Enchanted Rock (State Park in the Hill Country area of central Texas, near Fredericksburg)
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Enchanted rock is comprised of a igneous (granite) intrusion/pluton that covers about 650 acres. We don't have many igneous rocks around here, it is mostly sedimentary rocks (predominantly limestone). This granite is significantly more resistant to weathering/erosion processes than limestone, and this is a remnant structure as hundreds of feet of Cretaceous-age limestone have eroded away and ultimately exposing the pluton.
Enchanted Rock is well documented in Texas folkore, and was utilized by native Americans such as the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Apache. The top of the hill was used as a strategic defense position for both native Americans, and the military of the Republic of Texas (1800s).
Native Americans believed the rock to have spiritual powers, hence the name "Enchanted Rock". As the sun sets at night (particularly in the warmer months), the bedrock formation creaks and crackles, and this helped support the idea of it having spiritual powers. What is really going on though is that the rock formation bakes in the sun all day, and then as the sun sets at night it begins to cool and contract causing the audible creaks and cracks. It's actually pretty cool to witness.
Today the park is mostly used for hiking, rock climbing, caving, and wildlife watching.
You guys been out here before?
@Splinty
@ThatOneDude