Hemlock Cliffs
Overhanging cliffs, seasonal waterfalls, rock shelters, hemlocks, ferns, and archaeological traces make this short Hoosier National Forest loop feel ecologically displaced in latitude.
Artwork inspired by John Elwood Bundy
Hemlock Cliffs is a deeply incised sandstone canyon whose cool, moist microclimate supports eastern hemlock and other plants more typical of northern conditions. Rock shelters preserve evidence of long human use, while seasonal waterfalls and a stream continue shaping alcoves and ledges. Its “cliffs” are atmospheric and intricate rather than Western in scale.
The loop is short but includes stairs, roots, slick rock, stream edges, and elevation change. Visit after moderate rain for flow, not during flooding or icy conditions. Stay on the designated trail to protect fragile plants and archaeological resources; never enter closed shelters or remove artifacts. The remote approach road and limited facilities make daylight, offline directions, and a full water bottle prudent.
- Route
- Short loop with stairs
- Rock
- Sandstone overhangs
- Habitat
- Cool hemlock microclimate
Quick guide
- Time the water
- Moderate recent rain animates falls; storms and ice make the canyon hazardous.
- Stay on trail
- Fragile vegetation and archaeological deposits are easily damaged by shortcuts.
How to protect a small, sensitive canyon
- Time the water
- Moderate recent rain animates falls; storms and ice make the canyon hazardous.
- Stay on trail
- Fragile vegetation and archaeological deposits are easily damaged by shortcuts.
- Look at microclimate
- Notice temperature, moisture, hemlock, fern, moss, and aspect within the canyon.
- Prepare for remoteness
- Carry water and offline directions; facilities and signal are limited.
Good to know
Open year-round without an entrance fee, subject to forest closures. Free gravel parking is limited and the final approach is rural. No developed water or dependable cell service is available. The loop contains stairs, roots, wet rock, and stream crossings and is not accessible; avoid high water and ice.
Notice these
- Box canyon trail
- Seasonal cliff waterfalls
- Eastern hemlock grove