Yellowwood State Forest is located 7 miles west of Nashville and 10 miles east of Bloomington, just north of State Road 46.

The forest’s 23,326 acres offer many recreation opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels. With three pristine lakes, hiking, horse trails, rowboat & kayak rentals, abundant wildlife, and primitive overnight campsites, Yellowwood has everything to keep you busy!

Hikers may use designated hiking and horse trails. Trail difficulty includes easy, moderate, and rugged and are suitable for hikers of all levels. Click below for maps or scroll down further for trail descriptions.

Tecumseh Trail Map
Jackson Creek Trail Map
Hiking and Horse Trails Map

The 133 acre Yellowwood Lake is noted for its excellent fishing. A valid Indiana fishing license is required for fishing (purchase here).

Kayak and Rowboat rentals are available from April – Thanksgiving. Canoeing can be done on the lake as well. Rowboats (3 – 4 people per boat): $5/hour; $20/day. Kayaks (single-person, sit-in): $8/hour; $20/day. Only 9 kayaks available. Call ahead to Rental Office for availability, (812) 988-7945. No reservations & no refunds.

In a return to the days of old, Yellowwood provides only traditional camping sites; no outlets or water hook-ups. Camping sites along with horseman’s camp sites are centrally located in the forest around Yellowwood Lake.

Horseback riding is allowed at Yellowwood State Forest on designated horse trails only. Individuals interested in horseback riding throughout the forest must provide their own horse. An annual horse use tag is required.

Remember your binoculars! Within the forest’s 23,326 acres you’re sure to find one of the many species of birds native to Indiana!

Hiking Trails:

Jackson Creek Trail (1.5 miles) – Self guided interpretive trail with a variety of terrain and forest types; trail begins 3/4 mile north of Forest Office.
High King Trail (.5 miles) – Steep trail through heavy forested hillside leading up to a scenic view and returns to its starting point using the same path.
Lake Trail (4.5 miles) – This trail loops around Yellowwood Lake requiring you to navigate a shallow stream crossing and passing through an area designated as Old Forest. Use caution to follow the right trail.
Scarce O’ Fat Trail (4 miles) – Trail begins just north of High King Trail and some parts follow fire trails so watch for trail markers.
Tecumseh Trail (42 miles) – Runs through Yellowwood State Forest.
Resource Management Trail (1.5 miles) – Self guided interpretive trail, brochures available at the Forest Office. The trailhead is just across the road.

Horse Trails:

“Y” Horse Trail; 8.6 miles – Starts and ends near Horse Campground.
“SY” Horse Trail; 4 miles – This shortcut creates a 4-mile loop on the Y Trail.
“W” Horse Trail; 2.4 miles – This trail is accessible off Crooked Road just south of Highway 46. The trail connects with Brown County State Park trail system.
“Z” Bill Jack Horse Trail; 4 miles – Starts at Horse Campground and traverses the west side of the lake and along Scarce of Fat Trail.
“X” Brock Road Horse Trail; 2 miles – Starts on Brock Road; connects to Bill Jack Trail.

Information taken from https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/4817.htm