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German Ridge
Recreation Area
Length
of Trail: 24
miles for multiple use trail, 1.9 mile for German Ridge Lake Hiking Trail.
The
trail will have temporary trail closures through December 2009.
Trail Uses: On the
longer loop trail, hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking is allowed. The shorter lake
trail is provided for hiking only.
Special Features:
Sandstone rock outcrops, rolling hills of hardwood forests and Ohio River views. The lake
trail encircles the scenic German Ridge lake and flanks some interesting rock bluffs.
Campground: This campground caters to horse use, though any
visitors are welcome. Horses are allowed in the 20-unit campground.
Water is available for horses. The water is brought in from town and
accessed by hydrants. It is not potable for human consumption. A $4
self-service camping fee is charged.
Do not bring
firewood into Forest picnic areas or campgrounds! Firewood could
transport emerald ash borer. Only local firewood should be used.
Click here for more information.
Vicinity Map
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 The German Ridge trail winds
through several tall pine stands. |
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The hiking-only Lake trail has
picturesque steps going down to the lakeshore. |
Directions:
From I-64: Take
I-64 to IN 37 south (Exit 79). Take IN 37 south approximately 18 miles to IN 70. Go east
on IN 70. In less than 1 mile, turn right where the big "German Ridge Recreation
Area" sign indicates. When that road Ts into another, turn right. You are now on
Gerald Road. Watch for German Ridge Road on your left. Turn there, and the parking area is
0.9 mile south. Continue south to reach the campground and day use area.
From I-66: Take IN 66 east from Tell City, through Cannelton,
then watch for Forest Service signs. This will get you to the campground.
From there, go north on German Ridge Road. The campground and trailhead is
approximately 3/4 of a mile up this road to the left.
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Trail Map Drawing
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 Horseman riding along German Ridge
bluffs. |
 Several scenic rock outcrops and bluffs
flank both the hiking and the longer multiple use trail. |
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Yielding the Right of Way --
Be aware you may be sharing the trail with other types of user groups.
Observe the following trail courtesy:
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- Mountain bikers yield to horse riders and hikers. Make your approach known well in
advance.
- Hikers yield to horse riders.
- Horse riders control your horse.
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This rock is located in Helwig Hollow
near the German Ridge Trail at a stream junction. A maple tree is growing on
the top of the rock. Its a mystery where such a large rock would have come
from in the streambottom.
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Facilities and Camping
A primitive campground with pit toilets and
hitching racks is available. The campground is designed for horse camping, however, any
National Forest visitor is welcome to camp.
A scenic lake, beach and historic picnic shelter are also available. No
horses are allowed in the day use area. |
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Camping Fees: $4 per night. Parking is also
available at several trailheads. Please pack out your trash.
Emergency Information
Nearest public phone is located in Rocky
Point, IN.
Nearest hospital is located in Tell City, IN.
Perry County County Sheriff/ Indiana Conservation Officers: 812-547-7068 or 911
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In addition, volunteers are always
needed to help with trail projects. For more information, suggestions or comments contact
us at r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us
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