Climbing and Caving

Rock climbing and caving information for the Hoosier National Forest. 

Caving

Cave exploration is a popular hobby in the karst regions of south-central Indiana.  It is recommended to participate with an experienced and knowledgeable caving group for your safety. 

Many of the unique species that inhabit caves are sensitive to disturbance.  The National Forest does not disclose cave locations due to the sensitive nature of the cave-dwelling species. 

The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats that hibernate in caves is present in Indiana, and it has decimated the populations of several bat species.  All precautions should be taken by cavers to prevent the spread of this disease.  Current decontamination protocols can be found at whitenosesyndrome.org[MM2] 

To protect hibernating bats, the National Forest has issued a Forest Order [MM3] prohibiting the entering of any cave on National Forest System lands within the Hoosier National Forest between September 1 and April 30.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is permitted on most of Hoosier National Forest, with the exception of the rockhouse shelter on the Hemlock Cliffs Trail and a section of East Rainbow Lake . However, if you are not an experienced climber, we suggest you obtain training from a qualified source.

When climbing or rappelling off cliff faces, avoid disturbing plants on the rock faces. The environment these plants inhabit is very fragile, and some are rare species.  It is also best practice to protect the trees used as anchors.  Over time, ropes can cut into the bark and that anchor will be lost.

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