Yellowwood State Forest is a beautiful natural area located just 7 miles west of Nashville and 10 miles east of Bloomington, right off State Road 46. With over 23,000 acres, it’s a great place for outdoor adventures for all ages.
Things to Do
- Hiking on trails for all skill levels (easy, moderate, and rugged)
- Horseback riding on marked horse trails (bring your own horse)
- Fishing in Yellowwood Lake (133 acres) – Indiana fishing license required
- Kayaking and rowboating (rentals available from April to Thanksgiving)
- Camping at traditional campsites (no electricity or water hookups)
- Wildlife watching – bring your binoculars to spot birds and animals
Trail Highlights
Hiking Trails:
- Jackson Creek Trail (1.5 miles) – Self-guided with different forest types
- High King Trail (0.5 miles) – Steep climb with scenic views
- Lake Trail (4.5 miles) – Loops around the lake with stream crossings
- Scarce O’ Fat Trail (4 miles) – Follows fire trails; watch for markers
- Tecumseh Trail (42 miles) – Long-distance trail through the forest
- Resource Management Trail (1.5 miles) – Self-guided with brochures available
Horse Trails:
- Y Trail (8.6 miles) – Starts and ends near the Horse Campground
- SY Trail (4 miles) – Shortcut loop on the Y Trail
- W Trail (2.4 miles) – Connects to Brown County State Park trails
- Z Trail (4 miles) – Follows the west side of the lake
- X Trail (2 miles) – Connects to the Z Trail from Brock Road
Boating Info
- Rowboats (3–4 people): $5/hour or $20/day
- Kayaks (single-person): $8/hour or $20/day
- Only 9 kayaks available – call ahead to check availability: (812) 988-7945
- No reservations and no refunds
Camping Info
- Primitive campsites only – no electric or water hookups
- Horseman’s campsites also available near the lake
Yellowwood is a great place to hike, fish, paddle, camp, and enjoy nature. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying overnight, there’s something for everyone.
