Turkey Run

One of our favorite Indiana state parks, but had not been here for years and never camped there — just day trips. After our stay at Blackwell Horse Camp we drove to Turkey Run. The campground there is a typical state park with nice sites but fairly close together. Electric hookups, firerings, and picnic tables.

After getting situated we took a hike to the area nearest the campground – Turkey Run Hollow. Never had been here before. The walk in is steep and a bit slippery. Lots of ferns and water dripping from the high cliffs. The trail takes you to a viewpoint of the Turkey Run Inn, but getting there would involve wet feet. Walking out was even more challenging, but we made it.

The next day we drove over to the parking near the office and swimming pool. After checking out the displays in the park office, we crossed the bridge to the area we have hiked in many times in the past. Some of the ladders and trails are difficult, especially the one where a tree had fallen and crushed the stairs, but it was still fun. We just took it easy. A fair number of hikers, but the numbers diminished the further from the bridge we walked.

The next morning we walked down into the area behind the Inn. This is the trail across the water from where we walked the first night. Once we reached the opposite shore from our previous walk, we turned around, hiked out, and headed home.

Turkey Run never disappoints. The gorges and cliffs make you forget that you are in flat Indiana.

-- Janet (text) and David (photos)