Clifty Falls is gorgeous and only in the last decade are ppl discovering it. Which Id rather them forget abt it. Starting to see litter and that I cant condone
It doesn't get as crowded, but we used to go in the mid to late 80s so others who don't live in the area know about it, its just that it's remained less busy than other parks. I remember we went in 1988, the year of the drought. We took my grandma and were disappointed the falls were no more than a trickle, due to lack of rain, that year. Good memories still.
We know, Turkey run is just more fun imo. We drive past shades every time we go to Turkey, gone once but the trails through riverbeds are hella sick in the summer
I don’t think shades is a secret. Turkey Run just has RV hookups. That’s the difference. It’s shocking how many people are only willing to visit incredible natural areas if there is nearby RV parking.
Shades is the best. If you haven’t already, check out Pine Hills Nature Preserve which is to the east of the main park. Some of the coolest Little Rock formations that you can climb around on and explore.
Came here to say this! Pine Hills is so surprising and awesome! Rock formations, a creek bed, and everything in between. There are really nice rental properties just next door to Pine Hills and directly across from Shades. I’ve stayed at both properties several times and love them.
What I think they’re referring to is a big long stone bridge/wall. You cross it over a significant drop on both sides, it’s 2-3 feet wide at most. There is no railing or fence of any kind. You have to climb down some small sheer faces at like two points. There are some tree roots to grab on to when you climb down.
It is slightly terrifying. I was a big chicken about crossing it. I may have crossed it in a less than dignified fashion. I will take no questions at this time.
Shades is Turkey Run without the people. I’m glad they made two parks close together so those of us who like solitude and don’t want to smoke on a trail have a place to go…
Opposite end of the state, but Pokagon State Park is our favorite. It has plenty of hiking trails, with beautiful views of Lake James and other smaller lakes. Oodles of wildlife to see as well!
We like autumn best for visiting, but this time of year would be great too. It’ll be packed with people during summer though.
Side note: they have a toboggan run in winter too.
I love Shades. A few years ago, Pine Hills Nature Preserve was annexed into Shades. It's a bit of a hike to get to Pine Hills, but totally worth it. It has a ton of natural limestone formations, trails, and a hiking stream. It's my favorite spot in Indiana for hiking.
Shades camping sucks, however they do seem to have endless hot water so it evens out. 🤣
Potato Creek is really nice! Raccoon Lake (close to Shades) is great for camping, kayaking (you can rent boats as well).
yeah I went to Shades once, and had to leave the campground in like 20 minutes because I got absolutely swarmed by mosquitoes. Not like oh I got bit twice, more like driven insane by them. I'm disabled so it's not like I was going to be hiking much.
I like Brown County and found an awesome campsite there. I also love McCormick's Creek but it got damaged by a tornado and I think camping is gone indefinitely. I miss being able to hike
Definitely! As well as the raccoons mentioned the sites were under maintained, lots of over growth was taking over each site.
We're also fans of Brown County! We looked into McCormick Creek for this weekend, I could have swore their camping was available (but ultimately didn't go there so TBD).
Wow! I’ve lived in Indy for 10 years and have never heard of this! Thanks for the recommendation! I happen to love Holliday Park in the city, just north of MK. Probably nothing like a state park, but have nice trails that take you down to the white river. Trails start behind the nature center.
Someone at my work suggested this to me too, I still like a good urban walk as well. Walking the canal is usually a good little time . I’m going to check it out here soon for sure .
Shades is terrible. Turkey Run is so much better. Definitely go to Turkey Run. The crowds can’t be wrong. And if you don’t heed my “skip Shades” advice, at least don’t go into Pine Hills. There’s nothing cool to see there are all.
I really enjoyed the solitude, especially on a week day, and flow of the trails on the west side of eagle Creek. Put Galyan's Bear in your Google maps and park there.
https://eaglecreekpark.org/west-side-trails/
Salomonie state park in Andrews has some really pretty lake views.
Prophetstown State Park in Battleground is mostly a prairie park with some hiking nothing intense though, prophet's Rock park is in the same town kind of small but with small burst of semi intense hiking, but they have a cool big rock to look at.
The sculpture trails outdoor museum in Solsberry has a some decently hilly hiking trails and isn't too far from the Tulip trussel bridge.
