Welcome to Indian God Rock. This site is located on the bank of the Allegheny River just outside of the town of Brandon, Pa. The rock is of archaeological importance as it bears some of the few authentic petroglyphs, or rock carvings, made by Native Americans. The date of the petroglyph is uncertain, though, and it is believed to have been carved at some point after 900 AD, but most likely after 1200 AD. The rock served as a landmark to early steamboat travelers. As the boats went by this rock, the ships' officers always called out "Indian God Rock" and the passengers would hurry to the rail to see the curiosity. The rock is 22 feet in height and composed of a hard sandstone with sloping sides. In 1984, Indian God Rock was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Among the fifty-five different figures present on Indian God Rock are geometric shapes and depictions of humans and animals in a range of positions. Two of the carvings appear to be images of archers. These two figures are the only known representations of archers in the Native American rock art of the Ohio River Valley. One scholar has held that the resemblance between certain figures on the rock and drawings on surviving birch bark scrolls indicates that the rock was used by tribal shamans, and he proposes that the rarity of martial themes among the carvings indicates that the carvers were members of a peaceful culture.
In recent decades, the Indian God Rock has suffered significantly from erosion and vandalism. Since the nineteenth century, visitors have cut their names into the rock, and recent years have seen the use of spray paint by some individuals. Although archaeologists have highlighted the carvings in the past, the figures are now somewhat difficult to see.
With that in mind, please only make observations and take only photos while here. This is a historical site.
Requirements:
1. A photo of your visit to the site must be attached to your log. You do not need to be in it. There is a path from the trail to the rock (between the deck and sign) if you would like to see the rock up close, but you are not required to leave the trail.
2. At the posted coordinates, you will find an informational sign. There are three photos on it. Please email or message me with the date that is associated with the top left photo.
Please be careful driving back here during the winter months. If you are not familiar with the area, the roads back in are narrow in spots in the last few miles, winding, dirt, and may not be winter friendly. Cell service was mostly nonexistiant the last few miles driving back when I visited here, however, there was good service once I got to the trail. Your experience may vary. From parking to the observation area is about 1.8 miles with little to no elevation change. The trail is asphalt and in good overall shape. Have fun, and enjoy this beautiful trail and great piece of history!
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022, and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.