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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.
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 designated a wilderness in 1982 and encompasses nearly 12,953 acres of the Hoosier National Forest. Wilderness designation places this area in a special legal status (subject to the 1964 Wilderness Act). It is managed to preserve a natural condition and provide opportunities for solitude.
Since its designation as a wilderness, visitor use in the area increased to a point that significant damage was occurring. Special restrictions are in place to protect the wilderness character. Visitors to this special place are asked to follow these restrictions to lessen your impact and share responsibility in preserving this unique natural resource.
Visitors should be aware that due to Monroe Lake’s purpose of flood control, water levels fluctuate and some campsites may experience flooding and be unusable for periods of time.
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 buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana.
Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area is located two miles south of Interstate 64 off Indiana 37. It offers opportunities for both overnight and day use, with two camping loops and two lakes that offer paddling, fishing and boating (electric motors only), and two trails for hiking. This area is operated by a concessionaire under a special use permit issued by the Forest Service from mid-April through late October.
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.