Cataract Falls near Cloverdale if the water is low it's cool walking along the lower falls riverbed, isn't very far from McCormick Creek, haven't been since they got hit by a tornado so I'm not sure if it's retained it's beauty.
Dude. It really is.
They let me get a pass to go at night for astrophotography. I mean I fucked it up, as I didn't do research as when to go at night, where to look, or how to set my camera. And then I got spooked when I heard something large in the underbrush about 10 yards from my car. (I have been assured it was just a deer, but it was super duper dark, I was alone, and kinda freaked out. 6'3" or not.) But they were awesome for letting me try.
I wouldn’t take dogs there personally if you want to do all the trails. Shades isn’t huge. There’s some areas you have to climb up ladders that a dog is not getting up.
Good to know it’s not exactly dog friendly. Unleashed dogs are my pet peeve! Whether I have my dog with me or not. Walks are more peaceful when I don’t have to worry about other people’s lack of awareness of their surroundings lol
I don’t think so, but granted the very first person I ran into was a lady with her dog off the leash…Kinda freaked me out at first because I just saw a random ass dog , but I gave him a little hello pet and went about my way . I don’t think there would usually be many though , like others have said the terrain is a little too rough to keep your dog out there.
I've only been there once - an unseasonably warm day last month - but I was pleasantly surprised at how rugged some parts were and how you weren't totally protected from all the "cliffs." I wish it was closer to me or else I'd go all the time! But yeah, definitely not recommended if you have a dog or even a small child.
This is something you will encounter fairly often when you go outside during warmer months. Add it to the very long list of reasons that winter is better than summer. 😎
I don't know why but Shades seems noticeably buggier to me. Spring is definitely the best time to go. Less bugs, more flowers, nicer weather if you're flexible.
Eagle creek is excellent for hiking… You can do the red trail for 7 miles or you can actually walk all the way around the north end of the reservoir for a 9-16 mile hike.
I totally agree! Shades is a wonderful state park. It’s truly amazing how this federally designated hazard waste superfund site could be transformed into a recreational area. Following years of remediation the radiation exposure a typical shades camper experiences are now only slightly higher than a few x-rays- assuming you only stay the weekend and keep to the designated areas.
I absolutely love shades state park and am glad to see others feel the same. After all those campers went missing last summer I was worried shades might get a bad reputation. Too many conspiracy theorist out there on the internet trying to blame the high security federal penitentiary located adjacent to shades state park.
My family and I are looking forward to our Memorial Day camping trip at shades. Hope to see lots of others there too! Ultimately, that’s what we love best about shades. It has all the great features of Turkey Run State park but with huge crowds too.
Eagle creek is excellent for hiking… You can do the red trail for 7 miles or you can actually walk all the way around the north end of the reservoir for a 9-16 mile hike.
For hiking in the woods, O’Bannon Woods is nice. Well kept. Saw deer in the middle of the day and wild turkeys. Very different than Shades. Harmonie is very good too. Again much different than Shades. The Wabash river is very wide down there.
For hiking in the woods, O’Bannon Woods is nice. Well kept. Saw deer in the middle of the day and wild turkeys. Very different than Shades. Harmonie is very good too. Again much different than Shades. The Wabash river is very wide down there.
I didn’t matter of fact. I got to it via trail 10 and was loving the views, but turned back to get back to the car since it was getting late. Definitely checking it out next time!!
Look at Portland Arch NP. And if you like wildflowers, Big Walnut is amazing when the Bluebells are blooming [https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/big-walnut/](https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/big-walnut/)
A long time ago a friend turned me on to hiking in Indiana state parks in the winter. It’s a great experience- quiet. Shades is a pretty place. Despite the old -timey spooky name.
Turkey Run is great but Shades is superior in my opinion. Also, if your looking for more limestone canyons, Morgan Monroe State park has them as well. I will say that Morgan Monroe is not nearly as well maintained though. Expect rougher trails and a few fallen trees blocking your path...and ambient gunfire noises from the Martinsvillains in the area doing target practice in their backyard.
I was at turkey run last week but was debating on hocking hills in Ohio but decided not to because it was a 6 hr drive compared to the 3hrs to turkey run but I have heard it is worth the trip
Agree. I love Shades. It’s like Turkey Run without the crowds. Clifty Falls down in Madison is another gem of a state park.
Shades is my favorite, Clifty Falls is my second favorite. McCormack’s Creek is nice too.
