The multiple-use Youngs Creek Trail offers approximately 10.5 miles for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. This shady trail traverses a variety of terrain in scenic hardwood forests.

A primitive campground, hitching racks and a picnic shelter are located at the north end of the trail. One day use parking lot is located on County Road 550 South. Day use parking is also available free at the campground.

NOTE: Horse riders and mountain bikers are required to have a trail permit and stay on trails designated for their use. Annual ($35/year) and day-use ($5/day) permits are available from Hoosier National Forest offices and several local vendors.

This trail operated by:
US Forest Service
Tell City Ranger District
248 15th Street
Tell City, IN 47586
Phone: 812-547-7051
Hoosier National Forest website

A primitive campground with pit toilets, hitching racks, and a picnic shelter is available. The campground is designed for horse camping, however, any National Forest visitor is welcome to camp. There is no use fee at this site.

Paoli school children and the Orange County Saddle club have provided most of the development and facilities at this campground and trailhead.

From Hwy 37 (south of Bloomington and Paoli), go west on CR 550 S / CR 560 S at Pine Valley (at the 2nd sign for Youngs Creek). Continue west approx. 0.8 miles and turn right (north) into the trailhead parking area (which should have a sign reading "FR 707").

(Check out the maps above too.)

This loop trail is perhaps the most difficult in the state, with several challenging climbs and technical singletrack. Riding the trail clock-wise may be a little more enjoyable, though either direction has tough climbs, fast downhills, mudholes, deep-set horse tracks, sticker bushes, rocks and a few logs to jump.