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Shades State Park in Crawfordsville | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Forest · Pond

5 (118 ratings)

Discover the natural beauty of Shades State Park, located in Crawfordsville, United States. With 3149.9 acres of stunning landscapes and diverse trails, this park is a haven for walkers and ...

Discover the natural beauty of Shades State Park, located in Crawfordsville, United States. With 3149.9 acres of stunning landscapes and diverse trails, this park is a haven for walkers and hikers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Shades State Park offers a variety of routes that cater to all levels of experience. The park's well-maintained trails provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy an active outdoor adventure, making it an ideal destination for those looking to engage in walking and hiking activities. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Shades State Park as you explore its network of trails. With a range of routes to choose from, including the popular Trail 2, Trail 10, and Trail 9, hikers and walkers can experience the park's natural wonders at their own pace. The diverse trail options cater to different preferences and fitness levels, ensuring that visitors can find the ideal route for an enjoyable outdoor excursion. Whether you're looking for a short, scenic walk or a longer, more challenging hike, Shades State Park has something for everyone. For walkers and hikers seeking an enriching outdoor experience, Shades State Park in Crawfordsville, United States, is the ideal destination. As you embark on your adventure, don't forget to download Pacer Pedometer for additional information about the park and its routes. Whether you're looking to explore the picturesque landscapes or engage in invigorating physical activity, Shades State Park invites you to embrace the beauty of nature and embark on memorable walking and hiking experiences.

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Walking and Hiking in Shades State Park

Are you an avid walker or hiker looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure? Look no further than Shades State Park in Crawfordsville, United States. This picturesque park offers a haven for walking and hiking enthusiasts, with a range of amenities to suit your needs. With its stunning natural beauty and ...

Are you an avid walker or hiker looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure? Look no further than Shades State Park in Crawfordsville, United States. This picturesque park offers a haven for walking and hiking enthusiasts, with a range of amenities to suit your needs. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse trail options, Shades State Park is the ideal destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this park has something for everyone. From the Devil's Punchbowl to Prospect Point, there are plenty of captivating sights to explore along the trails. With essential amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, and picnic sites, you can focus on your outdoor activities without any worries. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to embark on an unforgettable walking and hiking adventure at Shades State Park.

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Other Info about Shades State Park

Websitehttps://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2970.htm

Essential Amenities in Shades State Park

Playground
Picnic Site
BBQ
Restroom
Parking lot

Things to See in Shades State Park

Attraction

Devil's Punchbowl

Viewpoint

Prospect Point

Best Walking Routes in Shades State Park

#1 - Trail 2
1
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m

Trail 2 is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Crawfordsville, Indiana. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Trail 10
1
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m

Trail 10 is a 0.7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Crawfordsville, Indiana. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Trail 9
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m

Trail 9 is a 0.2 mile (500-step) route located near Waveland, Indiana. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Reviews of Shades State Park

5/5
118 ratings
eguildenSep 7, 2025
5

Great

See All Reviews
See All Reviews

Shades State Park Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
k_beard
63
joshstewart865
30
Richard
3
4spsublette
3
5Concetta
2
6Zac
2
7eguilden
1
8Reagan
1
9Karen
1
10
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Turkey Run State Park
Milligan Park
Rockville Lake Park
Lake Park
VBL Beach Park
Stone Bluff Park
Leland Cornette Memorial Park
Pine Bluff Ridge
Hemlock Ridge Nature Preserve

FAQs About Shades State Park

Where is the best place to walk in Shades State Park?

The best place to walk in Shades State Park is on Trail 2, which is 0.8 miles long and has a rating of 4.0. It is a beautiful trail that is highly recommended by the Pacer community for its scenic views and moderate difficulty.

How many routes are in Shades State Park?

Shades State Park offers a variety of routes for walking and hiking. There are a total of 6 routes available for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Which is the longest route in Shades State Park?

The longest route in Shades State Park is 'Home 💕' which is 1.6 miles long. While it is the longest, it also offers a diverse and beautiful walking experience, with a variety of terrain and natural beauty to enjoy along the way.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Shades State Park?

Yes, Shades State Park offers essential amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, and BBQ areas for the convenience of walkers and hikers.

How accessible is Shades State Park?

Shades State Park is accessible with well-maintained parking lots, making it convenient for walkers and hikers to access the park and its amenities.

What kind of sports can I do in Shades State Park?

While Shades State Park is known for its walking and hiking trails, visitors can also engage in leisure activities such as picnicking and utilizing the playground facilities provided.

What is the best season to walk in Shades State Park?

The best season to walk in Shades State Park is typically spring or fall when the weather is milder, and the foliage is vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it can get quite hot and humid.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Shades State Park?

Visitors to Shades State Park should be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Summers are usually hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. It's important to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for your visit.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Shades State Park?

Shades State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, various bird species, and small mammals. Visitors should also be aware of the presence of snakes, such as copperheads and timber rattlesnakes, and take precautions while hiking.

Last updated: Dec 1, 2025

Parks Near Shades State Park

Turkey Run State Park
Milligan Park
Rockville Lake Park
Lake Park
VBL Beach Park
Stone Bluff Park
Leland Cornette Memorial Park
Pine Bluff Ridge
Hemlock Ridge Nature Preserve

Latest Check-ins at Shades State Park

k_beardNov 23, 2025
Nov 23, 2025Hiking
k_beardOct 19, 2025
Oct 19, 2025Hiking
k_beardSep 27, 2025
Sep 27, 2025Walking
joshstewart865Sep 13, 2025
Sep 13, 2025Hiking
ConcettaSep 13, 2025
Sep 13, 2025Walking
eguildenSep 7, 2025
Sep 7, 2025Manual
k_beardAug 3, 2025
Aug 3, 2025Hiking
ReaganJun 10, 2025
Jun 10, 2025Hiking
k_beardJun 8, 2025
Jun 8, 2025Hiking
joshstewart865May 26, 2025
May 26, 2025Hiking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Shades State Park

RankingCheck-ins
k_beard
63
joshstewart865
30
Richard
3
4spsublette
3
5Concetta
2
6Zac
2
7eguilden
1
8Reagan
1
9Karen
1
10
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Shades State Park
#1- Trail 2
1
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m

Trail 2 is a 0.8 mile (2,000-step) route located near Crawfordsville, Indiana. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Trail 10
1
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m

Trail 10 is a 0.7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Crawfordsville, Indiana. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Trail 9
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m

Trail 9 is a 0.2 mile (500-step) route located near Waveland, Indiana. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Trail 8
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Trail 8 is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Crawfordsville, Indiana. This route has an elevation gain of about 16.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Shades State Park

eguildenSep 7, 2025
5

Great

5/5
118 ratings

Photos of Shades State Park

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