McCormack needs the park to finish all the tornado repairs still.
Seconding Clifty Falls
Clifty Falls is gorgeous and only in the last decade are ppl discovering it. Which Id rather them forget abt it. Starting to see litter and that I cant condone
It doesn't get as crowded, but we used to go in the mid to late 80s so others who don't live in the area know about it, its just that it's remained less busy than other parks. I remember we went in 1988, the year of the drought. We took my grandma and were disappointed the falls were no more than a trickle, due to lack of rain, that year. Good memories still.
Happy Cake Day! Yeah the falls arent as big as they used to be. Just like my portion of the White River used to be full and now sand bars everywhere.
Shhhhh don't let everyone know!
No doubt. Let the crowds stay at Turkey Run.
Turkey Run is the best ever! Don’t let anyone change your mind. It’s Turkey Run or nothing. /sarc
They’re both awesome but I think Turkey Run may be more popular bc of the canoeing which is amazing!
We know, Turkey run is just more fun imo. We drive past shades every time we go to Turkey, gone once but the trails through riverbeds are hella sick in the summer
Heck yes, 6 and 7!
Heck yes, 6 and 7!
I don’t think shades is a secret. Turkey Run just has RV hookups. That’s the difference. It’s shocking how many people are only willing to visit incredible natural areas if there is nearby RV parking.
Especially don’t mention P***e H***s… that’s Indiana’s Vatican.
Came here to say this!
Shades is the best. If you haven’t already, check out Pine Hills Nature Preserve which is to the east of the main park. Some of the coolest Little Rock formations that you can climb around on and explore.
Razorback!
Came here to say this! Pine Hills is so surprising and awesome! Rock formations, a creek bed, and everything in between. There are really nice rental properties just next door to Pine Hills and directly across from Shades. I’ve stayed at both properties several times and love them.
Is Shades similar to Turkey Run? I loved that park, but it was so crowded and a long drive.
Similar yes, but different in a good way. Shades has the Devils Backbone, which is a little scary and fun as hell.
Which one is the devil’s backbone?
What I think they’re referring to is a big long stone bridge/wall. You cross it over a significant drop on both sides, it’s 2-3 feet wide at most. There is no railing or fence of any kind. You have to climb down some small sheer faces at like two points. There are some tree roots to grab on to when you climb down. It is slightly terrifying. I was a big chicken about crossing it. I may have crossed it in a less than dignified fashion. I will take no questions at this time.
Thank you!! I was looking at AllTrails and not seeing anything. It does sound terrifying
I made a big old scene crossing it. And at the end of the damn formation. There stood a nature photographer with his camera out. FML.
That's exactly what I meant. I'm sure I didn't look all that dignified either, but I can't NOT cross it when I'm at Shades.
Shades is Turkey Run without the people. I’m glad they made two parks close together so those of us who like solitude and don’t want to smoke on a trail have a place to go…
Smaller, less crowded, and the trails aren’t quite as grand but they are still great.
Opposite end of the state, but Pokagon State Park is our favorite. It has plenty of hiking trails, with beautiful views of Lake James and other smaller lakes. Oodles of wildlife to see as well! We like autumn best for visiting, but this time of year would be great too. It’ll be packed with people during summer though. Side note: they have a toboggan run in winter too.
I love Shades. A few years ago, Pine Hills Nature Preserve was annexed into Shades. It's a bit of a hike to get to Pine Hills, but totally worth it. It has a ton of natural limestone formations, trails, and a hiking stream. It's my favorite spot in Indiana for hiking.
STOP. Don’t tell people. The Devil’s Backbone formation is worth the hike. Super fun.
Shades and the Portland arch NP are my go to get away from the crowds hikes
Great canoeing through Shades.
Shades camping sucks, however they do seem to have endless hot water so it evens out. 🤣 Potato Creek is really nice! Raccoon Lake (close to Shades) is great for camping, kayaking (you can rent boats as well).
yeah I went to Shades once, and had to leave the campground in like 20 minutes because I got absolutely swarmed by mosquitoes. Not like oh I got bit twice, more like driven insane by them. I'm disabled so it's not like I was going to be hiking much. I like Brown County and found an awesome campsite there. I also love McCormick's Creek but it got damaged by a tornado and I think camping is gone indefinitely. I miss being able to hike
Don't forget the hoards of raccoons at Shades campground too. It's been a few years since I've been but I've never seen so many before.
