Forest offices remain closed to the public, but virtual services are available.  Contact staff via phone, website email or social media for maps, federal recreation passes, trail use permits, questions and information:  

Bedford

• (812) 275-5987
• (866) 302-4173 (toll-free)

Tell City

• 812-547-7051 

General Inquiries

• Email
• Facebook

Guidance for Recreating Responsibly 

• Follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus.  
• Adhere to the guidance in your local communities, state or region for social distancing and other precautionary steps 
• If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location.  
• Consider avoiding the forest during high-use periods. 
• Law enforcement and/or search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High-risk activities should be avoided. 
• Always check status before planning to recreate on National Forests 
• Avoid visiting the forest if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. 
• Take your trash with you when you leave. Trash overflowing the receptacles or just left on the ground becomes litter and can be harmful to wildlife and attract pests. 
• Dispose of human waste properly. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for our employees and for other visitors.
• Keep campfires small, never leave them unattended, and drown the fire when done. Follow campfire safety best practices.
• Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.  
• The USDA Forest Service continues to assess and temporarily suspend access to recreation areas that attract large crowds and cannot meet social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.