Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of amazing rock formations, but the Hoosier State has a lot to offer. These geological wonders, like secret caves and one-of-a-kind natural sculptures, show off the state’s unexpected beauty. These 12 Indiana rock formations will amaze you:
1. The Jug Rock
Place: Shoals, Indiana is the place
Features: Jug Rock is a sandstone wonder that stands tall in the lush forest. It is the biggest freestanding table rock formation east of the Mississippi.
Tip for Visitors: For more natural beauty, go to the close Hindostan Falls.
2. The Backbone of the Devil
Place: Shades State Park is where
Features: It has a narrow sandstone ridge that makes for an exciting walk with beautiful views of Sugar Creek.
Hike: To get to Inspiration Point, where the Devil’s Backbone starts, take the easy path.
3. Canyon Falls
Place: Turkey Run State Park is the place.
Features: Canyons that are very deep and have rocky walls that make you feel like you’re entering a secret world.
Hike: Trail 3 has a loop that goes through the valleys and over a suspension bridge.
4. Cliffs of Hemlock
Place: The Hoosier National Forest is where
Features: Box Canyon is a peaceful place with moss-covered rocks, ferns, and hemlocks all around it.
Hike: You can get to waterfalls, cliffs, and caves from the short, easy loop walk.
5. Fossil Beds in the Falls of Ohio
Place: Clarksville, Indiana is the place
Features: A Devonian fossil bed that is out in the open and more than 390 million years old. These rocks tell stories about sea life from long ago.
Visit Tip: To see the whole fossil bed, look around when the water level is low.
6. The Wolf Cave
Place: McCormick’s Creek State Park is the place.
Features: A narrow limestone cave that is full of wonder and small enough to explore without any special gear.
Hike: The Wolf Cave Trail goes through a thick forest and ends at this secret gem.
7. The Clifty Falls
Place: Clifty Falls State Park is the place.
Features: The park’s namesake waterfalls are set against dramatic cliffs and rough rock walls.
Take a hike. The best views of the rocks and the roaring falls are from the Trail 8 loop.
8. The Rock With Doves
Place: Brown County State Park is where
Features: A beautiful sandstone formation with a honeycomb-like design that was formed by erosion over thousands of years.
Visit Tip: The best times to see it are at sunrise or sunset, when the light makes the small features stand out.
9. The Pate Hollow
Place: Near Bloomington, Indiana
Features: There is a secret path with layered rock formations and beautiful views of Monroe Lake.
Hike: The 7.7-mile loop trail is great for walkers who like to take risks.
10. Pine Hills Nature Preserve’s Sandstone Bluffs
Place: Shades State Park is where
Features: Tall sandstone rocks that look out over Sugar Creek and offer stunning views.
Hike: The Pine Hills Trail goes through rough terrain and is quite difficult.
11. Nature Preserve at Portland Arch
Place: Indiana’s Fountain County
Features: There is a rare natural sandstone arch bordered by wildflowers and other interesting plants.
Visit Tip: The short loop walk is great for families and has lots of places to take pictures.
12. The 100 Acres Rock Sculpture at the Indianapolis Art Museum
Place: Indianapolis
Features: A man-made rock feature in the museum’s outdoor art park that looks like it came from nature. It combines art and geology.
Visit Tip: For a full day of exploring, do this and then go to the museum.
Indiana is more than just plains and cornfields, as these 12 rock shapes show. These natural sights are worth the trip whether you’re an experienced tourist or just want to do something fun on the weekend.
