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 yield to other users.
Trail tags are required for mountain biking and horseback riding. Tags can be purchased at vendors around the area or at either Hoosier National Forest office (Bedford or Tell City). Private and public land ownership is scattered within the Forest boundary. Visitors must take care to stay on national forest lands and respect private property.
Click on the subject in the choices to the left on the recreation topic you are interested in.
Information on geographic location (lat/longs) of many of the recreation sites on the Hoosier can be found here. These are also noted under the information for each site. We've also included information on day trip suggestions while visiting our Forest recreation areas.
The headquarters office is in Bedford, Indiana- the Forest is not located in Bedford, but is spread across 9 counties.
Take a map with you when you visit the Forest, and preferably a compass or GPS unit. It is easy to get disoriented if you get off trail.
The 1,200 acre Hardin Ridge recreational complex is located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir. Located just southeast of Bloomington, the area is easily accessible from State Highway 446. The area offers camping, picnicking, boat launching, swimming, nature walks, and interpretive programs in a forested environment.
The physical address for Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is 6464 Hardin Ridge Road, Heltonville, IN 47436.
Please note: No hunting is allowed within the recreation area.
