey Run and is only an 18 minute drive from the entrance. You can backpack there and stay at their campsites near the river or you can set up camp and kayak/canoe down stream back to camp the next day. Shades feels and look like Turkey Run State Park although it is a lot less busy. It provides a similar hiking experience with ravines, ladders and overlooks. Also inside the State Park is the Pine Hills Nature Preserve. Other worthwhile hikes are the devil's backbone and numerous trails.
Shades State Park ladder climb
Movie Theater
Rainy Day? Sometimes you get hit with a uncooperative weather while camping. Head to the AMC Classic Crawfordsville 8 movie theater and enjoy the latest film and popcorn. It’s about a 30 minute drive away.
In Crawsfordsville visit the rotary jail, which is the last in existence, or General Lew Wallace Study Museum if you’re a history buff. Check online for tour hours.
Italian Pie and Bakery
Located in Waveland they have awesome food, including barbecue. A really great place to eat just down the road before you get to Turkey Run.
Up the Creek is an eclectic, tiki bar style restaurant with an outdoor covered seating area and a variety of food and drinks near Turkey Run in Marshall. Pizza, quesadillas, turkey club sandwiches, taco salad, ice-cream, and specialty drinks, plus beer are just some of what is offered. The whole family will enjoy the fun atmosphere with a ping pong table and older boats transformed into kids play area.
Rockville
Nearby Rockville has a great old fashioned variety store, antique shops, art gallery, coffee shop, and winery. The square in Rockville has much to offer Red Raccoon and The Ranch Restaurant, which is a Panera/Starbucks style restaurant but they also have cocktails! On Saturdays on 36 there is a small Amish market with fresh foods and Amish handmade goods.
Old Jail Inn Drunk Tank
A unique winery located in the basement of the old drunk tank of the jail in Rockville. The owners give tours and can tell you some ghost stories and famous bad guys who have “stayed” at the jail throughout history. You can also spend the night in the jail.
With a fun atmosphere and family dining in Rockville, Thirty- Six Saloon is a great spot to for drinks and delicious hog pit barbecue. On the weekends they often have live music for patrons to enjoy! There is also a game room with pool tables & darts (21 & over), plus three bars.
Britton Winery
Visit this beautiful winery just Northeast of Rockville as you head towards Bridgeton.
Raccoon Lake
Searching for a great beach to enjoy swimming, fishing and boating, then head to Raccoon Lake in Rockville for a relaxing day.
Golden Forrest
Bakery & Wellness Shop offering custom cakes, lattes, smoothies, and handcrafted local goods.
Other places to check out in the area.
The Clay Plant
Ritz Theater
Off The Square Artisans
Gunion Hill Amish Pretzel
FAQ’s
Is swimming allowed in the river? No, technically Turkey Run State Park states there is no swimming allowed. Although tubing, kayaking and canoeing are offered so you are allowed in Sugar Creek. There is also a rocky beach area by the suspension bridge which is great for wading, skipping rocks and fishing. If you want to swim, there is a beach at Raccoon Lake.
Is there admission cost? Yes, all of the state parks in Indiana have a daily entrance fee $7 In-State / $9 Out of State
Is Turkey Run safe for children? Yes, there are multiple hikes that are great for children.
Should you bring kayaks to Turkey Run? We opted to not bring our personal kayaks since the price for tubing/ kayaks/ canoe rentals vs bringing your own is the same fee. There are very few public access points to put in your kayaks or canoes in the area.
Where are the kayak/ canoe put in points?
There isn’t really any easy or convenient access points for launching kayaks at Turkey Run. Although a decent trip is from the public park at Crawfordsville to Clements Canoes. Going point to point you can put in at Deer’s Mill covered bridge and take out at Cox Ford. It’s about 12 miles and takes 4-6 hours.
Another option is to get a pass at the park office to park at Cox Ford and launch from the public site at "Clement’s Canoes". It's a public site, with parking on the far side of the covered bridge. Early mornings is a lovely time on the water for these trips. If the creek is up due to rains, be extra cautious it can be dangerous.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Well that’s a wrap on Turkey Run State Park! It’s full of adventures for every type of explorer. Whether you’re spending a couple days or a week, you’ll easily fill your time with these incredible hikes, views and activities. If this article was helpful, don’t forget to Pin and Save this post for later.
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