Devil's Backbone [Suggest Edits]

Description

Incredible sandstone walkway perched 100 feet above two valleys on both sides. A landmark like this is incredibly rare for this region. Not often do you see massive vertical cliffs in the Midwest, especially in a very flat region of Indiana. The top of the walkway is only six feet wide, and can be pretty terrifying. It is not reccommended to bring children or dogs to this landmark. Because the trails for Pine Hills Nature Preserve are not on the map for Shades State Park, this is a very hidden natural treasure in Indiana. While some people are starting to discover Pine Hills, it is still very underused and seldomly visited. If you ever go to Shades, this is one landmark you can't miss.

Don't forget to visit the rest of Shades State Park. The park is not very popular, but the trails are some of the most unique and scenic in Indiana. The whole park is a hidden gem.

Half-Day Hike: Park at the easternmost parking lot for Trail 10 in Shades State Park. Follow Trail 10 to the right, cross IN 234, and take Pine Hills Nature Preserve Trail into the valley, and take two left turns. Turn right and cross Clifty Creek. The wall of the backbone will be right in front of you. Climb it on the right side.

Gem Type: Rock Formation