Fall Creek Gorge
Fall Creek Gorge is one of Warren County’s premiere sites of scenic inspiration and ecological importance. The preserve has long been celebrated as a local natural treasure due to the striking hydrological features carved into its sandstone bedrock foundation.
This layer of sandstone was laid down over 300 million years ago as our region transitioned from a shallow sea to a terrestrial landscape. Evidence of life during this early carboniferous period has been recorded on the preserve in the form of fossilized tetrapod and early reptile footprints. Over millennia, water flowing over this sandstone formation has carved out a steep winding canyon with a series of deep kettle holes. The vortices created at the base of each kettle churn small stones and sediment which act as a geomorphic drill bit to sculpt the soft sandstone below, creating the iconic ‘potholes.’ The high and moist sandstone canyon walls provide a unique habitat for a variety of sensitive vascular and bryophytic plants to thrive.
Trails
Big Pine Creek Trail (0.75 miles): Counterclockwise from the parking area descend into mesic upland woods down to an old field habitat (last farmed around 1987) featuring goldenrod, bee balm, downy mountain mint, dogbane, field thistle and common milkweed. At the east end of the old field there is a section of dry mesic upland woods dominated by white oak above Twin Bridges. The trail follows the bluffs above Big Pine Creek, providing a scenic view of an S-curve in the creek looking upstream. The trail then circles back up into the upland mesic woods slopes and back to the parking lot.
Fall Creek Trail (0.8 miles): Cross Twin Bridges Road and take the loop counterclockwise through old field habitat. Entering the woodland slopes and down to a section of wet woods along Fall Creek you will encounter, on your right, a 1.5 M waterfall just before a horseshoe bend in the creek. Here you will find the beginning of a canyon-like sandstone gorge with living walls of bedrock topped with wild blueberries, black huckleberries, and a glacial remnant white pine. Continue back up to the old field and then into a dry mesic oak woodland with views of the wet sandstone cliffs and a switchback that provides a view of the potholes. The trail ascends the dry mesic woods on its way back to Twin Bridges Road and the parking lot.
Activities
- Bird Watching
- Trails
- Wildflowers
History of Acquisition and Property
In October 1965, Congress authorized the Corps of Engineers to build an earth and rockfill dam on Big Pine Creek in Warren County, Indiana. The reservoir and lake were projected to cover more than 6,000 acres of land in and around the Big Pine Valley. The Big Pine Creek Dam was opposed locally by a ratio of 10:1 and the debate around the project launched the political career of 22-year-old conservationist Jim Jontz. In an effort to protect one of the highest quality portions of the projected lake site from destruction, the Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve was created in 1973 by The Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy hired Jontz, who was a direct neighbor to the preserve, to serve as the caretaker and program director for the property. With continued pressure from Jontz and activist groups like the Friends of Big Pine Creek and the Committee on Big Pine Creek, the dam project was eventually abandoned in 1990. Without this organized opposition to the dam the Potholes and the Big Pine Creek Valley would be underwater!
Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve was a popular place for locals and travelers to visit for decades. In 2020, The Nature Conservancy made the difficult decision to close the preserve due to abuse from rampant public visitation.
In 2021, ownership of Fall Creek Gorge transferred from The Nature Conservancy to NICHES Land Trust.
NICHES Land Trust has worked diligently with the community to create a new parking lot and trail system for the preserve to positively impact how the public engages with the site. Please keep Fall Creek Gorge open to the public by staying on trail, keeping dogs on leash and removing their waste, taking nothing (no flowers, mushrooms, etc) and leaving nothing. Foot traffic only, no motors and no swimming/wading. No drinking or parties. Park only in the lot and not along the road. Preserve open dawn to dusk, December through October (closed November for deer cull).
Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve was a popular place for locals and travelers to visit for decades. In 2020, The Nature Conservancy made the difficult decision to close the preserve due to abuse from rampant public visitation.
In 2021, ownership of Fall Creek Gorge transferred from The Nature Conservancy to NICHES Land Trust.
NICHES Land Trust has worked diligently with the community to create a new parking lot and trail system for the preserve to positively impact how the public engages with the site. Please keep Fall Creek Gorge open to the public by staying on trail, keeping dogs on leash and removing their waste, taking nothing (no flowers, mushrooms, etc) and leaving nothing. Foot traffic only, no motors and no swimming/wading. No drinking or parties. Park only in the lot and not along the road. Preserve open dawn to dusk, December through October (closed November for deer cull).
How to Get There
From Attica:
Take US 41N across the Wabash River into Warren County. Turn right on N 025E (also called Potholes Road). Follow for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto E 200N/W Twin Bridges Road and slowly drive up the hill. Watch for wildlife and hikers. The Gravel Parking lot will be on your right at the top of the hill. Enter the trails by the sign kiosk on the east side of the parking lot.
Noteworthy Information
Fall Creek Gorge is a state dedicated Nature Preserve. Visitors must stay on trail in order to protect sensitive plant and animal species. Off tail hiking and swimming/wading is not permitted.
Closures
Closed in November for Deer Control Hunt
Parking
Gravel lot
Number of Acres
175
Trail Description
2 looped trails:
Big Pine Creek Trail - 0.75 mi
Fall Creek Trail - 0.8 mi
Big Pine Creek Trail - 0.75 mi
Fall Creek Trail - 0.8 mi
