Tucked away just east of Big Lyons Falls in Mohican State Park, the Wish Rock is a sandstone formation surrounded by local legend. According to stories passed down through the years, early settlers rubbed their feet in the rock while traveling through the area. This tradition later evolved into a wishing ritual, where visitors place their feet in the rock and make a wish, hoping to see it come true.
But is there any truth to this legend? In this EarthCache, we will analyze the Wish Rock’s geology, examining what we know about Black Hand Sandstone—its properties, durability, and how it erodes—to determine whether this rock was naturally shaped or possibly worn down by generations of travelers. By exploring both the science and folklore, we can uncover whether the myth holds up to geological evidence or if nature alone is responsible for its unique shape.
The Stone Beneath Mohican State Park
The Black Hand Sandstone is a prominent rock formation found throughout central and eastern Ohio, including Mohican State Park. It dates back to the Mississippian Period, approximately 350 million years ago, when much of Ohio was covered by an ancient, shallow sea. Over time, large rivers carried sand and sediment into this sea, depositing thick layers that eventually compacted into sandstone. The name "Black Hand" comes from a now-destroyed Native American petroglyph once visible on a sandstone cliff along the Licking River.
One of the defining characteristics of Black Hand Sandstone is its high permeability and resistance to erosion. Unlike softer rock formations that erode evenly, Black Hand Sandstone is known for its ability to form cliffs, overhangs, and rock shelters, as seen in Mohican State Park, Hocking Hills, and other parts of Ohio. The stone is mostly quartz-rich, making it relatively durable, but it also contains cross-bedding, which are layers of sediment deposited at different angles. These layers create zones of weakness, allowing water to seep in and gradually shape the rock over time.
The erosion of Black Hand Sandstone is largely driven by freeze-thaw cycles and water erosion. Water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes in cold temperatures, and expands, slowly breaking the rock apart. This process, combined with constant exposure to rain and flowing water, carves out the dramatic cliffs and recess caves found in the region. Features like Big Lyons Falls and the Wish Rock are results of these natural processes, shaping the landscape over thousands of years.
By understanding these geological properties, we can better analyze the Wish Rock’s origins and question whether its shape was influenced by human activity or if natural forces alone were responsible for its formation.
Possible Erosion Processes of the Wish Rock
| Erosion Process |
Description |
| Differential Erosion |
Sandstone consists of layers with varying resistance to weathering. Softer layers erode faster than harder layers, forming grooves over time. |
| Water Erosion |
Flowing water, from streams or heavy rainfall, gradually carved out channels in the rock. This process smoothed and deepened the grooves over time. |
| Freeze-Thaw Weathering |
Water may have seeped into small cracks, frozen, and expanded, breaking apart the rock gradually. This could have helped widen and deepen the grooves. |
| Glacial Influence |
If glaciers once covered the area, meltwater could have contributed to erosion. The movement of ice might have also scoured the surface. |
| Wind Erosion (Abrasion) |
In exposed areas, wind carrying sand or small particles could have slowly worn down the rock’s surface, contributing to the smoothness. |
| Human Influence |
While not the primary cause, repeated human contact—such as settlers rubbing their feet in the rock—may have slightly accelerated natural erosion in specific spots. |
Myth Busting
By now better understanding the sandstone, we wish to now work to discover the origins of the Wish Rock’s unique grooves, to uncover this natural history and local legend. Could the deep depressions truly be the result of generations of settlers rubbing their feet into the stone, shaping it over time? Or did natural forces play a much larger role, with erosion gradually carving the rock into the formation we see today? The presence of smaller, shallower grooves—many resembling graffiti—offers an interesting clue. These markings, surely made by humans, show that it is possible to erode this sandstone. If these traces are there and clear, could the larger grooves have also formed by humans? The true story of the Wish Rock remains uncertain, caught between myth and geology, but its worn surface continues to hold both the marks of time and the footsteps of those who have passed through.
Poll
From researching this area to learn about the Wish Rock I certainly have my inference on what cause the erosion of this rock. Since we are a team I would like to hear from you guys. Answer YES (primarily erosion from settlers shoes) or answer NO (natural erosion) into the certitude below so we can visualize everyones opinions
You can validate your puzzle solution with
certitude.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
Please complete the tasks and questions below, and send me your answers. If logging for a group, please include the names of everyone in your group.
1) What do you think is the primary cause of the grooves in the Wish Rock: natural erosion over time, or human-inflicted wear from shoes or other human causes? Provide evidence from the rock's appearance to support your answer. (Also, optionally answer the poll above with you answer)
2) Examine the depth of the grooves in the Wish Rock. How deep do you think the grooves are compared to the surrounding surface, and what might this tell you about the erosion process that created them?
3) Observe any smaller markings or graffiti on the Wish Rock. How do these additional marks compare to the natural features of the rock, and what might this suggest about human interaction with the rock over the years?
4) How does the surface of the rock feel to the touch? Does it feel smooth, rough, or worn down in specific areas? How might this tactile experience provide insight into the rock’s erosion history?
5) Take a photo of yourself (or personal item) with the Wish Rock or anything cool in Mohican State Park. You can attach it to your found it log (optional).