The rocky gorges and stream beds at this state park make for some of the best hiking trails in the state, and I’m hoping this Sunday hike will be free of rain. We’ll cover around 7.5 miles, lasting around 3.5 hours. Be sure to pack plenty to drink, along with any other gear you’ll need. We’ll be seeing a combination of rocky and hilly terrain along with some steep staircases.

PLEASE NOTE: This will be a rugged, lengthy hike, so if you’re not ready for something rigorous, please consider your fitness limits and wait for another less challenging hike. This is not a hike for beginners or those who are still building endurance. Injuries can happen when someone is working beyond his or her limits, and I’d like to keep everyone injury free.

Admission to the park is $7.

We’ll be meeting in the parking lot in front of the Nature Center at 2pm. Just look for the crowd of us. Also, restrooms are located inside the Nature Center. A link to a map of the park is located at the Indiana DNR website (http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2964.htm).

After the hike, we’ll be grabbing a bite at the Turkey Run Inn.

Car Pool Info: Our Broad Ripple car pool will be meeting along the west side of Bishop Chatard High School, which is on the corner of Kessler Boulevard and Crittenden Avenue, at 5885 Crittenden Avenue. The parking along the street is free on Saturdays. We’ll meet on the sidewalk at the school entrance front near the corner and leave at 12:30pm.

Please note:

Car pool leaving @ 12:30pm

Hike @ 2pm

Length: 7.5 miles, around 3 1/2 hours

Hike category: Rugged

See you at the hike,

Michael