Trail
Map keyed to Chart (158 KB) / Trail
Permit information / Leave No Trace
Welcome to the Hoosier National Forest trail system.
Approximately 266 miles of trails are available for your hiking, biking, or horse riding
pleasure. The following chart and linked map provide a brief description and general
location of trail systems found on the Hoosier National Forest.
Trail users are advised to use caution.
Several recent storms have weakened limbs which can fall at any time, especially on
windy days.
For a
printable pdf flier of Hoosier National Forest trails click here.
*Multiple Use allows for hiking, mountain
biking and horse back riding on these trails.
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Etiquette and Rules
Horse riders and mountain bikers are required to have a trail permit and stay on trails designated for their
use. Annual ($35/year) and day-use ($5/day) permits are available from our offices and
several local vendors.
Please observe the following trail courtesy:
- Mountain bikers yield to horse riders & hikers.
- Hikers yield to horse riders.
- Horse riders control your horse.
Pack out your trash. Camping is permitted in back-country areas.
Motorized travel on trails is not permitted.
Leave no trace of your visit.
Camping
For the camping area closest to the trail system you wish to hike, you
may want to see the campground
vicinity map or go to the page on campgrounds. You are also permitted to
set up primitive camps along most trails on NF land away from
developed campgrounds, and anywhere your camping equipment and/or vehicle do
not block developed trails or road rights-of-way. Camping is also NOT
allowed within 100 yards of Grubb Ridge Trail Head and Blackwell Pond, or at
the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower site. Bring enough drinking water for the
duration of your stay. Leave a clean campsite by packing out all refuse.
There is no charge for primitive camping, although a 14-day limitation is in
effect. In the Deam Wilderness, group size is limited to 10 people. In other
parts of the Forest, groups larger than 75 people require a permit. It is
not necessary to check in with the Forest Service. Practice the
Leave no Trace ethic
Pardon our Dust
Maintaining a trail system is a long and ever-changing process. Please
bear with us as we work to get trails brought up to standard. Some new routes may vary
from existing maps.
The Forest also assisted with research on the best way to manage
equestrian trails. The following paper may be of interest :
Aust, Michael W.; Marion, Jeffery L.; and Kyle, Kevin. 2005.
Research for the
development of best management practices to minimize horse trail impacts on
the Hoosier National Forest. Virginia Tech Department of Foresty,
Blacksburg, VA. 80p.
Safety
- Be aware of hunting seasons. Blaze orange clothing is recommended (do not
wear white) during deer season.
- Park your vehicle off the roadway if a parking lot is not available where
you wish to access.
- Many trails intersect roadways. If you choose to use a road as part of
your trip, be mindful of traffic.
For more information
Maps and further information are
available for most of these trails. [Note: The contour interval for all
topographic maps of Hoosier NF trails is 10 feet.] You may contact our office during business hours or email us with
questions or requests at:
r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us
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