Warning: session_start(): Failed to read session data: user (path: /tmp) in /home/thetim15/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sell-media/inc/class-cart.php on line 30

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/thetim15/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sell-media/inc/class-cart.php:30) in /home/thetim15/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-super-cache/wp-cache-phase2.php on line 62
Indiana: Shades State Park and Burgers in Crawfordsville | The Time to Go Is Now

Indiana: Shades State Park and Burgers in Crawfordsville

Indiana: Shades State Park and Burgers in Crawfordsville

Two weeks ago our tour of Indiana State Parks continued with a trip to Shades State Park in western Indiana. It’s only about an hour drive from Indianapolis. We lucked out with the weather. It stormed and rained for several days, but the weather cleared out enough for a Sunday hike.

indiana_shades_ladder_julie
On some trails you have to climb ladders to progress up the ravine.
Image of James and Patty on ladder
Patty received some help from James in getting up the ladder.

I hadn’t been to Shades since I was a little kid. The only thing I really remembered about it was moss. Lots and lots of moss. It didn’t take much time to see why. The best trails at Shades, and there are plenty of them, go up ravines with active streams. Damp and limited sunlight make a perfect environment for moss. There are plenty of slippery, jagged rocks to ramble over. It is a very green place, especially after a spring rain.

Image of Moss at Shades State Park
Yep. Moss.
Image of Insect at Shades State Park
Saw some interesting insects including this little dude or dudette.

Image of Hiking in Shades State Park

We were worried about the water level but figured that enough time had passed for it not to be much of a problem. But we were prepared to get muddy. Due to the weather, there weren’t many people in the park when we visited. I don’t think we encountered more the 20 other hikers all day.

Image of The Barefoot Burger
Burger, fries, and beer at The Barefoot Burger.

After our hike, we stopped in Crawfordsville for something to eat. We hit The Barefoot Burger for cheeseburgers and beer. A funky little bar/restaurant with solid burger offerings and a good beer menu. Worth a stop if you’re in the area. The Mexican grocery across the street is supposed to have a pretty good taqueria. We will have to check out El Charro the next time we’re in Crawfordsville.

2 Responses to Indiana: Shades State Park and Burgers in Crawfordsville

  1. Mark, check out my hiking club schedule. We have scheduled a hike at each state park during 2016. This weekend we are hiking at Indiana Dunes State park today and Potatoe Creek State Park on Sunday. I go on the shorter 5 mile option, then they have a 10 mile. The 10 mile leader is faster, so I don’t mind the 10 miles, but don’t like the speed. Enjoy the parks. Indyhike.org

    • Very cool. I’ve never been to Indiana Dunes. It is on the list. If we can’t get there for a day hike, We’re stopping for a bit on our next drive to Chicago.

Leave a reply

CommentLuv badge

We're Mark & Julie

We quit our jobs at the end of 2013 to backpack around the world. We're sharing our stories, travel advice and hopefully some inspiration. Read more...

We're currently in:

USA

×