Welcome to the Hoosier National Forest |
|
Smokey Bear is turning 80 this year! As a way to celebrate the memorable octogenarian, the Forest Service is partnering with local libraries around Southern Indiana this month for story time programs. Join Smokey Bear at the following locations:
6/11: Shoals Public Library-10:45 am
6/14: Bedford Public Library-10 am
6/17: Brownstown Public Library-10 am
6/21: Crawford County Public Library-10:30 am
6/27: Jasper Public Library-10 am
6/28: Paoli Public Library-2 pm
Smokey Bear and Forest Service staff will discuss the Forest, talk about wildfire prevention, read "The Story of Smokey Bear" and take photos.
|
|
Hoosier National Forest Photo Contest
The Hoosier National Forest is excited to announce a photo contest open to the general public! Come visit the Hoosier National Forest and capture spectacular views, special moments and hidden gems.
There are four categories in which to enter your photos. At the end of the submission period, there will be a final vote to determine our winner!
Our photo contest starts immediately, and all photos must be submitted by Friday, November 29, 2024.
The four categories are wildlife/nature, scenic/landscape, recreation, and solar eclipse.
Hoosier National Forest
Attention: Quentin Melson
811 Constitution Ave
Bedford, IN 47421
With your photo, please include the following: date the photo was taken, location of the photo, your name, category of the photo, and whether you would like to be contacted via email or phone in case you are a winner.
For questions call 812-276-4753
*Photographers agree to share all copyrights for pictures submitted to Photograph Your Forest contests with the Hoosier National Forest, giving the USDA Forest Service shared ownership and rights to reproduce it. The photographer does retain a non-exclusive use license and may make use of their photos for personal and professional promotion.
*Winners must pick up prizes in either the Tell City or Bedford office
*An individual can only win one prize per year
*USDA Forest Service employees may submit photos but are not eligible to win any prizes offered
|
|
HNF Recreation Spotlight
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
Now is the time to visit the Hoosier National Forest Hardin Recreation Area! The Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is located on Monroe Lake south of Bloomington, Indiana. The area offers six campground loops, two picnic areas and three shelterhouses, a three lane boat launch, a swim beach with shelter and a showerhouse, hiking trails, and two rental cabins on the lake.
For more information on the Hoosier National Forest Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hoosier/recarea/?recid=41468
|
|
Volunteer Opportunities
Sign up for a chance to remove invasive plants on the Hoosier National Forest at the upcoming Weed Wrangles:
7/31 - Wednesday, 9-1, Lake Monroe Boat Rental at Paynetown
8/7 - Wednesday, 8-12, Pate Hollow trailhead
8/10 - Saturday, 8-12, Hayes Trailhead
8/14 - Wednesday, 8-12 Pate Hollow trailhead
8/21 - Wednesday, 9-1, Lake Monroe Boat Rental at Paynetown
8/25 - Sunday, 8-12, Pate Hollow Trailhead
8/28 - Wednesday, 8-12, Pate Hollow Trailhead
8/30 - Friday, 8-12, Hayes Trailhead
9/4 - Wednesday, 8-12, Pate Hollow Trailhead
For more information and to sign up electronically, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hoosier/workingtogether/volunteering/?cid=fseprd874183
|
|
Recreation Operations
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower - Parking is limited. Have a plan to visit another site or trail if this site is full. If possible, plan your visit during non-peak times such as mornings, and weekdays.
Charles C. Deam Wilderness - Hays Trail has damage located ½ mile from the Hays Trailhead and about 3 miles from Blackwell Campground. It is advised that horse riders not use this trail until the retaining wall can be rebuilt.
Be aware that Tower Ridge Road is a rough, gravel road that is not maintained in the winter. Hunter Creek Road to the south is a paved road alternative.
Designated campsite #21 is closed for visitor safety. We are assessing a relocation site.
Hickory Ridge Trail - Trail 16 is closed from the junction of trail 17 on the west to junction with trail 17 on the east.
As a reminder, no discounts are provided for day-use fees. On the Hoosier National Forest, Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders may obtain a 50% discount on base camping at Hardin Ridge, Tipsaw, Celina, and German Ridge.
Discounts available for Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders are for camping fees only. This discount does not apply to any other fee such as trail tags, cabin rentals, shelter rentals, group campsites, firewood, reservation fees, or electric or water surcharge for campsites.
Passes may entitle the holder to free or half price at other locations nationwide. Benefits vary based on location, type of area, and land management agency. Pass holders should contact their destination ahead of time to determine benefits.
|
|
Hoosier National Forest OFFICE HOURS |
|
Bedford Office:
Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (eastern)
|
|
Tell City Office:
Open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (central) (closed May 6 through 10) (appointments are available)
Both offices closed on Federal holidays
|
|
|
 |
Find your next adventure on the Hoosier National Forest. Recreation.gov is the campsite reservation system used for developed recreation sites across the US. Check out camping options at the link below or call 877-444-6777.
|
|
|
|
If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, please hit the subscribe button below: |
|
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in one of our events, please contact us at 812-275-5987 to discuss your accessibility needs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
