Canyons Loop of Turkey Run State Park
Marshall, Indiana
Details
Distance
7.14 miles
Elevation Gain
873 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Vale Ge
Canyons Loop of Turkey Run State Park is made up of amazing woodland trails that provide many options for additional ad-ons with different scenes and difficulties.
Located 54 miles western from Indianapolis this is a really gorgeous state park. Entrance fee is $7 but it's totally worth the money (map included). You will find many trails which are leading through canyons and forest. I recommend beginning in the morning with trail 6, which will guide you through one of the canyons. You will find fallen trees and you have to pass a little stream.
Next you will take the trail 8 and make a big loop. On the way to trail 8, you will pass a river over and hanging a suspension bridge. Then continue to the right until you reach trail 8. This one will lead you through mostly woods, sometimes it can be muddy or rocky.
Once you've reached trail 4 (they are merging together), you will come to the punch bowl. In autumn there will be a little waterfall, but even if there is not much water, the punch bowl and the nearby rocky hollow are gorgeous. Take your tripod, because it can be dark here, surrounded by the rocky walls.
From here you can take trail 3, which will bring you to trail 10. You can head to the camel back, which is a small view point. Go back trail 10 and take 3 on the right. Over trail 5 you can decide, if you take trail 5 and 9 or just take the 140 steps down.
For more details, check out the state park website or check out a map of the area.
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Canyons Loop of Turkey Run State Park Reviews
As others have said, it can be busy. I'll add a tally to that column. However, this place it still absolutely worth going to. I've been on very few hikes that have been similar to this one, and I love the sense of feeling like an ant crawling through cracks in the rock and earth. Plus, any hike that requires ladders in some areas gets atleast one thumb up from me!
4.0
Unfortunately when you find yourself deep in the Midwest, there isn't a ton to explore. In this regard, the trail is great! There's small canyons, waterfalls, and a large river with a few spots for rock jumping. The biggest downside is the traffic. I have been a few times and it gets fairly crowded, and depending on the season and time of day, you can be completely stopped waiting for others to get through obstacles ahead of you. If you are in the area, it is definitely worth checking out but don't expect solitude like you see in these awesome photos!
4.0
Beautiful place to hike - contains gorges and canyons, a scenic river, unique waterfalls, streams, limestone cliffs, and a few historical landmarks. Highly recommend. Can be busy during weekends with nice weather, but still worth it!
5.0
One of the best parks in Indiana. You will not be disappointed. If you go, make sure and bring waterproof shoes. Or at least another pair of shoes to change into. There is a trail that goes right through the canyon and if it has been raining a lot in the area, you will probably have to step in some water. Also the trail with the canyon is also very cool in the winter. Tons of ice formations. And there is a place to rent kayaks and canoes right down the road form the park entrance. Have fun!
5.0
This is an amazing hiking area. There are several small "canyons" you can hike through and a beautiful forest as well. You can hike the canyons and end up in the woods or go around and hike the woods and end up in the canyon. No other place like it in Indiana. And the county you're in is full of covered bridges which make some great side trips as well.
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike the Turkey Run Trail System
Hike the Devil's Punch Bowl
Run Vandalia Trail
Cataract Falls in Lieber State Recreation Area
Hike at Eagle Creek Beach
Hike the Sodalis Nature Park Loop
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