The best trail for running in the West Lafayette/Lafayette area. On the southernmost point, you can…read morepark at Fort Ouiatenon, take the sidewalk 3/4s of a mile to the trailhead then follow the dirt path along the Wabash River up to the pedestrian bridge, where you can cross over to the Lafayette side or continue up a bit more on paved surface toward a small park, restaurants and the edge of Purdue's campus. If you head over to the Lafayette side, the trail continues on paved surface for a while before returning to a dirt surface and concludes at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park in Battle Ground, roughly 13 miles from Fort O. The trail is mostly flat and runnable from start to finish. After heavy rains, the river regularly floods the southern part of the trail.

The Wabash Heritage Trail is 13 miles long making it a perfect training ground for a mini marathon…read more However, today we were exploring nature with our granddaughter. We started on the north end at Battleground Memorial. At the head of the trail is a sweet little nature center (Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center) filled with descriptions of wildlife and fauna that are native to the area. My granddaughter was delighted to see the big white owl that greeted us at the door. The volunteer at the Center was welcoming and admission was free. They had maps for the trail that you can take. There are also special programs offered throughout the year. The trail starts and Battleground and extends all the way to Fort Ouiatenon. We only toured a couple miles along a creek that eventually meets the Wabash River. The trail is mulch covered and easy to navigate by foot. It would be difficult to maneuver a stroller or wheelchair onto the trail. The trail is lined with very large sycamores, oaks, walnuts and other trees native to the area. Some of the trees were at least 300 years older. The creek is clear and suitable for a little stomping. There are occasional benches along the trail as well as informational markers. There were also picnic tables and a water fountain at the trail head. We did not see any restroom facilities, but there were probably some in the Battle Ground Museum. The hike is quiet during the week. You can enjoy the sounds of birds and squirrels. I can imagine how beautiful the trail is when the leaves are changing color. There is some highway traffic noise as you get closer to the highway. The trail does not loop, so you have to backtrack to return to your car. There was plenty of parking at the Memorial. The map indicated that there were about five parking lots along the trail. We enjoyed the hike and will return to do a different section soon. I highly recommend.

Almost hidden in the little town of Williamsport is an amazing geological feature millions of years…read morein the making. The Williamsport Falls at 90 feet high is the longest falls in Indiana. We knew it was there somewhere, but Eric at the Hot Dog Station said it's right out back and sure enough, there it was. There is a small parking area and maps of hiking trails where you can walk along the creek, descend and watch the waterfall. You can observe the top of the falls right from the parking lot. There was no water flowing due to lack of rain during our visit, but you could see amazing crevasses created by water rushing over the falls. For a small observation deck, you can see the shear drop of the falls. The fall foliage was just starting to change making the view spectacular. There is no charge to enter the park, which is dog friendly. There are several trails.

A great place for a walk and a swim to cool off afterwards! The path is newly updated for easier…read morewalking and the area is all cleaned up and nice!

This park was a great place to get out and go for a walk. The sidewalk is oversized with plenty of…read moreroom for people to pass or go on opposing directions. On our walk we headed up a long winding sidewalk for a mile. We still hadn't reached the end before turning around and heading back. There were so many adorable dogs on the visit. We also saw several birds and squirrels. Plenty of parking and areas to get out. There is also a children play area and places to picnic. Recommended

My childhood park from 40 years ago... When visiting as an…read moreadult, I still see it as a wonderful park, well maintained etc., and definitely worth spending time at. The only downsides are, and this is comparing it to the 1980s..., is that there are many more people here, PAVED trails (not a fan), and the signs say that we can no longer explore off the trails... kind of a let down, but I understand.

The Falls Creek Gorge is one of those places that if you go at the right time and/or have the right…read moreclothing/gear, you get a nice experience. Maybe even some great photos, too! The entire trek from parking lot to the potholes, then the mini waterfall, and then back the way you came to your car, is less than a mile. So, if you pack your car accordingly with a change of shoes or water shoes, you may not mind getting your feet wet if the water level is higher than when I went. Know that once you climb down a short stairway, you will most likely have to cross a slightly sloped rock area where water flows over it. I wasn't worried about getting my shoes wet (it was only about 1/4 inch deep) but because of the possibility of slipping and taking a hard fall onto the rock and sliding into the creek. The creek wasn't deep either, but rock is a lot harder than my bones, so I was careful as I crossed the area to the stairs that lead sharply up to the rest of the trail. I was fortunate that the water level was low and easily crossed to a spot where I could stand at creek level to view the potholes. The eddying current of the creek has worn a series of potholes in the river bed than make for a great audio experience hearing the water flow through them. The trail is steep at points and is narrow most of the way as you can get views from above the potholes and the creek. If you continue on the trail, it leads back to a mini waterfall that is only a couple feet high, but because of the setting and the sound, I found I was very pleased I went the extra distance to view it. I understand that the experience can be completely different after a heavy rain or in the winter when ice covers much of the creek. My advice is to know your own skill level at handling flowing water and ice before you undertake this park when the conditions are more challenging. Review #2843

