If you find yourself in need of an excellent short and easy hike in the beautiful state of Indiana, you might want to check this one out. Tucked inside an incredible box canyon, this 1.2-mile easy-breezy hike will give you your fix of beautiful trees, pristine waterfalls, and many plant and animal species that are unique to the area.
It’s called Hemlock Cliffs Trail, and it’s named for the gorgeous Hemlock trees that grow all over the area.
Diana Norgaard/Flickr In fact, there’s lots of interesting plant life here. Because of the unique geography of the region, one can find things growing here that they won’t find elsewhere in Indiana. It’s a unique environment and a very unique hiking experience.
Along the length of the trail, one can find plants such as the rare Wintergreen plant and wild geraniums.
The Cut/Flickr There are plenty of critters that call this canyon home as well, including salamanders, frogs, snakes, deer, and even the occasional bobcat.
Hemlock Creek Trail is home to several waterfalls, all of which are simply awe-inspiring.
Ulrich Burkhalter/Flickr Follow the trail through thick winding woods and awesome sandstone formations to find them all. You can’t miss any of them! It is said that approximately 10,000 years ago, Native Americans walked this same path through these same woods.
The sandstone lining the trail is pockmarked with is covered in what’s called “honeycomb weathering.”
Jack Koning/Flickr It’s truly different from the vast majority of other trails in the state; the honeycomb weathering is just another wow-worthy feature on this fascinating nature walk.
This particular trail is relatively short; at just over a mile long, it should take only about two hours to traverse, should one choose to rush it.
Diana Norgaard/Flickr We don’t recommend that, though - we think you should linger for as long as you can at each and every new feature you stumble upon.
Hemlock Cliffs Trail is a paradise celebrated by nature lovers, nature photographers, and curious nature aficionados from all over.
bob/Flickr Visitors to the great state of Indiana often make it a point to visit the canyon to appreciate its unique geography all year round.
During the winter, the waterfalls freeze over, and brilliant white sheets of ice coat the stones.
The Cut/Flickr There’s an adventure to be found here during all seasons, from the icy paradise Hemlock Cliffs becomes in winter to the lush green woods it boasts in spring and summer. When autumn arrives, the color is astonishing.
This incredible trail can be found between Highways 237 & 37, just about two miles north of Interstate 64. Some important things to remember, however: Hemlock trees are poisonous, and they release toxins into the creek. Do not drink the water- simply admire it from the banks.
Diana Norgaard/Flickr
In fact, there’s lots of interesting plant life here. Because of the unique geography of the region, one can find things growing here that they won’t find elsewhere in Indiana. It’s a unique environment and a very unique hiking experience.
The Cut/Flickr
There are plenty of critters that call this canyon home as well, including salamanders, frogs, snakes, deer, and even the occasional bobcat.
Ulrich Burkhalter/Flickr
Follow the trail through thick winding woods and awesome sandstone formations to find them all. You can’t miss any of them! It is said that approximately 10,000 years ago, Native Americans walked this same path through these same woods.
Jack Koning/Flickr
It’s truly different from the vast majority of other trails in the state; the honeycomb weathering is just another wow-worthy feature on this fascinating nature walk.
We don’t recommend that, though - we think you should linger for as long as you can at each and every new feature you stumble upon.
bob/Flickr
Visitors to the great state of Indiana often make it a point to visit the canyon to appreciate its unique geography all year round.
There’s an adventure to be found here during all seasons, from the icy paradise Hemlock Cliffs becomes in winter to the lush green woods it boasts in spring and summer. When autumn arrives, the color is astonishing.
Have you ever hiked Hemlock Cliffs? Was it awesome? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
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Address: National Forest Rd, English, IN 47118, USA