Discovering Mantle Rock Nature Preserve
One of our adventures took us from Mount Vernon, Indiana, down into western Kentucky to explore Mantle Rock Nature Preserve. The drive took us about two hours, and part of the fun of the trip was crossing the Ohio River on the historic Cave-in-Rock Ferry. We had to wait a little while for our turn to cross since there was quite a bit of traffic that day, but the ride across the river is always part of the adventure.
Once we arrived at Mantle Rock and started walking the trail, we quickly realized this was going to be a special place. The preserve is known for its massive sandstone formations and quiet forest trails, and there was plenty to see along the way.
The Natural Bridge at Mantle Rock
Before long we reached the highlight of the preserve — Mantle Rock itself, a huge natural sandstone arch that towers above the trail. The formation creates a natural bridge that looks almost like a giant rock shelter carved out of the cliff.
We spent quite a bit of time there just taking in the view and enjoying the quiet surroundings.
Sometimes the Small Things Catch Your Eye
Along the trail I stopped several times to take pictures of moss growing on the rocks. Michael thought I was a little crazy for photographing moss.
“It’s just moss,” he said.
But to me it looked different than what I was used to seeing, and in places like this the small details are often just as interesting as the big ones.
Walking the Original Trail of Tears Route
After exploring Mantle Rock we decided to continue our hike along part of the original Trail of Tears route that passes through this area.
That decision turned into a much longer hike than we expected.
About three hours later we finally made it back to the truck, tired but also with a deeper appreciation for the history of the land. Walking even a short section of the route makes you think about the thousands of Cherokee who were forced to travel this path during the removal of 1838–1839.
It certainly gave us a better understanding of how difficult that journey must have been.
A Word of Warning About Ticks
On the final stretch of the trail we discovered something that future hikers should keep in mind.
Ticks.
Lots of them.
Apparently we walked through a nest because by the time we made it back to the truck we were covered in them. Michael counted around 15 ticks on him, and I had over 30.
If you visit Mantle Rock, especially if you hike the old Trail of Tears road or some of the less traveled paths, it’s a good idea to check yourself carefully afterward. The main trail leading to Mantle Rock is well traveled and usually much better cleared.
A Beautiful but Historic Place
Mantle Rock Nature Preserve is not only a beautiful natural area with towering sandstone formations and peaceful forest trails, it is also an important historic location along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
For anyone exploring the region around the Ohio River and the Shawnee National Forest area, it’s definitely a place worth visiting for the short drive on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River.
Have you ever visited Mantle Rock Nature Preserve or explored any part of the Trail of Tears route? Leave us a comment below we would love to hear about it.
