Devil's Standtable

Devil's Standtable is the most geologically distinct feature at Giant City State Park, a giant mushroom rock formation formed when a large horizontal caprock of resistant Pounds sandstone has been left standing on a narrow pedestal as the softer rock below eroded away on all sides. The resulting formation resembles an enormous stone table or mushroom, with a caprock roughly 15 feet in diameter balanced on a tapered sandstone column only a few feet wide at its base. The formation is the product of differential weathering — the massive caprock resists erosion more effectively than the surrounding and underlying sandstone, which has been preferentially removed by water, wind, and frost action over millions of years. The short trail from the parking area descends briefly before arriving at the base of the formation, which can be viewed from all sides. Informational signs explain the geological processes behind pedestal rock formation. The surrounding forest of mixed oak and hickory provides attractive fall color in October. The formation is fenced to prevent climbing that would accelerate erosion of the pedestal. Devil's Standtable combines easily with the Giant City Nature Trail for a complete tour of the park's most distinctive geological features in under two hours total. No fee is required and the trailhead has dedicated parking separate from the main lodge area.