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign. This attraction was one of only two in Williamsport that enticed us…read moreto drive here from Indy. The gorge itself was splendid but upon our return to our vehicle we were welcomed by the local anti-economic development committee (the local police force) trying to scare us away. Weird. Oh well, enjoyed the trip anyway.

I've been here so many times so I can't believe I have neglected to review it. We have done many…read moreday trips for hiking and picnics, and also some camping trips. October is the best time to camp or hike here, the leaves are beautiful and the trails are mostly dry. There are easy trails, moderate trails, and rugged trails. The suspension bridge is fun to cross, although there are 70 steps to climb, and they are fairly steep. It would be nice if a ramp was added for those who can't do steps. Park maps are provided when you enter the park, and most of the trails are fairly well marked. There is one trail that is marked but does not appear on the map, trail 12. Admission fee is only $7 per vehicle.

It's no real secret that I tend to be a little harsh in my reviews when accessibility is an issue,…read morehowever, nature is nature and I've never thought it made sense to be completely harsh because the natural world isn't as accessible as I'd like. So yeah, while Turkey Run is one of Indiana's prize state works it's also one of the least accessible ones. Established in 1916, Turkey Run is consistently named Indiana's favorite state park. It gets over 1 million visitors annually and it's Inn is known for being booked up to a year in advance. The Inn has 61 rooms ranging in price from $115-180, though if you use Booking.com you can often get more affordable rates. There are also 23 rental cabins (around $155 a night) and 213 campsites. Turkey Run is a gem for hikers, though it's worth noting that an awful lot of the hiking is not wheelchair friendly. Turkey Run has over 14 miles of hiking trails (11 trails, only one described as "easy"), picnic areas, a swimming pool, a nature center that I truly love, several historic sites (including some that have been made accessible, fishing, a sand volleyball court, tennis courts, a basketball court, canoeing/kayaking, and quite a few special events. For most of the sports fields, you have to bring your own equipment. There's an amazing suspension bridge. Again, not accessible as you have to do about 70 steps to get to it. For those who can, getting to it offers the Rocky Hollow-Falls Canyon Nature Preserve. I actually did do this bridge when I was younger, though as an older wheelchair user now I wouldn't even think about it. The bridge is over Sugar Creek, though there's no swimming in the creek. Turkey Run is spread out over 2,382 acres. It was Indiana's second state park. As a slightly morbid fun fact, Col. Richard Lieber has a memorial right around the end of Trail 11. Lieber is considered the father of Indiana's state parks and was instrumental in getting Indiana to become one of the first states with a significant park system. While I can't say that Turkey Run is truly my favorite park, it's one I visit from time to time partly because it's beautiful and partly because of nostalgia as it's a place my father loved to visit. He was born in deep, rural Kentucky and I think this park kind of reminded him of home. For those who love hiking, this is a must visit park. For those who appreciate a tapestry of history, that's also a reason to visit here. While wheelchair users and/or anyone with mobility concerns will struggle here, there's still enough to make this worth a day trip and/or a visit to the Turkey Run Inn for a weekend getaway.

The set of trails here runs by what I would call a lake through some woods, wetlands, and meadows…read more It isn't the most amazing environment I've ever seen by any means, but it offers a nice variety of sights, and perhaps moreso a distinctive soundscape. The infrastructure was quite well maintained, with signs apologizing that some trees had to be cut down due to parasites, but overall a clean set of trails, a visitor center with needed facilities, and a bike path running through. I did not see any celery; I'm not sure if I'm missing something or if this is just my own ignorance of what the actual plant looks like.

This nature area is quite beautiful. The trails are well marked. There are signs that are…read moreinformational throughout the park. There is a mix of mulch trails and paved sidewalks. There is a large variety of trees, shrubs, and wild flowers. On my visit there were a nice mix of animals to see ~ Rabbits , squirrels, geese, frogs, turtles, and multiple herons. A guy walking his dog also said there was a deer on the trail but we didn't see it. There is a nature center but we didn't go in. It is free to visit the park and there is plenty of parking. It is also dog friendly but they have to be leashed.

