The Little Hemlock Cliffs Box Canyon In Indiana Is A Big Secluded Treasure
By Tori Jane|Published July 12, 2022
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Tucked away in southern Indiana is a magical place that feels like something out of a science fiction novel more than it feels like the American Midwest. Though it’s open year-round, it’s at its best during the warmer months, when everything is lush, green, and misty, providing ample shade and plenty of opportunities to explore. Plus, it doubles as an amazing waterfall hike in Indiana, too, because when the time is right, this little slice of paradise is home to several waterfalls that are definitely worth checking out. Lace up those hiking boots after a good rainstorm and you’re sure to encounter them!
For the ultimate experience, embark upon the Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail, and you'll come upon every hidden treasure this trail has to offer along the way.
It's brief, at just 1.2 miles in length, but the natural splendor you come upon while on this moderately challenging adventure hike is absolutely worth the sweat you might break.
Hemlock Cliffs is a special place unlike anywhere else in the Hoosier State.
It's a brilliantly emerald green box canyon made up of fascinating and photogenic sandstone formations. Thanks to the area's unique geography, the temperatures here are a little cooler, and the aforementioned shade helps a lot, too.
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Perhaps the most amazing draw to this hike, though, isn't necessarily the box canyon; when conditions are right, Hemlock Cliffs becomes home to a few notable waterfalls.
During the spring, snowmelt feeds the falls, keeping them thick and hearty. During the summer months, rainstorms fuel the cascades instead, and if you arrive following a good rain you'll likely see these waterfalls at their best.
There's something strangely magical about even a trace of a waterfall; it lends the surrounding landscape a very otherworldly feel, like some kind of modern paradise (that just so happens to be right here in our backyards).
One of the falls is quite tall when it's flowing; you can hike right up to it, behind it, near it - no matter how close you want to get, this is an adventure just waiting to be had!
You'll want to wear very good hiking boots or shoes with lots of grip. This trail can get slippery and slimy, especially after rain (which is when you want to come if you want to see the falls), and particularly after algae begins growing on rocks come midsummer.
Should you make no stops (we don't recommend that - stop and smell the... well... not roses, but...moss?) the trail ought to take about a half-hour to complete.
It's a popular area, though it's quite secluded and the crowds are much less during the week. This is one amazing hiking trail with waterfalls in Indiana that you won't want to miss!
For more information about this amazing little slice of the Hoosier National Forest, be sure to check it out on the US Forest Service’s website.
