|
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness area was
designated a wilderness in 1982 and encompasses nearly 13,000 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. In order to protect the wilderness character, regulations are
enforced to control the impact of people. Visitors to this special place are
asked to share responsibility in preserving this unique natural resource. |
 |
Ruthie, the Forest Service mule, and Rod Fahl
maintain trails in the Wilderness with a sled, since Wilderness
regulations forbid the use of wheeled vehicles. Mules and horses are
used to pack gravel and other materials in to maintain trails in the
Wilderness area. For information on how wilderness trails are maintained
on the Hoosier NF,
click here. |
|
Etiquette and Rules
● Use of wheeled vehicles including carts, wagons and
bicycles, or motorized travel is prohibited.
● Camping within 100 feet of ponds, Monroe Lake, trails, or
streams is allowed only in designated sites. Walk-in camping throughout
the rest of the wilderness area is not restricted.
● Horse riders (age 17 years and older) are required to
have a permit and stay on designated trails. Permits are available from
our offices and local vendors.
● Parking is allowed along Tower Ridge Road in only three
locations: Blackwell Horse Camp, Grubb Ridge Trailhead, and the Hickory
Ridge Fire Tower.
●
Campsites must be occupied the first night, and may not
be left unattended for more than 24 hours without permission. Camping is
limited to 14 days.
● Hunting is permitted in the Wilderness. Target shooting
or practicing is not allowed.
●
Stock may not be tied within reach of any living tree.
●
Group size is limited to 10 persons or less.
●
Observe the following trail courtesy:
|
Axsom Branch Trail
|
|
Safety
Be aware of hunting seasons. Blaze orange clothing is
recommended (do not wear white) during deer season.
Some trails intersect roadways. If you choose to use
a road as part of your trip, be mindful of traffic.
Ticks and chiggers are prevalent in southern Indiana.
Take necessary precautions including avoiding tall grass and thick
brushy areas.
Loose limbs and hazard trees can fall on the trail at anytime,
especially on windy days.
|
At Blackwell Horsecamp, on the edge of the Wilderness, horses wait
patiently by a special ramp built to assist people in mounting their
horses
. |
 |
Pine forests along the Grubb Ridge Trail. (Photo by
Roger Lester) |
To request more information, to volunteer, or
for comments or suggestions, you may contact us at:
r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us
go to
top |