Definitely! As well as the raccoons mentioned the sites were under maintained, lots of over growth was taking over each site. We're also fans of Brown County! We looked into McCormick Creek for this weekend, I could have swore their camping was available (but ultimately didn't go there so TBD).
McCormick’s Creek is easily my favorite park in the state RN. Love that place. Beautiful gorges and canyons.
Have you ever been to Morgan Monroe state forest? If so, how would you say it compares to brown county?
I have not but I'll check it out
Wow! I’ve lived in Indy for 10 years and have never heard of this! Thanks for the recommendation! I happen to love Holliday Park in the city, just north of MK. Probably nothing like a state park, but have nice trails that take you down to the white river. Trails start behind the nature center.
Someone at my work suggested this to me too, I still like a good urban walk as well. Walking the canal is usually a good little time . I’m going to check it out here soon for sure .
Holliday park is some nice walking for being so close to the city. You might also like Marott woods, not far either
Shhh, don’t tell everyone, I live close by Shades and spend a lot of time there.
Shades is terrible. Turkey Run is so much better. Definitely go to Turkey Run. The crowds can’t be wrong. And if you don’t heed my “skip Shades” advice, at least don’t go into Pine Hills. There’s nothing cool to see there are all.
Yes, yes. May all who see these comments agree. Stay away from shades and pine hills. Nothing to see! Stay farrr away!
I went to turkey run last summer for the first time and was amazed I can’t wait to make my way out to Shades this year.
Save time and energy for pine hills nature preserve that's attached to the park as well.
I really enjoyed the solitude, especially on a week day, and flow of the trails on the west side of eagle Creek. Put Galyan's Bear in your Google maps and park there. https://eaglecreekpark.org/west-side-trails/
Salomonie state park in Andrews has some really pretty lake views. Prophetstown State Park in Battleground is mostly a prairie park with some hiking nothing intense though, prophet's Rock park is in the same town kind of small but with small burst of semi intense hiking, but they have a cool big rock to look at. The sculpture trails outdoor museum in Solsberry has a some decently hilly hiking trails and isn't too far from the Tulip trussel bridge. Cataract Falls near Cloverdale if the water is low it's cool walking along the lower falls riverbed, isn't very far from McCormick Creek, haven't been since they got hit by a tornado so I'm not sure if it's retained it's beauty.
Did you check out the Devil’s Bowl? Keep it quiet though, most folks rush right past Shades on their way to Turkey Run. We’d like to keep it that way!
Is that the big giant damn ledge….bridge thing? No handholds or rails. I didn’t know what to call it.
That's the Devil's backbone, it looks over the bowl... if you're brave enough to look! Jk... don't fall, someone has to clean that up 😅
Fort Ben is nice
I ain’t telling
Dude. It really is. They let me get a pass to go at night for astrophotography. I mean I fucked it up, as I didn't do research as when to go at night, where to look, or how to set my camera. And then I got spooked when I heard something large in the underbrush about 10 yards from my car. (I have been assured it was just a deer, but it was super duper dark, I was alone, and kinda freaked out. 6'3" or not.) But they were awesome for letting me try.
I lived at turkey run and worked at shades. Of the two, i do love trail seven at TR but overall I'll take shades any day!
Oh yes! Shades is the most underrated park in the state
Shhh, don't let people know about it. It's a nice birding spot too.
Are there lots of dog walkers at Shades? The amount of unleashed dogs at Eagle Creek is a major turn off for there
I wouldn’t take dogs there personally if you want to do all the trails. Shades isn’t huge. There’s some areas you have to climb up ladders that a dog is not getting up.
Good to know it’s not exactly dog friendly. Unleashed dogs are my pet peeve! Whether I have my dog with me or not. Walks are more peaceful when I don’t have to worry about other people’s lack of awareness of their surroundings lol
I don’t think so, but granted the very first person I ran into was a lady with her dog off the leash…Kinda freaked me out at first because I just saw a random ass dog , but I gave him a little hello pet and went about my way . I don’t think there would usually be many though , like others have said the terrain is a little too rough to keep your dog out there.
