Turkey Run State Park Trail Guide for Families & Nature Lovers
Explore the Natural Wonders While Hiking at Turkey Run State Park
Craving outdoor adventures with beauty around each corner? Then a visit to Marshall, Indiana is a must. Turkey Run State Park is one of the best hiking spots in the entire Midwest. Whether your crew wants to splash, climb, explore, or just meander, there’s a trail here for every age and energy level. Think shady canyons, swinging bridges, and enough rock scrambling to wear them out just in time for s'mores. Here are our favorite family-approved trails.
Bonus: go tubing, ride horses, or cool off in the massive swimming pool, check out this post for the unmissable activities at Turkey Run State Park.
Our family camped in June for 6 days and hiked with four children, ages 4, 6, 8, 11. We found it was a very kid-friendly area and there were ample things to do with children. Although many of the trails are rugged. Make sure your children are at a stage where they can listen, heed safety rules- there are drop offs and ladders.
Wear waterproof sandals with good tread
Entrance Fee $9/day to visit Indiana State Parks
What to Wear/ Bring
Layers are important
Waterproof Footwear for slippery ravines and creek crossings. (Our favorite sandals are Keens, Chacos, and Tevas.
Quality Hiking Backpack with water and snacks! Check out the essential list of items we keep stocked.
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MAP OF TRAILS
Pick up a map of Turkey Run State Park Trails
If you’re a visual person, this map can help you plan your route and get the big picture of the area. Reference this online map of Turkey Run State Park Trails to help plan your hikes. I advise picking up a map at the ranger station when you first arrive.
OVER VIEW OF THE TRAILS
Turkey Run State Park features 11 unique trails, totaling around 14 miles of interconnected routes. Most trails center around the park’s iconic wooden suspension bridge that crosses Sugar Creek. While each trail is relatively short, they can easily be combined for a longer, more challenging hike. Trail markers are posted throughout the park, but we still found it helpful to carry a map for quick reference. Most routes range from moderate to rugged, featuring rocky paths, stair climbs, boulder scrambles, and steep cliff edges.
1. Trail 3 – The Adventure Trail
Double Ladder Climb on Trail 3
Distance: ~1.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-Rugged (some steep spots and ladders!)
Why we love it: All time favorite hike of the park. This trail is basically a jungle gym built by nature. It’s got ladders to climb, sandstone canyons to squeeze through, and water crossings that might get your feet wet. Best for older kiddos or littles who love a challenge.
Mom Tip: Wear shoes that have traction. We hiked just after a rain shower so it was wet and slippery. Once across the suspension bridge, hike to Rocky Hollow and the punch bowl. One of the biggest highlights is the double ladder section, which has cool photo opportunities.
2. Trail 6 – Swinging Bridge + Rocky Hollow
Distance: ~2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Why we love it: You’ll cross the park’s famous suspension bridge (yes, it actually swings!) and wander into a beautiful ravine. It feels like stepping into an Indiana version of a rainforest. Fun and scenic.
Mom Tip: The bridge might give you heart flutters, but the kids will want to go back and forth 17 times.
3. Trail 2 – Easy Loop with Big Rewards
Stairs Trail 1/ Trail 2
Gypsy Gulch Trail 2
Distance: ~1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Why we love it: Perfect for younger kids or a low-key afternoon stroll. This one has great views of Sugar Creek and leads you right through mossy rocks and a few mini canyons and gradual stairs—without the intense climbing.
Mom Tip: Pack a snack and make it a mid-day nature picnic.
Combine Trail 2 & Trail 4 along Sugar Creek
The stretch along the Sugar Creek is scenic on the North side of Sugar Creek. Offering water views throughout the trip and cross the Narrows Covered Bridge. Stop and enjoying wading into the creek. Other options- Head North to view the Salmon Lush Home and then continue on to 8 or follow it back and take Trail 1 or Trail 2 to see Gypsy Gulch and Newby Gulch.
Trail 1 - Scenic Views along Sugar Creek
Distance: ~ 3.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: The Big Tree Trail is a hike that winds through scenic terrain and leads to the historic Narrows Covered Bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass notable features like Goose Rock and the Lusk Earth Fill, before connecting with Box Canyon on Trail 2. Keep an eye out for impressive sycamores and towering black walnut trees that give this trail a distinct feel.
