Lost River, National Natural Landmark river in Indiana, United States
Lost River flows through a network of limestone caves and underground channels shaped by the karst landscape of southern Indiana. The water repeatedly disappears beneath the surface and emerges at different points along its course.
Native Americans first used the river's resources and built settlements along its banks in early times. European explorers and settlers arrived in the 18th century and gradually transformed the region.
The river's name describes its most striking feature: water vanishes underground and reappears several times along its path. Local residents use this name to capture the mysterious nature of the waterway.
The best way to explore the river is by following marked hiking trails that link different observation points. From these locations, visitors can watch water emerge from underground passages and underground springs.
The river is home to specialized aquatic organisms that have adapted to life in complete darkness within its underground sections. These creatures are found nowhere else and survive by relying on chemical processes rather than sunlight.
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