Black Rock at Golden Hour

A sandstone bluff about 110 feet above the Wabash, oak woods on top, and the valley going gold.

Play this quest in Shenanigo

Black Rock is one of the quietest views in Tippecanoe and Warren country: a sandstone and shale bluff that rises about 110 feet over the Wabash, with open white-oak woods and sandstone barrens on top. NICHES Land Trust owns it, and the state dedicated it as a nature preserve. The preserve sheet notes that Tecumseh's warriors were stationed here in 1811, and the Potawatomi Trail of Death camped nearby in 1838.

Best in the last hour before sunset, when low light rakes across the valley. The preserve closes at dusk, so enjoy the glow from the top and start back while it is still light. The trail from the small lot on S 950 W is short and easy.

Free. Open dawn to dusk, December through October; NICHES closes its preserves for all of November for a deer-control hunt. Leashed dogs are welcome. It is a state-dedicated nature preserve: no picnicking, fires or climbing, and it is illegal to pick, dig or take anything (plants, rocks, even mushrooms). Eat first at Ross Hills Park, about 3 miles away, which has picnic shelters.

The bluff has sheer drops with no railings. Stay well back from the edge, keep children within arm's reach and dogs on a short leash, and skip the edge entirely when the rock is wet or icy.

Play safe: stay on public sidewalks and grounds, respect private property, and never read your phone while driving.

Quest details

Play it free on your phone. Go in daylight, stay on public ground and follow local rules.