A Magnificent Archaeological Treasure Is Along The Indian Rock House Trail In Arkansas
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Carol Ann Carson
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Tucked away in the Buffalo National Park area, the Indian Rock House Trail takes hikers on a stunning adventure. The vast shelter has delighted archaeologists for decades but everyone will feel like a real explorer along this trail! Let’s tour some of the gorgeous sights along the way and step into this natural treasure trove.
Nature and history are key components of the Indian Rock House Trail. The trail is located near the Buffalo Point Campground within the Buffalo National River area, which might just be the most beautiful place in Arkansas.
The hike is just under three miles but is rated as moderate for the steep steps and creek crossings. We don't recommend this trail for younger hikers because of the open sinkholes and general strenuousness. You will break a sweat during this hike, but you'll receive stunning visual rewards all along the way.
The hike is just under three miles but is rated as moderate for the steep steps and creek crossings. We don't recommend this trail for younger hikers because of the open sinkholes and general strenuousness. You will break a sweat during this hike, but you'll receive stunning visual rewards all along the way.
A few yards after you begin the trek you'll come across the "Sinkhole Icebox," a prime example of the karst geology of the area. The open hole typically emits chilly air even during our hottest Arkansas summers. Just after that is a lovely 25-foot tall waterfall. Walking beneath towering bluff lines and over peaceful babbling creeks create an enchanting experience all around.
As we mentioned before, this hike is accurately rated as moderate but the trail is very well marked and has informative plaques as well.
As we mentioned before, this hike is accurately rated as moderate but the trail is very well marked and has informative plaques as well.
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The bluff shelter's vastness is difficult to capture in photos but is beyond mesmerizing in person. The cave does not have any paintings but there's still plenty of natural "art" to discover. Look up to see the skylight before heading to the back of the cave to see a creek-wide stream flowing underground. The rock shelter is but a small part of a larger cave system but there's no need for spelunking with the number of interesting points just inside this area.
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Archaeologists have made discoveries in this area for decades. One of the earliest explorations was led by Samuel Dellinger with his crew from the University of Arkansas Museum back in the 1930s. Stone tools, as well as nuts and seeds, were found within the cave. These items were dated back to 1350 A.D.! Further research has found even older tools that may be up to 9,000 years old.
One of the most notable discoveries found in the cave was a gravesite. The clay-lined pit held a baby wrapped in animal hides and was surrounded with turtle shells, bones, and stone tools. This discovery, along with some others, proves the cave to be a sacred site to Native Americans.
One of the most notable discoveries found in the cave was a gravesite. The clay-lined pit held a baby wrapped in animal hides and was surrounded with turtle shells, bones, and stone tools. This discovery, along with some others, proves the cave to be a sacred site to Native Americans.
Between the hours needed to hike the trail and for exploring time, it's easy to spend the day enjoying this area. Historians, archaeologists, photographers, and nature lovers will all find something to love along the Indian Rock House Trail.
Have you explored the Indian Rock House yet? What was your favorite part of the trail? Share with us in the comments below! Add your photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
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