Hoosier National Forest Forest Road 8020 German Ridge Circuit
Indiana's hidden wilderness backcountry loop
Deep in the knobstone escarpment of southern Indiana, Forest Road 8020 carves through some of the state’s most surprising terrain. This loop traces the ridgelines above German Ridge, where 19th-century German immigrants carved farms from thick hardwood forest before abandoning them to the federal government during the Great Depression. The road drops through steep ravines choked with pawpaw and spicebush, climbs over limestone outcrops, and skirts the edge of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness — the only federal wilderness in Indiana.
This is legitimate backcountry driving that demands high clearance and 4WD in wet conditions. The limestone-based forest roads turn to sticky clay soup after rain, and several creek crossings can become impassable. Late fall through early spring offers the best conditions when leaves are down and the forest opens up. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the national forest, and the solitude rivals anything you’ll find in neighboring Kentucky. Don’t expect cell service once you drop off the main ridges.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1050 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Tell City, Indiana |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run FR 8020 without modifications?
Yes. Stock high-clearance 4WD rigs handle this trail fine under normal conditions. Lifted or skid-plated vehicles have more margin on the rocky limestone sections, but it's not required.
When should I avoid this trail, and why is summer listed as off-season?
Summer turns the clay-heavy dirt sections into a greasy mess after rain, and canopy cover makes navigation harder. October through April gives you firm ground, better visibility, and far less humidity. Avoid after heavy rain any time of year.
Do I need a permit or fee to run this trail and camp overnight?
No permit or fee is required for vehicle travel or dispersed camping on Hoosier National Forest land here. Follow Leave No Trace and standard USFS dispersed camping rules — 14-day stay limit, 150 feet from water.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what makes it technical?
The water crossings are the biggest variable — depth and current change dramatically after rain on these Indiana creek drainages. The limestone shelf rock sections also get slick when wet, so approach angles matter more than raw clearance on this trail.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there any cell service on the loop?
Tell City is roughly 15 miles away and has gas stations — fuel up before you head in. There is zero cell service on this loop; download offline maps and let someone know your itinerary before you roll.
Trail track
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