An old rail fence bordered the property as I walked through a beautiful woodland. The sun shining overhead was a welcome sight after the days of rain and overcast skies we have had in Indiana as of late.
The ground was pretty saturated, but the dirt path was clear. There were a few leaves scattered around and a beautiful array of spring wildflowers had popped up on each side of the trail. I was so happy to be out in the woods on this early spring day. I was hiking near Taswell, Indiana. I had decided to visit Yellow Birch Ravine Nature Preserve, which is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
I had never been at this place before. This old preserve, located in southern Indiana south of Patoka Lake, contains 441 acres and has deep valleys and steep rocky cliffs. There also are hemlock trees on part of the property.
The parking area is more like a pull off and doesn’t hold many vehicles, but I was determined to get out to this place and see it for the first time.
The trails are not marked well and they’re on both sides of the road. At first, the trail follows a creek and it ends in a double waterfall. It’s about a mile, in and out, and it’s easy to follow.
On the other side of the parking area is a trail that leads to the main attraction of the property — the Arch. This trail is well worn. I decided to hike this section first. I started down the wooded path feeling very light-hearted and carefree. Hiking always has this effect on me.
Another possiblity:A Hiker's Path: Flowers are springing up all over Porter West Preserve
After walking about a quarter of a mile, I came to a spur trail. This trail followed a creek. It led me to a valley lined by hemlock trees, with a gorgeous backdrop of high cliffs.
After taking a few photos, I returned to the main trail and continued on to the Arch. I followed the dirt path for a bit, hiking around a ridge and following the creek. You don’t see the arch at first but soon it came into view — quite a spectacular rock formation.
Indiana has small, hidden places that will surprise you — this is one of those.
After a short visit at the arch, I turned around to hike the other trail to the waterfalls. This trail was a bit longer and required crossing a big creek, but the crossing was easy. I suppose in times of heavy rains it could be a bit problematic, but there were stepping stones placed strategically for my feet, so it wasn’t a problem.
It wasn’t long until I came to the waterfalls. I must say, it was a stunning sight. I took several photos of the waterfalls. I included one with this column to give you an idea of what it looked like.
Overall, it was a great hike to a new place that I could now cross off of my bucket list.
To get to there: From Bloomington, take Ind. 37 south to English, turn west on Ind. 64. Follow the highway until you come to South Trestle Road, where you turn left. Follow road to the preserve.
A quote for your week: “In the stillness of nature, we find wisdom that transcends words.” — Shea Ernshaw, author, novelist
Until the next trail, Susan
Most Popular
Comments / 0