Trail #2

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Waterfall

Most people park at either Newby Gulch shelter or the Nature Center for this trail. When parking at the Nature Center, take the 70 Steps Connector down to the bottom of the canyon. Turn left on Trail #1 until Trail #2 branches to the right.

Once on Trail #2, you'll enter Box Canyon, one of the most underrated canyons at Turkey Run. This canyon feels like trekking through a tropical rainforest in the summertime and is worth checking out. The trail climbs a stone staircase carved into the rock and is truly a sight to see. At the top, multiple pathways emerge and it can be difficult to determine which one is the trail. Continue straight, and the trail should become narrow again and bank to the right.

The trail now follows the canyon rim and dips down into the valley where it hugs the rock wall. Eventually you'll come to Gypsy Gulch, another underrated landmark at Turkey Run. The trail continues to hug the wall here, and sometimes a waterfall will form in the middle of the gulch which can be walked behind. After passing the gulch, the trail passes more interesting sandstone cliffs before meeting the Lusk Earth Fill Connector. Turn right and follow Trail #2.

The rest of the trail is pretty flat and traverses forest and a road before passing Canyon Shelter, some picnic areas, and some parking. The trail returns to the rock staircase, completing the loop. This trail is typically less trafficked, making it a nice trail to get away from the crowds at Turkey Run.