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After the last couple of local hikes, we’ll make a road trip west of Indy to this state park that’s well known for being one of the best and most rugged hiking spots in the state. The majority of the hike will be challenging, and we’ll be encountering a mix of rocky gorges, stream beds, staircases, and ladders. The plan for the day will be to cover around 7 miles in about 2.5 to 3 hours. We’ll be avoiding the worst heat of the day, but be sure to bring along plenty to drink.

Admission to the park is $7 per vehicle.

We’ll be meeting at the parking lot in front of Dell Shelter. A map of the park is located here (http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2970.htm) at the Indiana DNR website. Just click on the “Maps” tab and then choose the Property Map. The Dell Shelter is indicated as “B” on the map. Make the first right you come to after passing through the gate house and then the next left. This will take you down a straight road, and you’ll pass a parking lot on the right and a pond on the left. You’ll take a right to reach the Dell parking lot. Restrooms are nearby.

For anyone interested, we’ll be getting some late lunch after the hike at the Creekside Lodge in Crawfordsville (https://www.thecreeksidelodge.net/).

Car Pool Info: We’ll meet on the west side of Bishop Chatard High School, on the corner of Kessler Boulevard and Crittenden Avenue, at 5885 Crittenden Avenue. The parking along the street on Crittenden is free on Saturdays. We’ll meet on the sidewalk in front of the school and leave at 8:30am.

Please note:

Car pool @ 8:30am

Hike @ 10am

Trails: Very Rugged

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

See you at the hike,

Michael