Yellowwood State Forest Fire Tower Road

The gravel road to Yellowwood’s fire tower winds through 23,000 acres of restored hardwood forest in south-central Indiana. This route follows old logging roads from the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps era, climbing steadily through stands of yellow poplar, oak, and the rare yellowwood trees that give the forest its name. The narrow, sometimes rocky road demands attention as it switchbacks up to the 1950s-era steel fire tower, still maintained and climbable for sweeping views over the rolling hills toward Nashville and Bloomington.

Any stock SUV with decent ground clearance can handle this route in dry conditions, but wet weather turns the clay-based forest roads slippery. The 80-foot fire tower requires a short hike and offers the best views in central Indiana — worth the drive alone. Primitive camping is available at nearby Jackson Creek, and the forest roads connect to miles of horse trails for extended exploration. Spring wildflowers and fall colors make this a photographer’s dream, though hunting seasons in fall require orange clothing.