The Shades State Park 12 Hour, aka “Death by Shades”, is a short and not difficult route--when run once. However, it becomes a formidable feat to stack loops on top of each other, as the technicality of the terrain and the vertical gain and loss begin to add up. The loop totals ~0.8 miles and ~150-180 ft of gain and loss.  The route is a favorite of runners familiar with the area, including college cross-country teams and local ultra/trail runners who use the loop to quickly accumulate more gain and loss than is otherwise easily available in Indiana. 

Linking Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail at Monmouth to the beginning of the Thames Path National Trail in Gloucestershire, this trail crosses the distinctive areas of the Forest of Dean, the Severn Vale and the Cotswolds. En route it crosses a third national trail, the Cotswold Way, and it also links with the Three Choirs Way and other long distance paths. The scenery along the way is spectacular with some stunning views when the weather is good.