There are some really cool rock formations all over Indiana that you might not know about. The Hoosier State is known for its rolling farmlands and the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Some of these natural wonders are beautiful limestone statues, caves, and cliffs that are full of history and beauty. Here is a list of 12 interesting rock formations in Indiana that you should see:
1. The Jug Rock
Shoals is in Martin County.
This huge sandstone mass is one of the biggest table rocks that can stand on its own east of the Mississippi River. Its unusual jug-like form is something you have to see.
Hike: You don’t have to do a lot of hard hiking to get to Jug Rock; it’s just a short walk from the road.
2. Rocky Hollow in Turkey Run State Park
Marshall, Indiana is the place
This is a magical place to discover, with its sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons. In Rocky Hollow, it really does feel like you’re in a different world.
For a hike, the Trail 3 loop (about 2 miles) takes you past beautiful rock formations and small streams.
3. The Devil’s Backbone
Shades State Park is in Waveland.
This narrow sandstone ridge sticks out sharply above Sugar Creek and has stunning views.
Hike: Trail 10 in Shades State Park, which is 1.5 miles long, leads right to this beautiful rock.
4. The rocky ledges at Cataract Falls
Owen County is where
Features: These beautiful limestone ledges and Indiana’s biggest waterfall by volume make for a peaceful nature scene.
Hike: To get to the falls and the limestone outcroppings around them, there is a short, easy walk.
5. The Karst in Indiana
Place: Southern Indiana, close to Mitchell
Features: This system of caves, sinkholes, and underground streams is a natural wonder that shows off the large amounts of limestone that are in the area.
Hike: Spring Mill State Park is close by and has trails that show off karst scenery and lead to the famous Pioneer Village.
6. Cliffs of Hemlock
The Hoosier National Forest is in Crawford County.
These sandstone cliffs are tucked away in a lush forest. They form a natural amphitheater with streams and walls covered in moss.
It’s easy to get around this beautiful place on foot by following a 1.2-mile loop trail.
7. The Ohio Fossil Beds Fall
Clarksville, Indiana is the place
A huge bed of limestone that is full of preserved coral and sea life from 390 million years ago that can be seen when the water is low.
Hike: You can walk along the fossil beds next to the river or check out the tracks in the state park nearby.
8. Nature Preserve at Portland Arch
Place: Fountain County
There is a rare natural sandstone arch surrounded by lush vegetation and a small creek going under it.
Hike: The 1.5-mile walk through the preserve has lovely views of the arch and the trees nearby.
9. The sandstone gorges at Clifty Falls State Park
Madison, Indiana is the place
Features: The scenery is dramatic, especially in the spring or after it rains a lot, with steep sandstone gorges and waterfalls that fall over rocks.
Hike: Trail 2 is 3.5 miles long and rough. It goes along rocks and past waterfalls.
10. The top of Brown County State Park
Nashville, Indiana is the place
Features: This limestone outcropping gives you a wide view of Indiana’s biggest state park.
Hike: To get to this view point, take the short but steep Pinnacle Loop Trail, which is only a mile long.
11. Woods along Cave River Valley
Place: Not far from Campbellsburg, Indiana
A secret gem with a natural spring, a group of small caves, and limestone bluffs.
Hike: There are many trails that run through the valley that let you see the caves and bluffs.
12. Brown County’s Wedge Rock
Place: Nashville’s Yellowwood State Forest
A beautiful wedge-shaped rock is tucked away deep in the forest. Not many people know about it, but it’s fun to explore.
Hike: A quiet 2.5-mile trail leads you through the peaceful beauty of the forest.
Indiana is more than just cornfields, as these beautiful rock shapes show. These natural wonders are great for a weekend trip or a quick break in the afternoon. They have interesting geological features and beautiful hiking trails.
