The Indiana Trail With A Waterfall, Views And Caves You Just Can't Beat
By Tori Jane|Published June 27, 2023
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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.
Did you know that here in Indiana, there are nearly 300 established nature preserves? It’s true – we Hoosiers sure do love our great outdoors, and we’re very lucky to live in an amazing state that’s filled top-to-bottom with countless natural wonders. What better way to explore these Indiana nature preserves than on foot via a good old-fashioned hike? I think yes. Let’s take a look at the delightful (and little-known) Nubbin Ridge Trail, which offers up some of the best hiking in Indiana with plenty of little rewards along the way.
You'll find Nubbin Ridge Trail in southern Indiana tucked within the Bluffs of Beaver Bend Nature Preserve.
Bluffs of Beaver Bend is a 748-acre slice of heaven with a few different hiking options, but it's widely accepted that Nubbin Ridge Trail is by far the best of them all.
With some stellar views of the White River and plenty of fascinating natural delights to gawk and wonder at along the way, you'll probably find that this hike takes longer than the one hour and 10 minutes it would likely take if you didn't make any stops.
Hidden within the cliffs are various hidey-holes, like small caves and tunnels, carved out of the stone over millions of years. With a keen eye, you'll also be able to spot a type of formation called honeycomb rock. You'll immediately know it when you see it - it really does resemble honeycomb!
Soon, about 1/4 of a mile in, the trail will split off to the left. Follow this fork and you'll soon find yourself making your way to the tops of the bluffs.
It's only moderately steep, and it's not an overly lengthy amount of time spent climbing - plus, the views of the White River (and the adorable little town of Shoals) from the top are well worth the effort.
Depending on when you show up, you might just encounter some waterfalls on this Indiana hiking trail as well.
The best times to catch these are after rainstorms or during snowmelt in the spring; you'll find various little areas in which water is trickling, flowing or roaring over rocks and hills to empty into the river.
Eventually, you'll make your way off the bluffs and will meander through the higher terrain of the trail, wandering back into the woods and toward the river once more.
Once you reach the bluff bottoms where you began your journey, you are finished - you can either call it a day or do it again!
For more information about Nubbin Ridge Trail, be sure to check out the Hoosier Hikers Council website.
Who knew some of the best hiking in Indiana could be found in such a little town? Well, now you do, so start planning your hike ASAP. While you’re in Shoals, you might want to take a look at Jug Rock, a strange geological formation unlike literally any other in the state of Indiana. What are some of your favorite scenic hikes in Indiana? Let me know!
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