Hoosier National Forest

general location of Hoosier National Forest in Indiana This is a favorite resource in Indiana. The rules at Hoosier National Forest are minimal. This adds greatly to the charm of the place, but also means you need to be tolerant and mindful of other people's pursuits. Hunting is allowed at Hoosier National Forest, so be safe.

The exterior boundaries of the Hoosier National Forest contain 430,000 gross acres. National Forest lands within that boundary now total 193,000 acres. With a considerable amount of private land, care must be taken to use only National Forest lands for your recreational outings. Detailed maps, with ownership lines shown are sold at Forest Service offices.

Click here to check out several trip reports for many areas of Hoosier National Forest.

Click on a trail dot on the clickable maps below to see more information about the Hoosier National Forest Trail, or check out the overview pages for the Northern Section, Middle Section or Southern Section:

Click for Detailed Inventory of trails in the Northern Section of Hoosier National Forest (from Lake Monroe To Bedford)
or click a numbered dot on the map below:

Hoosier National Forest (northern section)

Click for Detailed Inventory of trails in the Middle Section of Hoosier National Forest (from Bedford on the north to I-64 on the south)
or click a numbered dot on the map below:

Hoosier National Forest (middle section)

Click for Detailed Inventory of trails in the Southern Section of Hoosier National Forest (from I-64 to the Ohio River)
or click a numbered dot on the map below:

Hoosier National Forest (southern section)

Unique Features:

Charles C. Deam Wilderness - Indiana's only Congressionally designated wilderness area has 13,000 acres providing for solitude and a remote experience.

Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest - An 88 acre virgin old-growth forest and archaeological site. The Forest's only Research Natural Area.

Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower - Constructed by the CCC in 1939. This historic tower is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. Located in Charles C. Deam Wilderness.

Hemlock Cliffs - a box-shaped canyon with sandstone formations, seasonal water falls and rock shelters

Rickenbaugh House - A stone house built in 1874, used as a local post office and church meeting house. Now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wesley Chapel Gulf - This National Natural Landmark is an 8 acre collapsed sinkhole with an alluvial floor which provides a window to the underground river system.

Land Recreation:

Over 200 miles of hiking, horseback, and mountain bike trails. Hunting, nature study, camping, picnicking and scenic drives are all available at Hoosier N.F. Campgrounds are located adjacent to large lakes and in conjunction with some of the trail systems. Five horse camps are available associated with equestrian trails.

Water Recreation:

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is popular with boaters and anglers alike because of easy access to Lake Monroe. Other recreation areas are located on Celina Lake, Indian Lake, and Tipsaw Lake. The Little Blue and Lost River offer opportunities for seasonal float trips through the Forest.

Panfish, catfish, and bass fishing opportunities are available throughout the Forest. Mano Point provides boat access to the Ohio River.

Click for the Hoosier National Forest's Website
Click for the USDA Forest Service Website