Story Marathon and Bait Shop

This old-school country store in the unincorporated hamlet of Story serves as the final resupply point before you disappear into the national forest’s more remote sections. Fuel pumps, basic groceries, fishing tackle, and surprisingly decent coffee. The owner knows the local trails and can point you toward current conditions on Forest Road 6020 and the Tower Ridge complex.

Cash preferred but they take cards. Sometimes closes early on Sundays during hunting season. Story sits right where the pavement ends and the real exploration begins — stock up here because it’s your last easy chance before Nashville or Bloomington.

Last fuel before the deep forest