Canyon Forest Nature Preserve
State Designated Nature Preserve [#290; 2020]
Canyon Outcrop. Click to enlarge
This 68-acre Sycamore Land Trust preserve is a relatively recent (2013) addition to their portfolio of properties, and offers a well-maintained figure eight trail, connected to the tiny (two cars?) parking area by a longish access trail. The “canyon” lies along the western edge of the trail system. There are nice rock formations, intermittent streams, and a small seasonal waterfall along the easternmost portion of the trail system, near the infrequently used railroad tracks. Otherwise, expect to experience a mature and very quiet woods that is home to many species of birds. I noted wood thrush, noisy woodpeckers, and scarlet tanager, among others. This is a very pleasant destination that I expect to become increasingly popular with time.
Trail Map
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Directions
Greene County. From I-69 Exit 117, west 7.5 miles on IN 45 to County Line Rd, then right 1.0 mile to Edwards Rd, then left 0.4 mile to a tiny parking area on the right.
GPS: N 39 06.071 W 86 41.433
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
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Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Leonard Springs Nature Park (6.4)
Porter West Nature Preserve (7.7)
Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve (12.9)
Greens Bluff (13.6)
Cedar Nature Preserve (14.8)
McCormick's Creek State Park (16.1)
Beanblossom Bottoms (18.6)