I find it crazy that I have lived in Indiana my whole life and have never visited Shades State Park. With that said I have visited Turkey Run State Park and Waveland Park many times a year and they are literally less than 10 miles from Shades. Its almost embarrassing.
Flipping through social media I came across a backpacking trail that Shades offers where you backpack 2.5 miles one way. Winter was quickly approaching so I decided to try this place out before it was to late.
First thing to mention is that this is a beginner backpacker trail. Shades provides designated camp sites that are permitted for backpack camping. The sites have a water spigot, restrooms and bundled firewood for purchase with a drop box honor system. There’s a maintenance road that leads to the campgrounds so Shades can replenish firewood, clean restrooms and collect trash from the heavy metal trash compartment.
Now that you are ready to hit the trail, once you enter the park head to the park entrance for check in. You will pay under $13 for your permit, get a map and a tag for your car. One thing to mention is they will not allow you the permit if you check in under one hour before sunset. Being a state park they do not permit you on the trails after dusk.
On the trail it is labeled moderate with lots of roots so watch your step. It includes hills, stairs and rugged spots at times. The All Trails map says the trail is around 2.5 miles long. Once we got to the trail head the sign said 2 1/4 miles long, but after hiking the trail the Apple Watch clocked us at 2.7miles on the dot in and when we hiked back out.
BIGFOOT TIP: One thing to mention is to follow the Back Pack Trail Signs. There is a spot where it shows to go straight on trail 8 or to head To Campground. Take the To Campground signs and that will lead you back to the backpack trail.
At the end of the day this is a fantastic backpacking trail especially for beginners that I do plan on hiking again. It is well marked, fun and challenging, but not so hard you cant bring your kids along. Plus the fact they have water and fire wood makes it less of a hassle to enjoy more camping.
For More Information and Map View please visit Indiana DNR PDF Link Below https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-shadesmap_backpack_canoe-full.pdf