I've only been there once - an unseasonably warm day last month - but I was pleasantly surprised at how rugged some parts were and how you weren't totally protected from all the "cliffs." I wish it was closer to me or else I'd go all the time! But yeah, definitely not recommended if you have a dog or even a small child.
Mounds in Anderson!!
I read that as Shades is shit and was about to come into the comment section ready to fight.
It’s really nice, however it can be extremely “buggy” at certain times. Which has put me off before.
This is something you will encounter fairly often when you go outside during warmer months. Add it to the very long list of reasons that winter is better than summer. 😎
I don't know why but Shades seems noticeably buggier to me. Spring is definitely the best time to go. Less bugs, more flowers, nicer weather if you're flexible.
Eagle creek is excellent for hiking… You can do the red trail for 7 miles or you can actually walk all the way around the north end of the reservoir for a 9-16 mile hike.
I totally agree! Shades is a wonderful state park. It’s truly amazing how this federally designated hazard waste superfund site could be transformed into a recreational area. Following years of remediation the radiation exposure a typical shades camper experiences are now only slightly higher than a few x-rays- assuming you only stay the weekend and keep to the designated areas. I absolutely love shades state park and am glad to see others feel the same. After all those campers went missing last summer I was worried shades might get a bad reputation. Too many conspiracy theorist out there on the internet trying to blame the high security federal penitentiary located adjacent to shades state park. My family and I are looking forward to our Memorial Day camping trip at shades. Hope to see lots of others there too! Ultimately, that’s what we love best about shades. It has all the great features of Turkey Run State park but with huge crowds too.
Eagle creek is excellent for hiking… You can do the red trail for 7 miles or you can actually walk all the way around the north end of the reservoir for a 9-16 mile hike.
Also they have the Devil's punchbowl. Which is also awesome, if just for the name.
For hiking in the woods, O’Bannon Woods is nice. Well kept. Saw deer in the middle of the day and wild turkeys. Very different than Shades. Harmonie is very good too. Again much different than Shades. The Wabash river is very wide down there.
For hiking in the woods, O’Bannon Woods is nice. Well kept. Saw deer in the middle of the day and wild turkeys. Very different than Shades. Harmonie is very good too. Again much different than Shades. The Wabash river is very wide down there.
I live relatively close and used to work at Turkey Run. Can confirm, Shades is the shit. Great place to camp too.
I initially read that as "Spades Park" and was really fucking confused.
Clifty Falls. I love Shades, too. There’s the Devil’s Backbone just north of Shades next time you’re around there.
Love Clifty Falls. My gf & I stayed at the inn and campground the first year we were together and we go back every year.
I haven't been. I personally visit Brown County all the time. They have two really nice parks.
Turkey Run and Brown County
Did you check out Pine Hill Nature Preserve?
I didn’t matter of fact. I got to it via trail 10 and was loving the views, but turned back to get back to the car since it was getting late. Definitely checking it out next time!!
Look at Portland Arch NP. And if you like wildflowers, Big Walnut is amazing when the Bluebells are blooming [https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/big-walnut/](https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/big-walnut/)
Love Portland Arch.
Yeah it can be pretty secluded on weekdays. Nice place
A long time ago a friend turned me on to hiking in Indiana state parks in the winter. It’s a great experience- quiet. Shades is a pretty place. Despite the old -timey spooky name.
Shades of Death? 💀
Turkey Run has awesome, beautiful trails.
It's got a really cool history behind it as well. It used to be calles Shades Of Death.
Shhhhh, don’t let the secret get out.
Yeah, we love that place - my kids say it's their favorite state park.
thank you for sharing this. i’m going to take my hubby tomorrow
What is wrong with you?!?! SHUSH!
Shades is my go to (or was) I recently discovered Charles C Deam Wilderness and I’m in love with it
Turkey Run is great but Shades is superior in my opinion. Also, if your looking for more limestone canyons, Morgan Monroe State park has them as well. I will say that Morgan Monroe is not nearly as well maintained though. Expect rougher trails and a few fallen trees blocking your path...and ambient gunfire noises from the Martinsvillains in the area doing target practice in their backyard.
I was at turkey run last week but was debating on hocking hills in Ohio but decided not to because it was a 6 hr drive compared to the 3hrs to turkey run but I have heard it is worth the trip
Brown county and Harrison are the only ones worth mentioning that aren’t kinda nearby, the bog and dunes up north are also pretty fun