Hiking

There are over 260 miles of trails available for hiking on the Hoosier. In addition, hikers can go cross-country almost anywhere on the national forest. Please use a map and verify that you are on national forest land since our boundaries are not clearly marked and much of our ownership is interspersed with private lands. See our flier with a list of trail systems available on the Hoosier NF, basic rules, safety information and a vicinity map for trail system locations.

Backpacking

The Hoosier has nine trail systems over 10 miles in length. The longest trail system is 48.7 miles. You can also backpack cross country but be sure you know where you are so that you don't inadvertently trespass onto private lands.

Take extra precautions during hunting seasons by wearing bright orange clothing. It is a good idea to carry a compass. Forest streams do not meet safety standards for drinking water. Take your water with you or treat it before drinking. Also, national forest ownership is scattered with privately-owned lands interspersed. Respect the rights of these owners by staying on public lands. To learn more about the trails on Hoosier National Forest, see the Trail Chart.

Day Hikes

With 27 different trail systems to choose from varying from .8 mile in length to 48.7 a hiker can certainly find the length of trail to fit their needs.  Most of our trails also have loops so you can make day hike to fit the time that you have available. 

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Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking (14)

Day Hikes (29)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 30 results

Birdseye Trail

Birdseye Trail is an 11.6 mile multiple use trail which allows for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. This trail winds through shady hardwood forests and covers a variety of terrain. Along the…

Brown County D Trail

This multiple-use trail links trails on the Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest to the Hoosier National Forest. The trail ties in with a county road which then has a short piece along…

Buzzard Roost Recreation Area

Site Open

A scenic location for walking, picnicking and camping.  Parking areas are available at the first trailhead access and at the picnic/camping spur. Tables, grills, and a portable toilet are available…

Buzzard Roost Trail

Buzzard Roost Trail is an 0.8 mile hiking trail that begins on the bluff overlooking the Ohio River and descends to the river adjacent a creek. There are several sandstone rock outcrops, and the…

Celina Interpretive Trail

The Celina Interpretive Trail is approximately 1 mile in length. This trail begins behind the Rickenbaugh House, and is related to the historic Rickenbaugh House and family. It has approximately 12…

Charles C. Deam Wilderness

Site Open

The Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers 36 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horse riding through scenic hardwood forest and varied terrain with views of nearby Monroe Lake. The area was…

Fork Ridge Trail

This 3.5 mile hike-only trail goes out in two directions from the trailhead. The north end is the more scenic, with several overlooks which give panoramic views of the valley below. At the north end…

German Ridge Lake Trail

The German Ridge Lake Trail is affiliated with the German Ridge Recreation Area. It is a 1.9 mile trail designated for hiking only. The trail encircles the scenic German Ridge Lake and flanks some…

German Ridge Recreation Area

Site Open

The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic…

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

Site Open

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is located on Monroe Lake south of Bloomington, Indiana. This recreation area offers​ six campground loops, two picnic areas and three shelterhouses,​ two of which…