4. Trail 5 – Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Views along Sugar Creek at Turkey Run Trail 5
Distance: ~0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Why we love it: Short, sweet, and a great intro hike. It’s a peaceful trail that leads to a waterfall (after a good rain) and offers big payoff. Less crowded too, so you can breathe deep and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Mom Tip: Great warm-up or cool-down trail if you're doing a double-header day. Trail 5 Great connecting trail that also takes you along Sugar Creek
5. Trail 10 – For Families with Stamina
Distance: ~3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Why we love it: A longer loop through scenic forest and canyons that feels like a true journey. You’ll pass through Fall Creek Gorge and loop back toward the heart of the park. It’s a great bonding trail—by the end, you’ll have earned that ice cream back at camp.
Mom Tip: Bring plenty of water, and pace yourselves—little legs can do it, just with a few snack breaks.
Trail 1 Scenic Views of Sugar Creek and Covered Bridge
Trail 9 -Rugged Trail Where Boulders Abound
Distance: ~1 miles
Difficulty: Rugged
Why we love it: Boulder Canyon, Falls Canyon have large boulders to climb around and leads you along sandstone cliff edges. Splits off from Trail 5.
Boulder Canyon
TIPS WHEN VISITING TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
5 Mile Challenge at Turkey Run State Park
5 Mile Challenge -If you're short on time but still want a full experience, try the 5 Mile Challenge at Turkey Run State Park. This scenic loop packs in the park’s diverse landscapes. Snap photos of key spots along the way, and earn a 5 Mile Challenge sticker from the Nature Center.
Kick off your visit at the Turkey Run Nature Center— get helpful info from rangers and explore interactive exhibits. Be sure to grab a map or download one ahead of time before heading out on the trails. .
Turkey Run Nature Center interactive exhibits
Make a restroom stop near the nature center or parking area, as bathroom access is limited once you cross the suspension bridge.
Verizon and AT&T both offer reliable cell service throughout the park.
Wear Hiking Waterproof Sandals Creek crossings, ravines galore will make your glad you wore waterproof shoes or sandals.
Dogs are allowed on all trails at Turkey Run State Park. Just be aware that Trail 3 has multiple ladder climbs, which can be challenging for furry friends. We brought our small/midsize dog on every hike, including Trail 3, but utilized a vest harness with handle to assist our dog up the ladders.
Our Dog on Trail 3 Ladder Climb
WHERE TO STAY IN OR NEAR TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
Though Marshall, Indiana is a rural town, there are several lodging options nearby, including campgrounds, charming cabins, and hotels. Here are some of the top vacation rental properties that VRBO offers which are only minutes away.
Turkey Run State Park Campground
With over 200 sites, Turkey Run State Park campground is one of the best places to camp to have easy access to the trails.
Spacious Site 238 at Turkey Run State Park
Our large spacious site at Turkey Run, was in the Sugar Ridge Loop #238, which was tucked into the forest under a canopy of shady maple trees. For reference we camped in a 27ft trailer.
Campsites include: picnic table, fire ring with attached cooking grate, and most have a cement pad for parking. Refer to the DNR website for reservations.
Turkey Run Inn is open year round with both rooms and cabins. Onsite restaurant, located in the center of the park., you can enjoy modern conveniences as you explore the area. Described as quaint and comfortable, with rustic décor. Cabins are available near the Inn and share amenities with the Inn. They include full-sized beds, a full bathroom, coffee maker, and TV. The Large family cabins contain two rooms with sleeper sofas.
Tubing is Popular at Turkey Run State Park
Grab a Sweet Treat at Up The Creek Boat-ique
Up the Creek is a quirky tiki-style restaurant near Turkey Run with outdoor seating, fun drinks, and a family-friendly vibe. Enjoy pizza, quesadillas, sandwiches, ice cream, and more—plus a play area made from old boats and even play some ping pong.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Turkey Run isn’t just a Ohio state park—it’s a choose-your-own-adventure park. Whether you’re climbing canyons, crossing swinging bridges, riding horses, or splashing in the pool, your family is going to build the kind of memories that stick and stories to tell around the campfire? That’s what our favorite family trips are made of.
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