Location: From Crawfordsville, take Hwy. 47 south. Turkey Run is on the north (right) side of Hwy. 47 about 25 miles along. 47 also intersects Highway 41.

Description: Having spent a lot of time in the Shades section telling you why Shades is a nicer spot to visit, I now have to tell you to ignore all that and be sure not to avoid Turkey Run. Go sometime during the week when it’s not crowded, or during the later fall or early spring. The Turkey Run trails go through some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Rocky Hollow, with its stream-cut cliffs is very impressive. Trails 3 and 2 are good for longer hikes, 6 and 7 for a short stroll that is still full of interest. There are areas of virgin woods, lookouts over the Sugar Creek valley, steep hills to climb (sometimes on ladders!) and plenty of birdlife to view.

Nearby Points of Interest: Shades State Park, Pine Hills Nature Preserve ; the covered bridge over sugar creek and the nearby home of the original settlers are worth the trip (hike trail 1 to get there).

Cautions: Trails that traverse stream beds can be slippery, and watch your steps when hiking along cliff tops too. Crowds are very bad on weekends in the summer; don’t bother going then.

Ownership: Indiana DNR

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