Shades State Park is home to beautiful natural scenery, while its high sandstone bluffs offer spectacular views across the surrounding area. Thanks to the park's network of hiking trails, visitors can explore as much or as little of Shades State Park as they want.
This one-mile trail is only for serious hikers, as the route requires you to hike along the Pearl Ravine streambed – an area which can be impassable when the water level is high. The path starts at the Lover's Leap viewpoint, where you can take some great souvenir photos of Sugar Creek and the surrounding forest.
A slightly easier trail, although you will still need to use steps and even ladders in order to access some parts of Kintz Ravine. The trail then climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the Kintz and Frisz Ravines.
If you aren't an experienced hiker, head for Trail 6, a pleasant and much easier stroll along the length of Red Fox Ravine.
A longer trail of around 2.5 miles which takes visitors on a relatively flat route through the pleasant wooded areas of Shades State Park.
Take the kids to stay in Shades State Park cabins and let them have fun exploring this beautiful area of Indiana too, while enjoying a range of outdoor activities.
Rent a canoe or kayak from a local business and explore Shades State Park from the perspective of Sugar Creek. The Deer's Mill Covered Bridge Area is where canoeists and kayakers can enter the water and start exploring. This is a great way to see just how impressive the park's sandstone cliffs are as they rise from the surface of the water.
In an area which is home to so much water, it won't surprise you to learn that fishing is another popular activity among visitors to Shades State Park. Make sure you have a state license before you start to fish.
Through the summer months, park rangers run a variety of activities aimed at families with children of all ages. You can enjoy guided nature walks during the day, and campfire talks after dark.
