Clark State Forest Timber Ridge Loop
Working forest roads through Indiana timber country
Clark State Forest’s Timber Ridge Loop follows old logging roads through 24,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest in southern Indiana, where you’ll navigate seasonal creek crossings and encounter the occasional black bear. The 12-mile main loop starts from the forest office and connects several fire roads that climb through mature oak-hickory stands, with a technical detour around Schlamm Creek that gets interesting during spring snowmelt. The route passes several old Civilian Conservation Corps work sites from the 1930s and offers glimpses of the forest’s active timber management operations.
Stock high-clearance vehicles can handle most of the route, but the creek crossings require careful line choice and possibly a tow strap during wet seasons. The forest allows dispersed camping along designated roads, making this perfect for a weekend basecamp. Best traveled May through October when the roads aren’t churned into Indiana clay soup. Cell service is spotty at best. You’ll appreciate the solitude and get a real look at working forest management — this isn’t a park, it’s a timber operation that happens to welcome responsible recreationalists.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 980 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Henryville, Indiana |
| Land manager | Indiana Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | in.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Timber Ridge Loop without modifications?
Yes. Stock high-clearance 4x4s handle the gravel roads fine under normal conditions. The creek crossings are the one variable — after heavy rain they can deepen, so if you're running a bone-stock rig with no snorkel, check recent conditions before you go.
When is the trail closed, and is it accessible in early spring?
Best season is May through October. Spring can bring soft, rutted roads and swollen creek crossings — Indiana DNR sometimes closes forest roads during wet periods to prevent damage. Check with the Clark State Forest office before heading out early in the season.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp in Clark State Forest?
No permit is required to drive the forest roads. Primitive camping is allowed in designated dispersed areas within the forest, also without a fee, but you're expected to follow Indiana DNR Leave No Trace and campfire rules.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
Nothing on this loop is technically gnarly — the challenge is the creek crossings after rain, which can turn a mellow gravel run into a mudfest with slick approaches. Bring a tow strap and know your departure angles; the crossings aren't deep but the banks can be greasy.
How far is the nearest gas station, and should I top off before starting?
Henryville is the closest town and has fuel — top off there before you head in. The loop itself is only 12 miles, but cell service is spotty throughout the forest, so if something goes sideways you're not calling for a delivery.
Trail track
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