If someone were to ask you if there are any interesting geological formations in Indiana, you could easily say yes. Sure, the Hoosier State isn't exactly known for its outrageous geology, but there are enough features around here to keep a geology geek fascinated. Among that not-so-outrageous geology are features and formations that are a little different in terms of what folks typically expect from Indiana, like a handful of spectacular gorges and canyons. People almost always credit the Grand Canyon, in Arizona, with being the most beautiful canyon in the United States, and we do agree that it's up there in terms of ranking, but we must disagree with the most beautiful part.

Yes, it's awe-inspiring. It's absolutely breathtaking. But it's huge and can be overwhelming (and HOT), and besides, we think it's more majestic than beautiful. We think the coveted "most beautiful canyon in the United States" title ought to belong to a little state park in Indiana most people don't even know is there. Lace-up your best (waterproof) hiking shoes and let's explore Trail #8 at Shades State Park, where Shawnee Canyon awaits.

To explore Shawnee Canyon at its best, there are a few different trails you can do - but they all lead to one: Trail #8.

We recommend taking the Six Ravine Challenge, or, if you're short on time and prefer more of a challenging challenge, head directly to Trail #7 and follow it to #8.

When we say these trails are rugged, we definitely mean it.

You'll want to wear good, sturdy, waterproof shoes as you'll be crossing ravines, rivers, and creeks and trekking through some muddy areas. Be ready to spend some time wading in the creek, as part of the trail requires you to do so.

We promise all the wading, slipping, climbing, and ambling is worth it: Shawnee Canyon is breathtaking, and it feels like it's not even here in Indiana.

It feels much more like a sub-tropical jungle adventure, with ladders and all sorts of fun stuff to do and see. You'll want to explore every crevice; Shawnee Canyon is gorgeous (or should we say... gorge-ous? Okay. We'll leave) and sure to charm you into the next dimension. After all, it really does feel pretty inter-dimensional out here.

Gone are the rolling plains and fields of the majority of Indiana, replaced with lush, thick forest and murmuring brooks.

The geology of Shawnee Canyon is as interesting as the canyon, and it is beautiful. You'll find two layers of bedrock here exposed for the eye to see; the older of the two is the 225-million-year-old bedrock consisting of Pennsylvanian sandstone, and the other is a 220-million-year-old Mississippian sandstone formation.

The Mississippian-era bedrock tends to be quite fossil-rich, and though collecting specimens to take home (or disturbing the land to look for them) is illegal and unethical, there are no rules against seeing one, picking it up, and checking it out before placing it back where you spotted it initially.

Do know that, due to its rugged nature and the occasional heavy rain, sometimes Trail #8 (and Trail #7, for that matter) will be impassable. Please make sure to double-check the conditions before you go.

Shawnee Canyon may not be as overwhelmingly enormous or majestic as, say, the Grand Canyon...

…but it's beautiful, green, and feels like something out of another world (Avatar, anyone?), which is more than enough for us. Even the weather around here is a little different than the weather around other parts of Indiana. It's cooler down here, though you'll still want to bring plenty of drinking water.

So there you have it: a stunningly beautiful canyon in Indiana that rivals the Grand Canyon (at least for us). Who needs heat and little shade when you can have nice, cool air and all the shade (plus, the trail is located within Shades State Park, so it's even in the name) you could ever ask for?

What's your favorite hiking trail in Indiana? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way, you can get even more information before you start your journey.