As autumn arrives at Turkey Run State Park, the season invites exploration. By October, cool, comfortable air sets the stage for hiking through the park’s signature sandstone gorges. With Sugar Creek flowing below and vibrant foliage above, it’s a perfect time to experience one of Indiana’s most scenic natural escapes.
Base your getaway at the historic Turkey Run Inn, a rustic yet comfortable lodge right inside the park. In October, the inn offers a front-row seat to nature’s grand performance, with foliage framed by your window and trailheads just steps away. By November, the park slows into a serene, almost private escape, perfect for couples or peaceful solo retreats. In December, twinkling holiday lights, glowing fireplaces, and mugs of hot cocoa create an irresistible winter charm after a brisk walk in the woods.
Copyright 2022 Susan Rissi Tregoning
The park’s trails are an adventure in themselves. Trail 3, with its ladders and rocky passages, is a thrill-seeker’s favorite, while Trail 5 delivers sweeping overlooks ideal for fall photos. Sugar Creek’s scenic beauty shines year-round; in late fall, its still waters reflect bare trees and winter skies like a painting. Wildlife watchers might spot deer, wild turkeys, or even a bald eagle soaring above.
Beyond the park lies Parke County, known as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World. From October 10–19, 2025, the county hosts its world-famous Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, when 31 historic bridges span rolling countryside and towns buzz with crafts, food stands, and antiques. Even after the festival, these bridges remain a timeless draw, perfect for scenic drives any time of year. Just minutes from the park, the striking red Narrows Covered Bridge (1882) on the eastern border of Turkey Run State Park, while Cox Ford Covered Bridge offers another beautiful crossing over Sugar Creek on the western border of Turkey Run State Park. A short drive reveals Jackson and Marshall covered bridges, rich in history and perfect for capturing the quiet beauty of the season.
Imagine this weekend: Friday evening, settle into the cozy inn, then stroll Trail 6 for an unforgettable sunset. Saturday morning, embark on a covered bridge driving tour, starting with Narrows and Cox Ford, then Jackson and Marshall. Stop for a homemade lunch at The Narrows Restaurant, return for an invigorating afternoon hike, then enjoy a hearty comfort-food dinner in the inn’s dining room. End the day with a board game in the lounge or a quiet fireside moment. Sunday morning, greet the day with one last hike, perhaps Trail 9 for panoramic river views, before heading home refreshed and full of memories.
Whether for fiery fall colors, peaceful early winter calm, or the nostalgic beauty of Parke County’s 31 covered bridges, Turkey Run offers a seasonal escape blending rugged adventure, cozy lodging, and small-town charm.
For more information visit: www.coveredbridges.com
