A portion of Turkey Run State Park’s iconic Trail 3 that goes through Rocky Hollow is closed for trail improvements for at least the next two months. All other trails in the park remain open.

Hikers will still be able to access the Ice Box, ladders, Falls and Boulder canyons, and other features through Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve during the restoration work by walking southwest on Trail 3 along Sugar Creek.

The trail through Rocky Hollow weaves back and forth across a small stream and climbs a waterfall in one of Indiana’s largest sandstone canyons. The project will better define the trail, protect fragile natural areas by blocking rogue “social” trails up to the bases of the canyon walls, and improve water crossings.

Trail crew workers will be armoring the trail, where appropriate, to prevent erosion. Native sandstone stepping stones will be installed at stream crossings. Rock cribbing will be used, where appropriate, to prevent erosion.

People were drawn to Turkey Run’s canyons long before it became a state park in 1916. Nearly one million people visit the state park annually, and many hike into Rocky Hollow, which is a National Natural Landmark.

The canyons contain relict populations of rare native species. The conditions are ideal for lichens, mosses and liverworts. Ferns and native hemlocks cling to the canyon walls.

“This project is a perfect example of finding ways to balance access to Indiana’s most beautiful and distinctive places while conserving the resources that draw Hoosiers to them,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for Indiana State Parks. “We look forward to seeing these improvements completed.”

For the completed work to have the desired effect, hikers will need to use the new trail route through Rocky Hollow and avoid the temptation to create new “rogue” trails.

“This work, in combination with appropriate trail use, will allow those relict and rare species to grow again and will keep Rocky Hollow healthy for future generations to experience,” said Turkey Run interpretive naturalist Aaron Douglass.

The trail work will be completed by Spectrum Trail Design. Additional information about Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve is available at dnr.IN.gov/naturepreserve/files/np-Rocky_Hollow-color.pdf.

Turkey Run State Park (on.IN.gov/turkeyrunsp) is at 8121 East Park Rd. Marshall, 47859.

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Media contact: Aaron Douglass, Turkey Run State Park, 765-597-2654