Hoosier National Forest

Welcome to the Hoosier National Forest sprawled across the hills of southern Indiana.

Forest History: That land that is now Hoosier National Forest was first occupied by Native Americans over 12,000 years ago. The earliest tribes were hunters and gatherers who hunted when mastadons, elk, and bears roamed the landscape. These people were more temporary inhabitants who had set up temporary camps, carved trails, and mined the stones for their weapons and tools. Some of the more recent Native Americans were more long term residents of the land who built villages, harvested crops such as corns beans and squash, and developed sophisticated social, economic, and political systems.

Some of the first white men entered the region in the late 17th century but it wasn't until Indiana gained statehood in 1816 that European settlers began moving to the region in big numbers. The first European settlements established farming communities on the banks of the major rivers. In 1860, logging had become a major industry in the region and was leading the nation in timber production by 1899. After the turn of the 20th century people began to leave the region and the 1930 population was only 57% of the 1890 population. In June 1934, the Governor of Indiana, Paul McNutt and the Indiana members of Congress petitioned the Forest Service to purchase land in southern Indiana. In 1935, their wish was granted and Hoosier National Forest was established.

Wildlife: Hoosier National Forest helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including squirrels, deer, foxes, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Hoosier National Forest boasts over 266 miles of trails, numerous campsites, and much more. Come out and explore!