Pine Hills: Walking the Backbones

Indiana’s first state nature preserve: four narrow rock ridges, 70 to 100 feet above the creeks.

Play this quest in Shenanigo

Pine Hills Nature Preserve, inside Shades State Park, was Indiana's first state-dedicated nature preserve. Sugar Creek and Indian Creek meandered so tightly here that they left four thin rock ridges called "backbones": Devil's Backbone, Turkey Backbone, Millcut Backbone and The Slide. They stand 70 to 100 feet above the valleys, with hemlocks and white pines clinging to the slopes and a strange sandstone wall called Honeycomb Rock.

Best at midday: more light reaches the deep valleys, and you have plenty of daylight to finish. The trail is about 1.3 miles each way and rated moderate to rugged. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Shades State Park entrance fee: $7 per car with Indiana plates, $15 out of state. Park at the separate Pine Hills lot (follow the signs inside the park). Hiking only: no picnicking or camping in the preserve. Use the Shades picnic areas afterward. Trails close at dusk. Leashed dogs are allowed on DNR land, but the ridges are no place for a pulling dog, so leave them home. Take nothing.

Safety first: the backbones are narrow, with steep drops on both sides and poor footing. Walk single file, keep children's hands held, and don't stop, turn around or take photos on the narrowest parts. Stand still on a wide spot to look. Skip the backbones entirely when they are wet, icy or windy, or if heights bother anyone in your group.

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.