Calli Nature Preserve: Discover Rock Rest Falls in North Vernon, Indiana

The preserve sits at 1200 Private Road 40 East, North Vernon, IN 47265, in Jennings County. From North Vernon, take US 50 east for just under a mile to the bridge over the Vernon Fork of the Muscatatuck River. Just after the bridge there's a gravel road on the right — turn there and follow it to the parking lot on the left, where the trail begins.

It's a two-mile trail that starts from the parking lot. A self-guided trail brochure is available in the sign-in box at the trailhead, so grab one before you head in. Give yourself extra time if you plan to stop at Rock Rest Falls for photos.

The preserve covers 179.21 acres and is owned by the Jennings County Community Foundation. It was a gift from Dr. James Calli, Jr. and is named for the late Dr. Louis J. Calli, Sr., who moved to North Vernon in 1949 and was at times the only practicing physician in Jennings County before retiring in 1998.

Right after a good rainfall, or during the spring months. The amount of water flowing over the falls varies a lot through the year, so a dry stretch in late summer can leave it down to a trickle. Spring also brings the preserve's wildflower bloom, which makes the hike in worth it on its own.

Sturdy hiking shoes, at minimum. The trails are uneven, muddy, and rocky, and they get considerably worse after rain. Bring your own water, since there's nowhere on site to refill.

No. There are no restrooms, water, or other facilities at Calli Nature Preserve — it's a protected natural area, not a developed park. Parking is a small gravel lot that holds roughly six cars, so an early start helps on busy weekends. Plan your stops in North Vernon before you drive out.

Deer, wild turkey, songbirds, and plenty of other woodland creatures live in the preserve, and Red-shouldered Hawks and Hooded Warblers both nest there. The landscape includes high-quality limestone cliffs and mesic and dry-mesic upland forest, with a large stand of eastern hemlock and some rare plants.

Stay on the marked trails and leave no trace. This is a dedicated natural area, so everything you pack in needs to come back out with you, and plants and rock formations should be left where they are. Following those two rules is what keeps the preserve intact for the next visitors.