Trail 4

Dogs Leashed

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

State park entrance fee paid at either gate entering.

Mostly slick after rain, with wood bridge crossings and spur to Trail 2 is covered in ankle twisters.

Starting at the Lilly Memorial, descend into the canyon via the steep stairs, continue along to the intersection with Trail 5, go left to stay on 4, then, at the next intersection, turn left again to head to Hoffman Falls, or turn right to make your way down to Trail 2 and Clifty Creek. To exit, either continue along past Hoffman Falls to the spur, or Trail 3, or if you turn right, continue to trail.

This is a very steep trail, and probably the most rugged in the whole park. The staircase at Lilly Memorial is very long and very steep. The section of trail that runs parallel to Hoffman Branch has very steep and rocky terrain. This section is fairly dangerous due to its steep nature and proximity to a cliff descending into Hoffman Canyon, and should be followed with caution. However, some stairs have recently been built to help with a particularly dangerous spot on the trail.

A seasonal waterfall can be found, as well as some old ruins from the Madison and Indianapolis railroad which was originally intended to be constructed along this trail.

Creek critters (crawfish, frogs and salamanders) ferns, wildflowers, squirrels, woodpeckers.