Indiana is making great strides to bringing in more hikers to their state parks. Several parks have a hiking challenge specific to that park that you can complete.
- Pokagon State Park: Hells Pointe Challenge
- Clifty Falls State Park: Four Falls Challenge
- Indiana Dunes State Park: 3 Dunes Challenge
- Shades State Park: 6 Ravine Challenge
- Turkey Run State Park: 5 Mile Challenge
The park we are featuring today is Turkey Run State Park. Turkey run is located in the west-central part of the state near the Indiana/Illinois state line. This park is full of memorable limestone canyons, creeks, boulders and more. It’s a must visit park to experience the natural formations made by glaciers millions of years ago.
| What the DNR has to say about this challenge: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/5883.htm#hiking |
Explore the perimeter hiking trails in the Falls Canyon-Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve. You’ll traverse 3 canyons, climb a ladder, cross a suspension bridge, and see the park’s first steward’s home. Plan on 2-3 hours. Portions of the hiking challenge may be impassable after large rainfalls. No water or bathrooms are available along the route, which starts at the nature center. |
The Challenge:
The challenge is to hike a loop around the park to the designated areas and take pictures (take selfies with the signs to show you actually did it) of the signs in that area. Inquire about the challenge with a ranger in the Nature Center and they will highlight the trails and checkpoints on a map for you. Once complete return to the nature center before it closes.
The Hike:
The hike has many different terrains, such as a gravel trail, dirt trail, ladders, stairs… lots of stairs, and even climbing boulders in Boulder Canyon. The whole hike is mapped at a little over 5.56 miles, we clocked it at a little over 6 miles on the Apple Watch.
As far as difficulty, it can get very rugged and tough, but bringing your kids along the challenge should be no problem. My daughter was eleven years old at the time and finished the trail with ease.
The Reward:
What do I get? Well…other than being able to say I completed this challenge you are able to purchase a small sticker for $1 saying you complete the challenge. Slap it on your Nalgene Water Bottle and head to the next challenge.
