Lieber Trail

The Lieber Trail is named for Colonel Richard Lieber, the visionary founder of Indiana's state park system, who established Turkey Run as Indiana's second state park in 1916. The trail is one of the longer loops at Turkey Run, crossing Sugar Creek via a dramatic suspension bridge that sways gently underfoot as hikers traverse the 130-foot-long span above the green-tinted water below. The suspension bridge crossing is a highlight for most visitors, offering an elevated view up and downstream through the wooded gorge. After the crossing, the trail climbs the opposite bank to traverse the gorge rim through mature upland forest of tulip poplar, beech, and sugar maple before descending back to creek level through a series of smaller ravines and hollows. Wildflower diversity is exceptional in spring along the creek banks, with great colonies of blue phlox, Virginia bluebells, and trout lily. The gorge section provides habitat for pileated woodpeckers, which are regularly seen and heard along the trail. Unlike the canyon trails, the Lieber Trail does not require ladder climbing, making it suitable for dogs on leash and hikers seeking a less technical but still substantial workout.