Home › Indiana › Waveland › Shades State Park
Shades State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,132 Google reviews · Running trail in Waveland, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shades State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Sandstone cliffs around Sugar Creek set the backdrop for hiking, canoeing, fishing & camping.
What runners say about Shades State Park
“It's clean and well kept, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the hiking is fantastic.”
“The views from the overlooks were especially stunning, with Sugar Creek winding through the valley below like a ribbon of silver.”
“Several well-maintained trails to pick from and they are very well-marked.”
“The crisp air and rustling leaves made every hike feel like a peaceful retreat into nature.”
Visited this park in Land Trust Days at the end of September for free. Although it was a Sunday, very few other people were there. I enjoyed Trail 1. However, I couldn't help but think it would be more spectacular later with fall color or maybe the waterfall would have water if visited in the spring.
- $15 to enter for the day for out of state and $7 for in state - I hiked the 6 Ravine challenge, trail 1 goes through devil’s punch bowl and prospect point, trail 5 goes through rugged woods, trail 4 has ladders and ravine walks with newts, and trail 7/backpack trail lead back to the start.
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.
I visited with my husband and 12 y.o. son. We all enjoyed it, but my son especially loved the trails. It hadn't rained in a long time so the ravines weren't very wet or muddy in most parts. It was a Saturday afternoon and not crowded. There were some picnic tables and a small playground as well.
Trail conditions & character
“However, I couldn't help but think it would be more spectacular later with fall color or maybe the waterfall would have water if visited in the spring.”
“The crisp air and rustling leaves made every hike feel like a peaceful retreat into nature.”
“It took me a few hours but I stopped a lot - lots of parking at the entrance with bathrooms in the center where the trails meet”
“I like shades as a day trip thing with the dogs, the trails are pretty easy and the canyons are beautiful.”
“Trail 8 could do with a few more markers and Trail 7 needs a few steps replaced on the stairs, but overall it was great!”
“Be careful as most hikes here require waterproof hiking boots because you will get muddy and wet!”
“It took me a few hours but I stopped a lot - lots of parking at the entrance with bathrooms in the center where the trails meet”
Plan your run at Shades State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitein.gov
- Phone(765) 435-2810
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Waveland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pine Hills Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 240 reviews
Kid-friendly nature area offering hiking trails and scenic views.
Bachner Nature Reserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 19 reviews
Sugar Creek Trail Bridge
4.8 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
RR Donnelley Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Milligan Park Shop
4.4 ★★★★☆ 79 reviews
Sprawling play space offering slides, swings and skateboarding areas.
Milligan Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 594 reviews
City park featuring baseball diamonds and playgrounds as well as skate facilities and pools.