Shades and Turkey Run State Parks
Ravine Trails, Shades State Park
On the edges of the Sugar Creek valley, tributary creeks have cut deep ravines, surprising adventure terrain just into the woods next to expanses of flat farmland. Moderate to rugged trails follow the narrow ravine floors, next to trickling water, over stepping stones and logs. Some trails include short ladders and long flights of stairs. Ferns and moss are everywhere, and water drips from seeps in exposed rock walls. An easy boardwalk with short stairs leads to an area of hollowed-out sandstone gullies and waterfalls, "Devil's Punchbowl".
On the edges of the Sugar Creek valley, tributary creeks have cut deep ravines, surprising adventure terrain just into the woods next to expanses of flat farmland. Moderate to rugged trails follow the narrow ravine floors, next to trickling water, over stepping stones and logs. Some trails include short ladders and long flights of stairs. Ferns and moss are everywhere, and water drips from seeps in exposed rock walls. An easy boardwalk with short stairs leads to an area of hollowed-out sandstone gullies and waterfalls, "Devil's Punchbowl".
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Canyon Trails, Turkey Run State Park
Wide-floored canyons of bare ground contrast with the dense forest foliage above. There are also steep scrambles, ladders and stairs to be found further up-trail here, some leading to this park's "Devil's Punchbowl", a closely-hemmed rock basin with a narrow waterfall (more a "Bathtub"?) The scales are more monumental here than in Shades State Park, the easy trail sections more numerous, and the visitor population significantly higher. A cable-suspended bridge crosses the large Sugar Creek, and there are other opportunities for broad, open views along the stream corridor. In winter, the canyon walls are draped with icicles and lower down, show small ice-falls oddly emerging from seep points in the rock.
Wide-floored canyons of bare ground contrast with the dense forest foliage above. There are also steep scrambles, ladders and stairs to be found further up-trail here, some leading to this park's "Devil's Punchbowl", a closely-hemmed rock basin with a narrow waterfall (more a "Bathtub"?) The scales are more monumental here than in Shades State Park, the easy trail sections more numerous, and the visitor population significantly higher. A cable-suspended bridge crosses the large Sugar Creek, and there are other opportunities for broad, open views along the stream corridor. In winter, the canyon walls are draped with icicles and lower down, show small ice-falls oddly emerging from seep points in the rock.
Canoe, Kayak, or Float Sugar Creek Through the Parks
Several canoe liveries serve this section of Sugar Creek. Trips on the water include long periods of quiet floating, some intervals with rushing water and tricky maneuvering, and scenic rock outcrops at water's edge. Departure and landing places are outside the park boundaries, but it is possible to have this alternative view of both parks in a reasonable day's trip.
Several canoe liveries serve this section of Sugar Creek. Trips on the water include long periods of quiet floating, some intervals with rushing water and tricky maneuvering, and scenic rock outcrops at water's edge. Departure and landing places are outside the park boundaries, but it is possible to have this alternative view of both parks in a reasonable day's trip.
Visitor Tips
- The major town serving the area is Crawfordsville, with a wide range of lodging, shopping, and restaurants.
- Turkey Run State Park Lodge offers rooms in historic cabins and the main building. Besides a restaurant, its common areas include a large game room with rustic furnishings and fireplace.