Shades State Park

So many fun trails. We did trails 1, 4.amd 5. You'll want to do trail 1 counterclockwise because the stairs at the end are brutal! Do the rugged part of trails 4 and 5. You'll feel like a Smurf. It's like an adult playground!

Underrated. This place is awesome. We went while it was snowing and no one else was there. Not even a person in the booth to take our money to visit. The trails are short but they are so much fun! They could use some maintenance on some trails but that just increased the rugged feel. Some steps were loose and some were even missing. I will definitely return.

The park itself is spectacular. The views into Sugar Creek are impressive. Unfortunately the state has decided not to take care of the state park it seems. Restrooms were locked on a weekday, because who has to use the bathroom on a weekday. The one Trail I found that led down to Sugar Creek had a large stairway, with missing steps and some steps that felt like they would fall off. Trails were semi well marked with signs being very old. Too bad it seemed to have fallen into such disarray.

Visiting Shades State Park in the fall was an unforgettable experience. The forest was ablaze with rich hues of amber, crimson, and gold, creating a breathtaking canopy over the trails. The crisp air and rustling leaves made every hike feel like a peaceful retreat into nature. We explored several trails, each offering its own charm — from rugged ravines and sandstone cliffs to serene creek crossings. The views from the overlooks were especially stunning, with Sugar Creek winding through the valley below like a ribbon of silver. What stood out most was the park’s quiet, untouched beauty. It felt less crowded than other parks, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the landscape and enjoy the sounds of nature. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, Shades in autumn is a perfect destination. Highly recommended for anyone seeking tranquility, vibrant fall colors, and a bit of adventure

This is a beautiful state park! It has hills, creeks, ravines, overlooks, a river, great trails, and scenery. Great if you like hiking.