If you could tell by now, we here at OnlyInYourState kind of have a thing for the amazing natural wonders of Indiana (and the entire country, honestly). We've brought you some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indiana, some of the best hiking trails in Indiana, and more - and today, well, we're bringing more of it. If you ever get the itch to check out one of the Hoosier State's great outdoors, you might want to check out one of the single most awe-inspiring nature preserves in Indiana: Pine Hills Nature Preserve! Seriously, you've gotta see how fascinating, unique, and otherworldly this little corner of Shades State Park is:
Pine Hills Nature Preserve is a fascinating and unique place. Just see the sign for an idea of what you're in for:
Sounds good to us.
The preserve is quite literally a safe haven for some of the Midwest's most uncommon plant and tree species.
Arborists will marvel at the sheer number of trees growing here, including groves of old-growth oak, virgin beech/maple woods, white pine, hemlock, and more.
You'll quickly find that here be some odd-sounding places and features, like the Devil's Backbone... or Turkey Backbone.
Fear not, for you aren't treading on any literal spines; the "backbones" (of which there are three) are narrow rock ridges called "incised meanders." They are formed by erosion over the years, and in this case, the backbones of Pine Hills Nature Preserve have been carved out of the bedrock by centuries of contact with the several miles of crystal-clear creek that flow through the area. Amazingly, they're recognized as one of the best, most textbook examples of incised meanders in the eastern U.S. Neat!
Of course, that being said, you'll want to be very cautious when climbing or hiking across them - they each have steep drop-offs of anywhere from 70 to 125 feet, which spells bad news for anyone who might slip and fall.
We strongly suggest you wear good hiking boots, and be sure to use your best judgment following rainstorms when the rocky surfaces of the preserve become slippery and dangerous.
Another feature that geology lovers will enjoy is the honeycomb rock formations also present within the preserve.
You can't miss it - it quite literally looks like honeycomb (and the sign being there helps too).
Pine Hills Nature Preserve was Indiana's first nature preserve, dedicated in 1969.
It has withstood the tests of time, and it remains a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike.
And while you're here, you can't possibly skip a visit to Shades State Park, either.
You'll see why it's one of our favorite picks for the best state parks in Indiana, and it's tragically underrated, we think.
Have you ever visited Pine Hills Nature Preserve? What about any other nature preserves in Indiana? Tell us about your adventures in the comments!
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