Turtle River State Park Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

A large loop around the state park that highlights all of the amazing views and different trails the park offers! Trails in the park range from heavily wooded trails to open prairie trails that meander along the Turtle River, offering up amazing views!

There are only three bridges that cross over the river from the campgrounds to the trails, so make sure to pick up a map from the visitor's center and plan your route ahead of time so you know where you are going to cross at the beginning and end of your outing. Also, there is no one long definitive loop that is easy to follow. Turtle River State Park has many shorter trails that all interconnect, so a map is handy to make sure you can find your way around. However, the trails are well marked with signage, so it is hard to get lost!

This loop covers the majority of the trails the park has to offer. Turtle River State Park has many small trails that all interconnect, so there are numerous possibilities that one can choose to run. Runners can expect the types of trails to range from open prairie trails on the east end, to heavily wooded single tracks in the western part of the park. The trails are well maintained, and are easily doable for the majority of people.

There are some great photo opportunities along the River View Trail of the river and the bluffs around it. The three bridges that cross the river also offer great opportunities to get down close to the river, otherwise the trail stays more on top of the hill away from the river. If you are looking for a wooded trails, seek out the Moose Head Trail, River View Trail, Fisher Loop, or the Timber Loop. If you are looking for more open prairie trails, head to either the Eco Loop or the Coneflower Loop.