Vacation/Travel Supplement

Prehistoric pathways: Glaciers carved giant rocks at Turkey Run State Park

The road less traveled can be found at Turkey Run State Park near Marshall, where sandstone rock formations line gorges that are fun—and sometimes muddy—to hike along in the park’s Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve. Each step down the trail takes hikers further back in time.

By Mary Ann Wyand

MARSHALL—Rocks, gigantic rocks, larger than you’ve probably ever seen before, are Turkey Run State Park’s huge attraction for nature lovers.

Sugar Creek, winding around those amazing prehistoric rocks, adds to the ambience of this unique Indiana State Park in west-central Indiana, which draws hikers, canoeists and kayakers to Parke County to enjoy the incredible scenery.

Just across the suspension bridge over Sugar Creek are massive rock formations within the state park that are part of the aptly named Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve.

In 1975, Rocky Hollow was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the federal government.

An environmental sign posted at the bridge by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources reminds hikers to “protect and enjoy this priceless heritage,” which is home to “deep sandstone canyons and one of the last remnants of the magnificent forest that originally covered most of Indiana.”

The sign also warns hikers to return to the suspension bridge before sundown because the trails are hazardous after dark.

Climbing is prohibited on the large rocks and canyon walls. The rocky trails are fun, challenging and best-suited for adults and older children. Don’t hike alone.

Swimming isn’t allowed in Sugar Creek, but the state park has an Olympic-size swimming pool and smaller pool.

To protect the delicate natural habitat, hikers also are required to stay on designated trails, keep pets on a short leash and “collect nothing.”

In rainy weather, rocky trails often become shallow streams so it’s a good idea to wear waterproof hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes that won’t be ruined while walking along muddy ravines.

Take along a water bottle for refreshment while hiking the long trails, and carry out everything that you carry into the state park.

The nature preserve was created to “save a piece of the past for the future” by a group of environmentally conscious Hoosiers—including newspaper columnist and Woman’s Press Club of Indiana member Juliet Strauss of Rockville—whose lobbying efforts in the early 1900s helped save the hardwood trees from being cut down and milled for lumber.

It may be 80 degrees along the bank of Sugar Creek on a hot summer day, but in some of the rocky canyons the temperature drops dramatically and the air actually feels cold. Native Americans stored meat in one rock formation called “The Ice Box,” which is a highlight of Trail 3.

“The geology of Turkey Run State Park offers a unique view into the past,” the park’s Web site explains. “A walk into one of the ravines takes the visitor on a trip through time. … The sandstone gorges represent 600 to 300 million years of nature’s handiwork.”

About 20,000 years ago, glaciers carved the existing rock formations and left a barren landscape that gradually became a thick forest.

“In Rocky Hollow, the clock stopped about 12,000 years ago,” the Department of Natural Resources sign explains. “The canyon has kept the temperature and moisture conditions similar to that long ago time. While the surrounding landscape continues to change, Rocky Hollow remembers dark evergreen forests and mastodons.”

The gorges are similar to geological formations seen by Native Americans and pioneers here centuries ago.

Turkey Run was established as Indiana’s second state park after the first parcel of land was acquired in 1912.

Becky Weber, marketing director for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis, said park amenities on 2,382 acres include 11 hiking trails, picnic areas, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, camping, two swimming pools, the Inn with restaurant and a Nature Center.

Historic sites at the park include Lieber Cabin, a log church, the Lusk Home with Grist Mill and Narrows Covered Bridge.

Sugar Creek also winds through nearby Shades State Park, a rugged recreation area close to several canoe rental shops.

“There are some serious hiking trails,” Weber said, that offer memorable nature experiences at the two state parks along scenic Sugar Creek.

(For more information about Indiana Department of Natural Resources State Parks, Reservoirs, Forests, Fish and Wildlife Areas, museums and historic sites, log on to www.dnr.in.gov.) †