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Hoosier National Forest
More Highlights
The Hoosier National Forest is located in the rolling hills of southern Indiana. Backed against the Ohio River to the south, this Forest is within a days drive of the metropolitan centers of Cincinnati, Louisville, Evansville and Indianapolis. Yet it retains a rugged nostalgia, timeless hills and sharp ridges, of lakes and streams, of diverse stands of hardwoods, pine and cedar, and of springs, caves and sinkholes.
Principal access routes to the Hoosier .National Forest are State Highway 37 (north-south from Indianapolis) US Highways 150, 460, 50 and State Highway 64 (east-west).
The exterior boundaries of the Hoosier National Forest contain 430,000 gross acres. National Forest lands within that boundary, now total 193,000 acres. With a considerable amount of private land; care must be taken to use only National Forest lands for your recreational outings. Detailed maps, with ownership shown are sold at Forest Service offices.
Forest History
The Hoosier National Forest was created in the depression era of the 1930's. It is made up of land purchased from private owners. Much of it was once stripped of its trees and its soils were badly eroded. The U.S. Forest Service has the task of restoring the vigor and productivity of this land. Much land within national forest boundaries is still owned by private parties.
Sightseeing
Spring is a great time to visit the forest. The hills are painted with the pink and white of redbud and dogwood tree blossoms. Add the many shades of new green leaves and the blue of the spring sky. It's an invigorating scene.
Autumn colors are even more spectacular. Reds, golds, russets and browns greet you at every turn. A scenic byway to explore is Highway 62 between Corydon and Dale. It's an easy side trip just a few minutes off Interstate 64.
Any time of the year you'll be greeted with Hoosier hospitality by local folks. Antique shops, country crafts, festivals and down home cooking are the specialties in many towns.
Scenic Drives
The sightseeing from roads along the Ohio river is great, too. Take Indiana highway 66, it is the"Ohio River Scenic Route" where from towering bluffs you will see a parade of barge and boat traffic. Explore the backroads along the river starting at Tell City and traveling eastward. The Cannelton locks and dam are a fun visit. Find the civil war riverboat memorial south of Magnet and the old Perry County courthouse in Rome. You can end your trip at Leavenworth or Corydon, both scenic and historic towns.
Hunting
Whitetail deer are abundant on the Hoosier National Forest and the adjacent private lands. They are often found along stream bottoms and around farmland and brushy areas. They may be hunted with shotgun, black powder rifle, and bow.
Turkey have been released throughout the Forest and may be hunted during the spring. Ruffled grouse and other upland birds are also hunted. Lakes, ponds and streams on the forest produce good waterfowl hunting as well.
The entire national forest is open to hunting. Be sure that you get permission to hunt on private property and know where you are at all times to avoid trespassing.
Hunting is controlled by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. You must have a state of Indiana license to hunt.
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