This beautiful hike located inside the Petit Jean State Park near Oppelo is absolutely incredible.

Within a few feet of your vehicle you will find yourself wandering across the turtle rock formations, a fascinating water-formed bluff rock that looks just like the backs of giant ancient turtles!

Follow the trail into the beautiful shaded woods, and you will come upon the Indian Rock house cave.

This massive bluff shelter contains a one of a kind treasure hunt. Bring a flashlight and search along the walls to discover the ancient pictographs (circa 1200 AD).

We spent several hours here wondering about the shelter, imagining what it would be like to discover it and make our home there. Trying to decipher the paintings along the wall & ceiling, and wondering how long they had left before they faded away forever.

This short hike (the trail goes on further, winding through the woods, near a waterfall, and intersects a boy scout trail bringing the total trail to almost 5 miles, but we turned around after the shelter and went back to the vehicle because we had lost so much time.) is less than a mile from your vehicle to the cave and back.

I would recommend this hike for anyone, but would recommend bringing a walking stick if you are unstable or if the turtle rock formations area might be wet because the rocks do get a bit slick.