Hemlock Cliffs is a box canyon of special beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls are responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. Much of the sandstone is “Honeycombed” by weathering of iron ores. Springs, small caves, and subterranean drainage conduits are in the underlying Glen Dean Limestone. Archaeological excavations indicate Native American occupation as early as 10,000 years ago. The head of the canyon is a large, semi circular rock shelter, which undoubtedly provided cover and defense to the early occupants of this area. A one-mile hiking trail leads you down into the canyon under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery when wet, so use caution. It could take two leisurely hours to complete the loop.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited, except on designated roadways. Foot traffic is restricted from some areas for resource protection. Camping and campfires are prohibited in rock shelters Rappelling is prohibited in designated area for resource protection (see map on trail flier or website)
Closest Towns:
English, IN
Water:
none
Restroom:
none
Operated By:
USFS, Tell City Ranger District, 248 15th Street, Tell City, IN 47586; Phone: 812-547-7051
General Information
Directions: From SR 237, take Union Chapel Road west 2.6 miles to the intersection with Eckert-Hatfield Roads. Continue on Hatfield Road 2.1 miles to parking area. GPS Coordinates: Lat- 38o 16' 38.777"N Long- 86o 32' 20.317"W
Hemlock Cliffs is a beautiful box canyon with a 1-mile trail through the most scenic portion of the canyon. A cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls is responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. Much of the sandstone is “Honeycombed” by weathering of iron ores. The head of the canyon is a large, semi circular rock shelter, which undoubtedly provided cover and defense to the early Native Americans who occupied this area. The hiking trail leads you down into the canyon under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery when wet, so use caution. It could take two leisurely hours to complete the loop.
Fire Information
old fire scars may be seen at trailhead.
Elevation desc
steep steps go down into the ravine
Nature Viewing
HIDE
Viewing Scenery
Hemlock Cliffs is a box canyon of special beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls is responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. Much of the sandstone is “Honeycombed” by weathering of iron ores. Archaeological excavations indicate Native American occupation as early as 10,000 years ago. The head of the canyon is a large, semi circular rock shelter, which undoubtedly provided cover and defense to the early occupants of this area. A one-mile hiking trail leads you down into the canyon under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery when wet, so use caution. It could take two leisurely hours to complete the loop.
Special Feature
Waterfalls, rock shelter, hemlock
Viewing Plants
Hemlock Cliffs is a box canyon of special beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls is responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. Much of the sandstone is “Honeycombed” by weathering of iron ores. Springs, small caves, and subterranean drainage conduits are in the underlying Glen Dean Limestone. A one-mile hiking trail leads you down into the canyon under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery when wet, so use caution.
Special Feature
Hemlock
Species
Lush vegetation is found along the cliffs, waterfalls and canyon floor. Hemlock, a tall evergreen with short needles and small cones, thrives in the canyon’s cool climate. Wintergreen, a rare plant, is also found here. Wild geranium, French’s shooting star, mountain laurel, and liverwort are some of the other plants of interest found here.
Outdoor Learning
SHOW
Interpretive Areas
Hemlock Cliffs is a box canyon of special beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls is responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. The area features sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. Much of the sandstone is “Honeycombed” by weathering of iron ores. Archaeological excavations indicate Native American occupation as early as 10,000 years ago. The head of the canyon is a large, semi circular rock shelter, which undoubtedly provided cover and defense to the early occupants of this area. A one-mile hiking trail leads you down into the canyon under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls. The waterfalls can be quite impressive and in winter there are ice sheets that are lovely. Parts of the trail are steep and slippery when wet, so use caution.
SHOW
HIDE
