Wolf Cave Trail

The Wolf Cave Trail is the longest and most varied hiking route at McCormick's Creek State Park, combining three of the park's signature features in a single moderately challenging loop. The trail descends into the McCormick's Creek canyon, follows the streambed past limestone formations and small cascades, and climbs to Wolf Cave — a substantial cave opening in the canyon wall large enough for hikers to enter for several feet before the passage narrows and descends into a water-filled lower chamber accessible only to experienced cavers with proper equipment. Interpretive signs at the cave entrance explain the karst geology and the historical use of the cave. The trail continues up the canyon wall to a ridge-top section offering glimpses of the surrounding Owen County farmland before descending through a hollow sheltering a natural sandstone arch — a rarely mentioned highlight of the park. The arch spans roughly 10 feet and is formed from a more resistant sandstone layer above the predominantly limestone bedrock. The return portion of the loop traverses the upland forest before rejoining the canyon trail near the falls. The variety of geological features on this single trail makes it one of the most educational hikes in the Indiana state park system.