Turkey Run State Park – Trail 3
Very rugged
(1.7 miles)
Known as the “ladders trail,” the trail receives this moniker because of the series of ladders hikers must scale to ascend out of Bear Hollow. The ladders include 140 steps to get to the top. The trailhead for Trail 3 is at the north end of the Suspension Bridge. This beautiful, unique trail passes along Sugar Creek for a short distance, before turning north just past the Ice Box to penetrate Bear Hollow. This portion can be slippery at times. Trail 3 intersects a spur that leads to Trail 5, which turns left at the top. Trail 3 proceeds northeast through a forested area, intersecting Trail 10 twice before looping southwest to an intersection with Trail 4, which it follows on its way back to the Suspension Bridge after passing through Rocky Hollow. Note: Trail 3 can be hazardous for people with disabilities. Small children should not hike this trail, as it can be quite dangerous.
Description:
Located in Parke County, Indiana, the covered bridge capital of the United States, Turkey Run State Park provides visitors with excellent hiking, camping and can serve as a base camp to explore the area.
Camping
The Turkey Run campground has ADA compliant sites, sites with electric connections and primitive sites camping sites. The campground connects with the trail system, allowing hikers access to the trail system.
Other Accommodations
The park also has an inn and family cabins for visitors to stay in while visiting the park.
Hiking
Hiking trails at Turkey Run State Park can hike the over fifteen miles of trails that range from rugged to easy. Hike through rocky, beautiful canyons and along Sugar Creek. The suspension bridge across Sugar Creek opens up the undeveloped section of the park to the adventurous hiker.
Parke County Covered Bridges
Parke County, Indiana is home to 31 restored covered bridges scattered around the rural countryside. Visitors can choose one, or all, of the six pre-mapped tours to assure finding them all. Two of these bridges are accompanied by a working grist mill. Cataract Falls, the largest waterfall in Indiana, is downstream of the Cataract Covered Bridge.
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