(TURKEY RUN) – Since November, Rocky Hollow has been closed to hikers. Rocky Hollow is located just north of the Suspension Bridge on trail 3 at Turkey Run State Park. This canyon is one of the most hiked locations in Indiana.
To help preserve the natural beauty in this location, trail repairs are being made. The main goal is to define where the trail is. Over the years, the amount of foot traffic in that area has widened and split the trail creating a network of rouge trails.
To the average visitor, it’s impossible to tell the difference between the rouge trails and the park created trail. The repairs will consist of creating designated water crossings with native stone, preventing erosion by rock cribbing, and protecting the natural springs. The entire project is projected to finish in late spring. However, Rocky Hollow floods annually in spring so the project may be delayed until summer.
All other parts of the park are open including Bear Hollow, Turkey Hollow, Falls Canyon, Boulder Canyon, and Gypsy Gulch.
Upcoming Events:
March 16, 7-8 p.m. Woodcock Watch at Shades State Park
Known as timberdoodle, male American woodcocks put on a unique and spectacular mating display. Watch these secretive birds show off their skills. Meet at the Pine Shelter, located just inside of the park entrance. If you would like to get an idea as to what this experience is like watch this video. Like most low light settings, videos and pictures do not do the mating display justice.
March 23, 8 p.m. Full-ish Moon Hike at Shades State Park
Explore Shades with a Naturalist guided hike of Trail 7. A hike will traverse a Kickapoo ravine and will be about a mile in length. Hiking boots required and a red flashlight is preferred. Meet at the Hickory Parking Lot. Rugged night hikes are not suitable for children under the age of 10.
April 13 Eaglet Day
Revisit the nests from Eagles In Flight Weekend (Last weekend of January every year) in search of eaglets. Vehicle caravan from Turkey Run State Park to eagle nests located on the maps and eagle nests along the Wabash River (West Union Bridge floodplain). $5 per person, does not include lunch. Payment is due at Nature Center before the caravan leaves. Space is limited due to parking near nest locations. Carpooling will be required. Questions? Contact the Turkey Run Nature Center at 765-597-2654 or adouglass@dnr.IN.gov
Morning caravan, 9 a.m.- noon, Registration
Afternoon caravan, 1-4 p.m., Registration
April 18, 6 p.m. Friends Group Spring Banquet: Indiana Skunk Rescue
Join the Friends of Turkey Run & Shades fun-filled for a fun filled evening at the Turkey Run Inn. The Friends members will be having their spring banquet with a program following. The banquet is pot-luck style. Bringing a dish is not required but is appreciated. After the food, Indiana Skunk Rescue will talk about domestic and wild skunks. Everyone will get the opportunity to meet their live educational skunk.
April 26-28, Women’s Wellness Weekend
Join us for our 6th annual WWW event. A weekend of workshops including yoga, jewelry making, wine-tasting and so much more. You won’t want to miss the fun. Register now to secure your spot. Call 1-877-500-6151 or 765-597-2211, or email Kristina Hale at khale@dnr.IN.gov.
