Hoosier National Forest

Hoosier National Forest in the hills of southern Indiana, USA, is one of the premier Federal resources of the state.

This 200,000+ acres of forest is spread across nine counties of south-central Indiana. It restores, maintains, and interprets the state’s cultural and natural resources. Constituting fifty per cent of the total forest cover of Indiana, the Hoosier National Forest plays an important role in enhancing biological diversity by providing forest ecosystems.

This forest consists of 4 different sections: Buzzard Roost Recreation Area, Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area, and Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area. Jacob Rickenbaugh House, Potts Creek Rockshelter Archeological Site, and Lick Creek Settlement are prominent places within this forest.

Where is Hoosier National Forest

Hoosier National Forest is located in the US state of Indiana’s southern region.

Check this Indiana National Parks Map to find Hoosier National Forest on the Indiana Map.

Places to Visit Nearby

There are many attractions near Hoosier National Forest, including:

Buffalo Trace
Buzzard Roost
Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Clover Lick Barrens
Hemlock Cliffs
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower
Mano Point
Initial Point
Lick Creek African American Settlement
Orienteering Area
Pioneer Mother’s Memorial Forest
Rickenbaugh House
Sundance Lake
Watchable Wildlife Sites
Wesley Chapel Gulf
Bluespring Caverns
Lawrence County Historical and Genealogical Society, and many more

The closest cities and towns to Hoosier National Forest are:

Paoli
Braxton
Chambersburg
Abydel
Stampers Creek
Woodlawn Grove
Prospect
West Baden Springs
French Lick, and others

Things to Do

Sand play at Hardin Ridge and Tipsaw Recreation Areas
Bicycling
- Mountain Biking
- Road Cycling
Camping and Cabins
- Cabin Rentals
- Campground Camping
- Dispersed Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
Climbing
Fishing
- Lake and Pond Fishing
- River and Stream Fishing
Hiking
- Day Hiking
- Backpacking
Horse Riding & Camping
- Horse Camping
- Horse Riding
Hunting
Nature Viewing
- Viewing Plants
- Viewing Scenery
- Viewing Wildlife
OHV Riding & Camping
Outdoor Learning
- Interpretive Areas
- Visitor Programs
Picnicking
Group Picnicking
Water Activities
- Boating – Motorized
- Boating – Non-Motorized
- Swimming
Scenic Driving

Hiking

Hoosier National Forest has more than 260 miles (418.4 km) of trails for hiking and backpacking trails to enjoy.

Best Hikes in Hoosier National Forest

Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail

Explore the large stands of hemlock and oak forests as you go into a slot canyon at Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail. This 3.1 miles (1.93 km) long loop trail is a moderately challenging route near Indiana’s English. It will take you over half an hour to complete the trail.
Pate Hollow Trail

Pate Hollow Trail is popular among hikers, trail runners, and walkers. This loop trail near Indiana’s Smithville is a moderately challenging route. It will take around three hours to complete this 6.1 miles (9.82 km) long trail.
Nebo Ridge Trail

This is an out and back trail near Indiana’s Nashville. It is 25.59 km long, taking around seven and a half hours to complete the trail. Nebo Ridge Trail is a popular hiking trail that is also best for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Tank Spring Trail

Tank Spring Trail is a moderately challenging loop trail near Indiana’s Shoals. It is 3.6 mi (5.79 km) long and will take you around two hours to complete. During quieter times of the day, you can enjoy solitude on this trail.
Saddle Lake Loop

It is a popular loop trail near Indiana’s Tell City. Saddle Lake Loop is 2.4 miles (3.86 km) long and will take you around one hour to complete. It is best for hikers, nature trip lovers, and those who love fishing. This is a short and easy loop trail, where kids can also hike with their parents.

List of Trails for day hiking and backcountry hiking:

Day Hiking and Backpacking Trails:
- Birdseye Trail
- Charles C. Deam Wilderness
- Hickory Ridge Trail
- Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
- Two Lakes Loop Trail
- Mogan Ridge East Trail
- Mogan Ridge West Trail
- Oriole East Trail
- Oriole West Trail
- Pate Hollow Trail
- Shirley Creek Trail
- Springs Valley Trail and Boat Launch
- Youngs Creek Trail

Backpacking Hiking Trails Only
- Brown County D Trail
- German Ridge Recreation Area

Day Hiking Trails Only
- Buzzard Roost Recreation Area
- Buzzard Roost Trail
- Sycamore Trail
- Fork Ridge Trail
- German Ridge Lake Trail
- Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
- Hardin Ridge Trail
- Ted T. Turtle Trail
- Hemlock Cliffs Special Place and Trail
- Celina Interpretive Trail
- Lick Creek Trail
- Nebo Ridge Trail
- Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest
- Saddle Lake Trail
- Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area
- Tipsaw Trail

Facts

The Hoosier National Forest is spread across 202,814 acres (316.9 sq mi or 820.76 sq km).
It was established on October 1, 1961.
290,000 people visited Hoosier National Forest in 2017.

Best Time To Visit

Fall (mid-to-late October) and spring are the best times (seasons) to visit the Hoosier National Forest.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are:

Hoosier National Forest – Bedford Office: 8:00 – 4:30 EST Monday to Friday

Tickets

Horseback and Mountain Bike Trail Permits
- Trail Use Permit:
  - Daily use permits: US$5 per day
  - Annual Use Permits: US$35
- Federal Interagency Passes:
  - Annual Pass (Formerly Golden Eagle): US$80 Annually
  - Senior Pass (Formerly Golden Age): US$80.00 Lifetime
  - Access Pass (Formerly Golden Access): Free, Lifetime
  - Annual Military Pass: Free
  - Every Kid Outdoors: Free
  - Annual Volunteer Pass: Free

Hoosier National Forest Map