A Fall Hike in Turkey Run State Park

I am back from fall break and I will be continuing on with my fall travel series.  If you missed any of my previous posts you can find them here:  Bird Watching at the La Crosse Marsh, A Return to Galena Illinois, A Visit to the Lincoln Home, A Visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and The Lincoln Tomb and Historic Springfield.

After three days of vacation with just my hubby and I, it was time to meet up with the kids and grandkids.  We chose Turkey Run State Park because it was on the way to their place for us, and only an hour and half drive for the kids.

Turkey Run State Park in Indiana has over 14 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to very rugged trails.  We had little kids plus a five month old, so we weren't able to hike very long.  We crossed the famous suspension bridge (pictured below) and visited "Rocky Hollow", then we hiked just a little bit of "Turkey Run Trail 10" to see the Crevice Rock and then we had to call a day.  I was kinda bummed because I had never been here before and I really wanted to see it all, but with little kids, you have little legs, and they just can't hike as far as adults.

The Suspension Bridge

To get to most of the hiking trails in Turkey Run State Park you need to cross the suspension bridge.  It is seventy steps down to just get to the bridge.  Once you cross the bridge you will be in the Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve that contains deep sandstone canyons and one of the last remnants of forests that once filled Indiana.

The bridge is a 200 foot long wire suspension bridge originally built more than a century ago.

The bridge hangs over Sugar Creek, but swimming and wading is prohibited in the park, so you can only enjoy the water from above. 

Baby Lazarus had it easy that day, taking turns between being carried by Grandpa Todd or snug safe in Mommy's baby's wrap.

The view of Sugar Creek from the bridge.

We were so excited to see a crane in the water below.

Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve

Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve is a well preserved piece of the past.  20,000 years ago the glaciers retreated leaving a barren landscape.  Soon, vegetation blanketed the newly exposed bedrock.  Tundra turned to forests of spruce, hemlocks, and other evergreens.  In Rocky Hollow, the clock stopped about 12,000 years ago.   The canyon has kept the temperature and moisture conditions similar to that long time ago.  In 1975, Rocky Hollow was awarded status as a National Natural Landmark.  It is also a state Nature Preserve.

The trail is very beautiful.  You are surrounded by tall sandstone walls and the most fascinating geological formations. 

Just look at the height of the rock in comparison to my daughter and new born baby.  Wow!

There is a lot of interest on this trail, and lots of rock climbing, so the little ones were also entertained.

I loved the color on the rocks produced by all the moisture.

Depending on what time of year you go, the water levels vary.  When we were there it was pretty dry so we were able to hike pretty far, but I heard in spring you may not be able to hike as far because of the water depth.  It seems like it is always wet, so be prepared to get your shoes muddy.

At this part, we decided to turn around and go back rather than make the loop.  The rocks were getting wetter and slippery, and we worried Ashley was going to fall with the baby.  I was kinda bummed because I did want to see the "Punch Bowl". 

We spent some time taking fall family photos.

                         Turkey Run Trail 10

Next, we headed for "Turkey Run Trail 10" to see "Crevice Rock".

This was a cool trail because of the wooden steps going up and through all the interesting rock formations.

This trail is 1.4 miles long and leads you to the "Camel Back Overlook".  We just climbed the stairs to the top and then came back down.  That was cool enough for the little ones.

Before I leave, I have to mention that there are several historic buildings in this park too, like the "Leiber Cabin" pictured below.

I don't know if I'll ever get back to Turkey Run State Park to explore more;  I certainly hope so.

Have A Great Day!  Amy

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