The forest is within a day's drive from Cincinnati, Louisville, Evansville, and Indianapolis.

Hike Hemlock Cliffs
Explore a lush microclimate created by a box canyon where sheer sandstone walls and rock outcrops are laced with seasonal waterfalls. A two-mile trail sheltered beneath a canopy of towering trees delivers you to this honeycombed canyon created by the intricate weathering of iron ores in sandstone. You'll discover rock shelters and caves that were inhabited by Native Americans some 10,000 years ago. And, of course, the canyon's cool climate is perfect for hemlock—these tall evergreens with short needles and small cones simply thrive in this environment and so will you. Hemlock Cliffs is located west of Highway 37 about two miles north of Interstate 64.

Explore Virgin Forest
Ancient oaks and 130-foot walnut trees with 42-inch diameters populate the Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest. Undisturbed since Joseph Cox purchased the land in 1816, this 88-acre tract serves as homage to a lost arboreal bohemia—a hundred years ago there were 19,000,000 acres of old growth forests in the state of Indiana. A 0.8-mile trail penetrates this unique forest of antiquity.

Mountain Bike the Birdseye
The Birdseye is an 11.8-mile trail that offers single-track terrain interspersed with stretches of old fire roads. Pedal past lakes, creeks, old homesteads, a cemetery, and impressive stands of hardwoods. A few steep climbs will make your thighs burn, but that's what it's all about, isn't it? Or, if you prefer, pull over to the side and just chill in the shade of a tree; that's what it's all about, too. Enjoy.

Scan the Sky for Birds of Prey
Buzzard Roost, situated on a high overlook of the Ohio River, affords spectacular views of hawks and turkey vultures in search of prey. Witness these feathered dinosaur descendants as they defy gravity, rising higher and higher toward the sun. And as you watch these magnificent birds coast on buoyant thermals of air, temper your envy as you recall the myth of Icarus, who flew too high and fell into the sea. The lookout also offers splendid views of vast Kentucky farmland just across the river. Buzzard Roost Overlook is located approximately two miles north of Magnet.

Explore Indiana Wilderness
The 13,000-acre Charles Deam Wilderness is Indiana's only congressionally designated wilderness. Hikers can explore the wilderness along 35.7 miles of trails that weave their way through impressive stands of hickory and oak along narrow ridges. In the forest's sunken hollows, you'll also find maple and beech. Some of the wilderness trails are also open to horseback riders.

Land a Lunker
Gas, grass, or striped bass—nobody rides for free. If you're after white or striped bass, then put your waders on and step into the Ohio River. The river's got sweet fishing for catfish, crappie, and sauger. And don't forget to drop a line in Lake Celina, Saddle, Tipsaw, and Indian Lakes—all four are stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, and catfish.