Unless you are a skilled hiker, I recommend going to this beautiful nature preserve when the…read moreweather has been dry. There is about 90 feet of elevation change on the 0.8 mile loop that can be a bit slippery if you pick a time when mud/rain can be a problem. I only explored the north end trail during my visit. After parking in a shaded lot, I went into the park where I had a choice of left or right. The right side has a steeper descent than the left. Fortunately, there is a hand rail for stability. I figured it easier to go down the steep side than up, so I stayed on the right hand path. There is a fairly level area before you reach the "stairs". The stairs are mostly natural, so they aren't evenly spaced. Just keep focused and you should be alright. Once the trail reaches the bottom of the gorge, there are places where elevated paths keep your feet from trekking through the mud. Depending upon how much rain has fallen, you may get some mud, but my feet stayed dry the entire loop. At the base, there are deep ravines where the trees catch the sunlight and light up in brilliant yellow greens. The rocks are layered and take on a rusty color that can make for some great photos. The highlight of the loop is finding the "arch" through the ridge of rock. It was just a bit taller than my head (I would say most folks won't need to duck going through.) After that, you will start working your way back. Although I traveled the same distance up, it was gradual and not nearly as challenging as climbing steps. I didn't see much wildlife there, but there were squirrels and butterflies that showed themselves. I like a short hike that features a destination and great scenes along the way. If you like that too, then seek out this park. Review #2840

Great trail among beautiful landforms. It's a nice hike that makes for a good day trip along with…read moreWilliamsport Falls, Attica, and the courthouse murals on Covington.

This is one of my favorite parks in the area! The park is beautifully landscaped and has multiple…read moresport activities available (3 baseball diamonds, a basketball court, and five tennis courts.) There is a hiking trail (2/3 mile) that loops a photo worthy lake with a fountain and numerous gardens lining the shores. There is also a small playground south of the sports complex that is a little distant, but keeps the little ones from any disturbance from the ball games. In the middle is a central building for concessions and restrooms. Near that is a rentable shelter. Oh, and though I didn't get a photo, there is a swimming pool on the west end of the complex, but I don't believe that entrance connects to the central part of the park. Review #1071

Nice community park with 3 baseball diamonds, concession stand, tennis and basketball courts,…read moreplayground, pond with walking trail, and swimming pool. I really like the park but docking a star for parking - it gets tight with multiple events ongoing.

An isolated nature preserve in the middle of farmland, flanked on the southwest by a hog farm and…read moresurrounded by fields. A parking area for 10-12 cars sits at the county road and a short flat hike along a maintained turf chute leads between to fence rows to the square-shaped preserve. Lots of trees and relatively few undergrowth problems. The tree canopy is very high, common to this type of old growth native lands. Surprisingly good visibility through the trail and forest floor. This location is not far from the small town of Mulberry but is nonetheless remote. I visited alone with my dog. If I return I will bring a hiking partner. Terrain is mostly flat with some soft spots and exposed roots. The trail is visible but not maintained beyond clearing fallen trees. Thank you Indiana DNR for preserving this area and maintaining it for public access.

I absolutely love coming here with my friends and daughter! It's so small and peaceful! It's a…read moregreat place to just relax and take in the beauty of nature! It has a nice little walking trail with tons of foliage and beautiful nature!

Pickett Memorial Park is one of my favorite parks in West Lafayette. The park, though small,…read morecurrently has six public art sculptures, three picnic areas, and a small parking lot (hopefully, construction on Stadium will restore driving access soon!) There are a few trees for shade, but mostly, the park is away from the bustle of campus and provides a relaxing spot to enjoy fresh air and some interesting art, several with Hoosier ties. The park is named for a Purdue student who died in a hiking accident. His parents wanted to honor his love of the outdoors by donating funds for the park. The art pieces included the following: Kaikoo VI by Betty Gold (the red metallic one) Limits by Joey Manson (the light blue one) Man and Technology by Don Lawler (the limestone hand) Sycamore Arch by Ken Thompson (limestone arch) Zig by Ken Thompson (a blocky rust brown sculpture) and an untitled piece that looks like an elevated oblong shape with vertical rows wrapped by horizontal rows on the top. Review #1136