![The Ladders](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49348481521_2465778756_c.jpg)
While hiking trail three in Turkey Run State Park, one must use "The Ladders" - large wooden ladders set up to assist with some drastic elevation changes within the canyon. While not too precarious, the ladders do create a small bottleneck for visitors. It takes a bit of work to turn your back to the drop-off and grab the ladder to descend to the canyon floor - especially when you have 40 pounds of camera gear on your back, a camera and tripod in one hand, and the ladder is icy.
![A Slippery Time on the Ladders](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49348688287_457d568a39_c.jpg)
On one visit, people were backed up on the top and the bottom of the canyon, waiting to use the ladders. One at a time, people climbed or descended the ladders. While we waited our turn at the top of the canyon, a person in my group backed up just a bit too far and slid down the side of the canyon. Luckily, he only fell about 6 feet to a ledge, but the ledge had a pool of water about two feet deep. Wet from the knees down, he continued to hike the rest of the day. That could have been a disaster if he was standing a few feet left or right. Each time I visit and hike this trail, I'm grateful the park did not build stairs in this area. The ladders keep this part of the trail a bit more rustic, and make for a more strenuous and interesting hike.
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