U.S. Forest Service - Hoosier National Forest

10/04/2026

What badge will you collect next?

Explore the National Forests and Grasslands Passport — a free digital stamp experience where you can check in at all 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, share your adventures, and collect virtual badges along the way.

Each badge showcases the unique landscapes, plants, and wildlife of that forest.

Start your journey by downloading the free OuterSpatial app: http://www.nationalforests.org/passport

10/03/2026

Recreation Update

Visitors spoke and we listened. A new information kiosk, picnic tables, and hitching rails have been added the Hickory Ridge Trailhead and Day Use Parking Area, next to the Hickory Ridge Campground.

This parking area is available for all recreationists who need a place to park, whether to access the trails for riding, hiking, hunting, biking, backcountry camping, or cycling the gravel roads through the forest.

Overnight parking at this location is only allowed if backcountry camping (not to exceed 14 days). Day use parking is not allowed in the adjacent campground, but visitors may use the restrooms or pass through the campground to access the other trails.

The Hickory Ridge trail system offers nearly 50 miles of multiple use (hike, horse, bike) trails and the vicinity offers rural scenic driving and cycling opportunities of over 60 miles of gravel roads mixed with paved routes to explore the fall color of the forest. Add this spot to your fall destination list and remember to practice Leave No Trace when you visit.

(Forest Service photos)

10/02/2026

Students help the butternuts

Butternut trees, also referred to as White Walnuts, have faced years of negative impact from butternut canker disease. The U.S. Forest Service started a seed orchard at OFS in Dubois County to maintain a population of pure butternuts for research. Every fall we harvest the nuts and this year we were joined by an ag class from Northeast Dubois Jr/Sr High School.

Students learned about the history of the orchard at OFS, and the devastating disease that has affected the butternut tree population for generations. Students helped staff collect nuts and an astounding 45 bushels of butternuts were gathered! The students will be using some to cultivate their own trees for research and educational opportunities in partnership with Patoka Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District. We'll post updates as they become available.

(Forest Service photos by Jasmine Lyons)

10/02/2026

Another great webinar by our friends at Aldo Leopold Foundation

Insects are an unmatched ecological force. But they're also a cultural one, too. 🪲

Throughout human history, these six-legged critters have served as valuable sources of food, pigment, and fiber, and inspired incredible feats of engineering, art, and design. And there's still so much we can learn from them today.

Tune in on October 8 @ 7pm CDT for a special presentation by Barrett Klein—entomologist, artist, and author of The Insect Epiphany—as he helps us see insects as never before.

Register today for this free online event. https://ow.ly/ibyo50ZSquS

Can't make it live? Registration also grants you access to the replay, available immediately after the stream.

10/02/2026

Join us and partners this Saturday 10/3. A great pollinator themed event right in downtown Bedford.

10/01/2026

A great opportunity for women landowners in and near Brown County.

🌳 WOMEN FOR THE LAND: FORESTRY WORKSHOP 🌿

Calling all women who love their woods, want to learn more about forest management, or simply want to get more comfortable using forestry tools and equipment!

Join the Brown County Soil & Water Conservation District for a WOMEN-ONLY hands-on forestry workshop designed to build practical skills and confidence in caring for your woodland.

We’ll be learning from Amy Spalding with The Nature Conservancy and Allie Cline with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources about:

🌲 Forestry tools, equipment & machines
🌿 Forest management techniques
🌱 Managing invasive species
🧪 How to properly measure and mix treatments for invasive plants
🥾 Hands-on learning and demonstrations in the woods

No chemicals will be used during the workshop. We’ll practice mixing techniques using colored water instead!

🥣 And there will be a pitch-in lunch! Organizers will provide a variety of soups, including gluten-free and vegan options. Attendees are welcome to bring something to share if they’d like.

No previous forestry experience is needed! Come ready to learn, ask questions, get hands-on, and maybe get a little dirty. 😊

📅 Space is limited, so register today!

👉 Register here: http://tiny.cc/bcw4tl

This is a women-only event. We hope you'll join us! 🌳💚

10/01/2026

Our Tell City office will open at 1 p.m. central today. If you need assistance prior to that please contact us at 812-275-5987.

10/01/2026

PRESCRIBED FIRES PLANNED - Thursday 10.01.26 Hickory Ridge Trail 21 Closed

We are planning to use prescribed fire in four wildlife openings on Thursday, October 1:
• Thompson Cemetery Unit – 4 acres – Jackson County
• Starnes Unit – 7 acres – Jackson County
• Boy Scout Unit – 6 acres – Jackson County
• Maumee Valley Unit – 8 acres – Jackson County

The primary goal of these fires is to promote, restore and maintain early successional habitats by reducing woody competition and increasing the coverage of native grasses and forbs. Fire is the most efficient tool to accomplish these goals.

The burn unit areas will be temporarily closed to the public for safety, including Hickory Ridge Trail 21. Watch for signs indicating closed areas. If you encounter smoke on the road, slow down and turn on your headlights.

For more on prescribed fire visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/hoosier/fire
Interactive map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ade178b1ef044da984c77477bed2e016

09/30/2026

Welcome Hunters! Archery Season for Deer Begins Oct 1

Fall is here. The weather has cooled down and the wildlife are more active. Indiana state hunting seasons are beginning with deer archery starting October 1.

Hunters have many safety regulations they must follow as provided by the state.

If you are a non-hunter using the national forest during hunting seasons there are several precautions you can take.

🔶 On trail or off, make sure that you are wearing bright visible colors so that hunters can easily see you.
🦌 Be mindful of how you might look and sound as you travel through the forest.
✋ If you encounter hunters in the woods, consider a different route.

Please remember that all visitors are here to enjoy their Hoosier National Forest. Stay safe and be considerate.

09/30/2026

Thankful for partners who can assist us in creating and maintaining diverse habitats across the forest.