Indiana is pretty notorious for its flat topography. But true Hoosiers know that this Midwestern state has hidden hills and canyons that are absolutely breathtaking. If you've never seen one of these five little-known canyons, be sure to visit to experience a different side of Indiana.
1. Turkey Run State Park
This gorgeous state park is located in Parke County and contains some of the best examples of canyons and gorges. The canyons you'll find throughout the park were formed from melting glacier waters that carved deep gorges into the park's sandstone bedrock. The best examples of the park's canyons can be found in the Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve, where you'll also find the park's only waterfall.
You can visit this incredible park full of canyons at 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859.
2. McCormick's Creek State Park
Located in Spencer, this historic park's canyon is so famous, they even named the popular inn after it. This canyon stands roughly 700 feet above sea level and can be found in the heart of this state park, surrounded by an impressive waterfall.
You'll find this remarkable canyon in McCormick's Creek State Park at 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, IN.
3. Shades State Park
This highly underrated state park is home to a stunning canyon located in the Pine Hills Nature Preserve within the park. It's known as the Shawnee Canyon, and you can visit by following Trail 8 in the park. The temperatures are much cooler in the canyon's gorge and hikers can track the canyon to the very edge, where it empties out into Sugar Creek.
You'll find Shawnee Canyon in Shades State Park at 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989.
4. Spring Mill State Park
Most people visit this remarkable park for its incredible interactive history museum, but the natural beauty you'll find here is positively enchanting. You'll find small canyons along the river, which leads to the absolutely stunning Twin Caves where visitors can take a boat tour.
You'll find this noteworthy state park at 3333 State Road 60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446.
5. Clifty Falls State Park
This rugged park in Madison features a canyon where light can only be seen inside at midday. Clifty Creek Canyon cuts through the entire north-south division of the park and hits 800 feet above sea level at its highest point. It ultimately descends into one of the two popular Clifty Falls. Two other small canyons can also be found throughout this rocky park.
You'll find these impressive canyons inside of Clifty Falls State Park at 1501 Green Rd, Madison, IN 47250.
Have you ever seen any of these stunning canyons up close? Which one was your favorite? For more gorgeous wonders in Indiana, check out the best of Indiana's waterfalls in both the southern and northern parts of the state.
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