Climbing to the top of Hanging Rock National Natural Landmark is not permitted to protect both this National Natural Landmark and visitor safety. Climbing can cause erosion and damage to this unique geological feature that formed over millions of years. Conservation officers do patrol the area and may issue citations for climbing violations.
Preserve Description
Hanging Rock is a rare natural feature in the generally level topography of northern Indiana. Situated on the bank of the Wabash River, Hanging Rock contains a portion of a Silurian coral reef and is approximately 420 million years old. It was formed when Indiana and much of the Midwest was covered by a warm, shallow sea. When the river undercut the rock, the top of the rock, 65 feet above the Wabash Valley, was left overhanging its base — thus the preserve’s name. This quick short out-and-back trail allows visitors to see this rock’s full height and history from it’s base.
During prehistoric and historic times, humans have used Hanging Rock for navigation, astronomical observation and military observation. The Miami and other indigenous peoples and European Americans have used Hanging Rock as both an overlook and a landmark.
In 2022, ACRES helped the National Park Service celebrate 60 years of recognizing and encouraging the conservation of America’s natural heritage through the National Natural Landmarks Program by making this short video about Hanging Rock:
