Recreation


Two kayakers paddle in open water as the sun sets behind the trees.

Discover an Area by Activity

Select an activity to find an area to visit.

The Hoosier National Forest is within a 2-hour drive of Cincinnati, Evansville, Indianapolis, and Louisville. The Forest offers people a tranquil setting to explore, fish, hike, hunt and reconnect with nature. There are over 260 miles of trails on the forest for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Trail systems may be open to more than one type of use, so please be courteous to other users.

Please note: To reduce our paper use, printed trail maps will no longer be available at trailhead kiosks when current supplies run out.

Quick Links

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Recreation Conditions Report

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Birdseye Trail Open Open
Charles C. Deam Wilderness Open Open Be aware that Tower Ridge Road is a rough, gravel road that is not maintained in the winter.  Hunter's Creek Road to the south is a paved road alternative.  
German Ridge Recreation Area Open Open
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area Open Open
Hickory Ridge Fire Tower Open Open Parking is limited. Have a plan to visit another site or trail if this site is full.  If possible plan your visit during non-peak times such as mornings, and weekdays.  Due to the nature of the tower, social distancing can be challenging.
Hickory Ridge Trail Open Open
  • Trail 16 is closed from the junction of trail 17 on the west to junction with trail 17 on the east.
Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area Open Open
Lick Creek Trail Open Open
Saddle Lake Recreation Area Open Open
Springs Valley Trail and Boat Launch Open Open
Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area Open Open
Two Lakes Loop Trail Open Open

Spotlights

Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area

Camping at Celina Campground

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.

Rickenbaugh House

Rickenbaugh House

This sandstone block house was built in 1874 by Jacob Rickenbaugh. The house has been renovated and is open periodically during the summer months when staff is available. Interpretive programs are given at the amphitheater next to the historic house and tours of the house are scheduled regularly. A nature store with souvenier and educational items is located inside the house.

A downloadable flier with information is available - click here.

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

Hardin Ridge Camper

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 are available for reservation, a three​ lane boat launch, a swim beach with shelter and showerhouse,​ hiking trails, and two rental cabins on the lake. The​ campground loops offer modern restroom and shower​ facilities. This area is operated by a concessionaire under a​ special use permit issued by the Forest Service from mid-​April through mid to late October.