Exploring at Turkey Run State Park

At the beginning of 2021, I set out to complete all twelve hikes recommended by Only in Indiana. But I have a confession to make.

I didn’t complete November’s hike. Well, that’s not entirely true…I just didn’t complete it in November!

It was the very end of November when I found the time to venture back to Turkey Run State Park. If you have been following my year-long adventure, you may recall that my very first hike, in January, was at the very popular Turkey Run.

I was excited to return to this familiar destination and didn’t put a lot of time or research into planning my hike this time around. Much to my dismay, when I drove up to the entrance there were signs alerting me to the park’s closure!

Deer Reduction

The stated reason for the closure: Deer Reduction. I decided to look on the bright side…I got to enjoy a peaceful two-hour round trip drive in my comfy Subaru. And never fear, I made it back to Turkey Run later that week, putting my 11th hike in early December.

Personally, I appreciated the fact that I wasn’t around for deer reduction. While several of my family members enjoy hunting, that is not one of my chosen hobbies.

Had I done a bit more research before November’s hike I would have learned that these annual deer hunts at Indiana State Parks started in 1993. And many parks were closed that day.

Each year Indiana wildlife experts determine which of the state parks need the annual deer hunt.  Apparently, deer reduction is a necessary part of ensuring there are healthy habitats for the plants and animals native to Indiana.

My tip for hiking in Indiana in November…do your research and make sure you avoid deer reduction days!

I assume the deer reduction activities were successful as I didn’t spot a single doe when I finally made it back to Turkey Run for my hike.

Suspension Bridge

Once safely in the park, my plan was to hike Trail 10 on this trip. So I made my way to the Nature Center, as that is the closest parking to Trail 10.

Just behind the Nature Center and a little way down the path is a 202-foot suspension bridge that crosses Sugar Creek. Several of the best trails at Turkey Run require walking across the suspension bridge.

You can capture beautiful views of the creek below, but with a suspension bridge, there is a little sway and bounce as you cross. I was happy there weren’t too many other hikers out that day, and I had the bridge all to myself. The only wobble to the bridge was made by me and that was quite enough!

I highly recommend venturing across the suspension bridge when you visit Turkey Run. And you will get to experience this unique structure twice as you will have to cross again to get back to your car…unless you plan to swim!

Trails 3 and 5

According to my map, once safely across the bridge, I needed to follow Trail 3 for a short distance to access Trail 10.

I was taken with the way the sun reflected off the water and the unique rock structures. As I tend to do when hiking, I took lots of photos along my route.

With my focus on the creek and navigating the path built through the rock formations, I managed to miss the path leading up to Trail 10.  Instead of turning back, I decided to trudge on with my sights now set on Trail 5, which would loop back to Trail 3 and on to Trail 10.

Sometimes a few wrong turns can actually be a good thing as you get to experience even more of the great outdoors.

But especially if you are hiking alone, make sure you have a map in hand and your cellphone!

It was unseasonably warm for early December at around 45 degrees, and as my hike progressed I soon had to remove my coat. Fortunately, we hadn’t had rain in a few days so the rocky part of the trail wasn’t too slippery.

 

Still, I was glad to have my mostly waterproof boots on as further on the trail would take me right through creek beds where it was nearly impossible to stay completely dry.

The new course I routed allowed me to bypass the first 2 ladders on Trail 3 that bring you up to the higher elevation needed to access Trail 10. But I did get to ascend the 3rd ladder.

This is a unique component of hiking, but not one I recommend if you are hiking with small children or navigating the trail with a stroller. Once I traversed the ladder there were also a number of stairs (140 to be exact!), so I took my time and stopped to catch my breath a few times.

Trail 10

I finally made it to Trail 10, which proved to be flatter ground and less rugged hiking, at least for the first stretch.

Trail 10 is labeled as moderate and 1.4 miles long. Yet with my added jaunts, I think I ended up at closer to 3 miles by the end of my excursion.

I navigated along the trail out to Camel’s Back. I had noted this spot on the map earlier and was intrigued by the name.

Unfortunately, Camel’s Back turned out not to be anything too exciting to explore or write about. There is a small lookout stand that peers over the edge of a hill but there wasn’t much of a view and the overgrown shrubbery blocked most of it.

After this less than memorable stop, I continued along Trail 10 and down into the creek bed. This is where things got a bit damp and slippery. I may have almost wiped out once or twice. Luckily no one was around to see my less than graceful save!

I was taken with the towering rock on both sides of me and nearly missed the signs keeping me on Trail 10. But I did eventually make it back to the junction with Trail 3, closing out the loop at the suspension bridge and concluding my hike.

The Inn

After successfully completing Trail 10 (even with a few wrong turns!), I drove over to the park’s Inn. I knew the Inn would be decorated for Christmas and I wanted to take in the festive decorations. Unfortunately, as soon as I pulled out my phone to snap a few photos my battery died. So you will have to venture to Turkey Run yourself to see the decked out living rooms.

Cozy up by the roaring fire, read a book, or work on a puzzle, while admiring the gingerbread village and beautifully trimmed tree.

I apologize for not having photos to share. But if you stick with me, I’ll soon have photos of the Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County as I decided to book an overnight stay for my final hike of 2021!

If you have missed any of my previous hiking adventures, you can read all about them here: hike 1, hike 2, hike 3, hike 4, hike 5, hike 6, hike 7, hike 8, hike 9, and hike 10.

One last hiking adventure for 2021…and it will take me to my very favorite Indiana State Park!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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