Martin State Forest Jug Rock Historic Mining Circuit
Coal country ghosts and sandstone giants
Martin State Forest’s mining circuit winds past the famous Jug Rock formation — a 60-foot sandstone pillar that’s been a landmark since pioneer days — before diving into the gnarly remnants of early 1900s coal and stone operations. The trail splits at Devil’s Hollow, where you’ll pick your poison: left takes you through flooded quarry pits with dicey limestone ledges, while right climbs past coal tipple foundations and mine shaft remnants that speak to harder times in these hills. Both routes converge at the old company town site where nothing remains but foundation stones and overgrown roads.
This is honest moderate terrain requiring 4WD with good ground clearance and recovery points for the quarry sections. Wet weather turns the clay base into wheel-sucking gumbo, so stick to dry conditions. No permits needed on state forest land, but respect the private property boundaries marked along the route. Loogootee has the last fuel and supplies. Fourteen miles of Indiana industrial archaeology that tells the story of boom and bust written in stone and steel.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 680 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with recovery points |
| Nearest town | Loogootee, Indiana |
| Land manager | Indiana Division of Forestry |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | in.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail without a lift?
Yes, a stock 4WD with decent all-terrain tires will get through. The moderate technical rating means rutted two-tracks and some rocky sections near the old quarry cuts — nothing that requires a lift, but low-range and recovery points are non-negotiable.
When does the trail get too muddy or impassable to run?
November through April is risky — Indiana clay turns the forest roads into a greasy mess after rain, and the low-lying sections near water crossings can flood or stay saturated for days. Stick to May through October and check recent conditions after any significant rainfall.
Do you need a permit to run this trail or camp in Martin State Forest?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed within Martin State Forest under Indiana Division of Forestry rules — no fee, but you must stay on designated forest roads and pack out everything. Contact the Indiana DNR at in.gov/dnr/forestry for current fire restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section of the circuit and what makes it technical?
The tightest pinch comes near the old sandstone quarry cuts where the trail drops into an eroded gully with exposed rock ledges and off-camber sideslope — it's not a crawl fest, but one bad line and you're on your rocker panels. Take it slow, spot your tires, and have a recovery strap rigged before you drop in.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any reliable water on trail?
Loogootee is your last fuel stop — roughly 10-15 miles from the trailhead — so top off before you head in. There are water crossings on trail but treat anything you pull from them; bring your own drinking water for the full day because there are no developed water sources inside the forest.
Trail track
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