PARKE COUNTY, Ind. — A trail that takes you through the heart of an ethereal cave system and down the sides of waterfalls by way of rickety ladders is now being hailed the best hike around by Midwest Living Magazine.
Trail 3 is a hike that winds through the sandy riverbed and two glacial cave systems - Bear and Rocky Hollows - at Turkey Run State Park in Parke County.
"You'll see rock formations, waterfalls and glacial potholes before climbing out of the canyon via wooden ladders. One tip: Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet," the magazine wrote of the trail.
We can see why it claimed the No. 1 spot. Another pro tip though, if we may: once you get across the suspension bridge, you can access Trail 3 by going either left or right, because it's ultimately a loop trail not out-and-back.
If you start by heading right, towards the Punch Bowl, you'll finish your hike near the shaded and watery Bear Hollow portion - a nice option for a hot day normally.
But don't try that out just yet!
Thrilled though we may be Trail 3 is Best in the Midwest, not all of it is open to the public. The DNR website said the upper section of Trail 3, where it meets up with 5 and 10, is closed until a staircase can be replaced.
Out of all the 11 trails throughout Turkey Run State Park, note that Trail 3 is one of two trails marked 'Very Rugged' so it's a little more intense than others you may find.
You can take a closer look at all the trails at Turkey Run, here, and get a glimpse at other must-see spots throughout the Midwest, here.
