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Tipsaw Trail

The 5.9 -mile Tipsaw Trail is open to hiking and mountain biking. The shaded trail through scenic hardwood forest offers scenic overlooks of Tipsaw Lake and the valley. There are three trailheads for this trail, one of which is within the recreation area and close to water and toilet facilities. This is the also the only trailhead that would require paying a parking fee to park. The other trailheads would be free to park and use the trail though a trail permit would be required for mountain bikers.

Click here for a downloadable brochure.

General Information

Yearround

A parking fee is required for one of the trail heads (within the Tipsaw Recreation Area). A trail permit is required for mountain bike riders.

A trail permit is required for mountain bike riders age 17 and older. Permits are available from our office and local vendors.

Yes at the trailhead

Motorized vehicles and horses are not permitted on trail and mountain bikers must stay on the designated trail.

Getting There

Directions

Take I-64 to IN 37 south (Exit 79), about 51 miles east of Evansville. Take IN 37 south approximately 6.5 miles to Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area. To reach two of the parking areas, turn right on the recreation area entrance road. Just prior to the gatehouse is a small parking area, if you park there, no parking fee is required. If the gatehouse is occupied, a parking fee is required to park in the second parking area. If you wish to proceed past the gatehouse to the main parking area, drive three miles to the swimming/picnic area parking lot. Where the road curves left to go to the beach you'll notice the trail goes right, past a pit toilet and into the woods.

Additional Information

Operated By

USFS, Tell City Ranger District, 248 15th Street, Tell City, IN 47586; Phone: 812-547-7051

Nearby Recreation Sites

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated December 17, 2025