Forgotten Stairway in the Woods...where does it lead?

My friend, Neil, and I were hiking the abandoned Madison Incline Railway in Indiana the other day...the highest railroad grade in the United States...almost six percent...from the Ohio River to the cliff's far above.

We really did alright,  tripping up the 6.9% grade for a mile and  a half until we came to this...rockslide

Seeing the way impassable without a machete and a bulldozer...we started back down...
but then spotted this stone staircase off into the forest...

I wonder what it went to?  Just have to find out.........................................

Neil was not so sure it was a good idea............

A mile or so uphill...and seven stone staircases...later,  maybe he was right!

Thirsty and out of breath...the end is nigh!

And finally...here it is  (the inscribed letters read "1906" )

But this end of the rainbow is the State Mental Hospital

This is Cragmont,  possibly the most elegant old hospital in the country

At least, they had water in the lobby, but Neil was worried about them trying to admit him!

Passing the pauper's cemetery,  we're reminded of how happy our lives really are...

Hospital warehouse at the end of a railroad spur...

Back down to the river...at the end of the line,  the beautiful Madison station.

And a strange message to take home from the rocks back up on the hill...
hope Neil doesn't take it personally!