McCormick's Creek State Park

Summer is going so quickly, and we've hardly had a chance to enjoy Indiana's amazing state parks.  So, Sunday we took a trip to a park we haven't visited before - McCormick's Creek. What a beautiful park with so many activities.

We started our day hiking on trail 3, a rugged 0.8 mile trail that goes next to (and through) the river and includes views of the falls.  We veered off the trail to the outlook first and got some beautiful views of the falls.  We took the stairs down to the falls and enjoyed seeing them in all of their beauty. Then, we took trail 3.  Water levels were down, so it was an easy hike, although it was difficult to do the hike and stay completely dry. The kids and I were wearing Teva sandals and enjoyed the feel of the cold water on our feet, but my husband was wearing tennis shoes and managed to keep his feet dry. As we hiked along we saw beautiful cliffs, rushing water, and lots of water wildlife.

Following the morning hike we enjoyed a picnic lunch in a shelter and played a bit on the playground.  The park was crowded, but there was plenty of room for us to enjoy by ourselves.

The afternoon hike was trail 5. This trail led us through beautiful woods, a cool respite from the hot sun outside the forest.  We hiked through the river again, although it was shallow at this point in the year.  The highlight of the hike was Wolf Cave, a small cave to explore (if desired). Wolf Cave is tight in many places and quite dark.  Fortunately a friend recommended that we bring flashlights and a change of clothes (you have to scoot or crawl through part of the cave, and much of the cave had my back brushing against the walls). The flashlights were invaluable in seeing our way, although the cave was still provided quite a thrill (and a bit of terror for me) because it is closed in, narrow, low, dark, and of an unknown distance when you enter.  For those who do go through, however, it is really amazing.  The ceilings in places were beautiful, and it provides a true spelunking experience.  The kids loved it, and I'm really glad I went, although a friendly guest in front of us had to talk me through it as he was reassuring his own kids.

After the hiking experience, we spent some time relaxing and looking for crayfish and minnows near the falls.  Sister swam, and brother caught a couple of critters to look at.  They both enjoyed the falls, and we enjoyed the sound of rushing water and happy children sitting on a rock looking on.

We did not get a chance to visit the saddle barn for a ride, hike the other trails, swim in the outdoor pool, play tennis or enjoy the recreation center, stay at the Inn (which looked beautiful when we wandered inside to look around), camp in the campground or enjoy a family cabin (on the plan next time - they look really nice and relaxing). We did not get to visit the nature center, either - one of our favorite state park activities. And, there were 8 more trails we didn't hike.

But, all in all, we had a wonderful day.  There is something about being out in nature that just both energizes and calms us.   Brother got some time to explore the river independently (while still being close by), and sister got to swim - her favorite activity.

Fungi!

We will definitely go back!  If you've visited, share your experiences, too!


Details:
McCormick's Creek State Park
250 McCormicks Creek Park Road
Spencer, Indiana 47460
(812) 829-2235
Hours: 7 am-11 pm daily all year long
Fees: $7/car daily entrance fee for cars with Indiana license plates, $9/car out of state cars or $50 annual permit ($70 out of state)
Camping, horseback riding, swimming pool additional fees
http://www.mccormickscreekstatepark.com