Ferdinand State Forest Jeep Trail

Ferdinand State Forest’s designated Jeep Trail winds 6 miles through classic southern Indiana terrain, where rolling hardwood ridges drop into creek bottoms that’ll test your approach angles. The trail follows old logging roads through oak-hickory forest, crossing Ferdinand Creek four times before climbing to the fire tower overlook at 900 feet. Early settlers logged these hills for railroad ties, and you’ll still find remnants of old skid roads branching off the main route through patches of virgin timber that somehow escaped the ax.

Moderate difficulty with a few technical spots where creek crossings meet steep banks and loose limestone. Stock 4WD handles it fine in dry conditions, but spring rains turn the creek crossings into legitimate obstacles. Open year-round though best in late summer and fall when water levels drop. No permits needed and primitive camping allowed throughout the forest. Bring a winch if you’re running it after heavy rain — those creek banks get greasy fast and cell service is spotty at best.