Clark State Forest Limestone Canyon Historic Quarry Circuit

Clark State Forest sits atop the Mitchell Plateau where limestone quarrying built half the Midwest’s foundations. This 12-mile circuit follows century-old quarry access roads through a landscape of natural bridges, sinkholes, and seasonal waterfalls that appear after spring rains. The route passes active bat caves and the ruins of the old Indiana Limestone Company operations, where derricks once lifted Bedford limestone blocks bound for Chicago skyscrapers. Goose Creek cuts deep ravines through the plateau, creating technical descents that require low-range and careful line selection.

Moderate difficulty terrain suitable for stock 4WD with decent ground clearance and recovery points. The limestone can be slick when wet, making spring and fall the trickiest seasons—summer and early fall offer the most predictable conditions. No permits required, but stay clear of active bat hibernacula from October through April. Primitive camping available at designated sites, and the old quarry benches provide unique overnight spots with views across the Ohio River valley toward Kentucky.