Hoosier National Forest Forest Road 6020 Tower Ridge Extension
Indiana's hidden technical ridge runner
Forest Road 6020 cuts a gnarly path along Tower Ridge through some of the most unforgiving terrain in the Hoosier National Forest. The route starts near Story and climbs through deep limestone cuts and narrow ridgeline passages that’ll test your wheel placement. About halfway through, you’ll hit the infamous Gnaw Bone Creek crossing—a rocky technical section that turns into a proper challenge during spring runoff.
This is legitimate difficult territory requiring stock 4WD minimum with good ground clearance and recovery points. Wet conditions turn the clay-limestone combo into a slick nightmare. Best tackled May through October when the creeks are manageable. No permits needed, but bring recovery gear and expect to use it. The payoff is raw Indiana backcountry with zero crowds and some surprisingly technical sections that’ll humble cocky drivers. Dispersed camping available at several ridge points.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1050 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Story, Indiana |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.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 4Runner or Wrangler handle FR 6020 Tower Ridge Extension without modifications?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig can make it through, but expect to work for it. The limestone shelf sections and off-camber ridge lines will punish low-clearance vehicles — skid plates are a serious asset here, not a luxury.
When does Tower Ridge Extension close, and is it passable after rain?
The trail is generally accessible May through October. After heavy rain, the mixed-surface sections turn greasy and the water crossings rise fast — limestone gets slick in ways that'll catch you off guard, so check recent conditions before committing.
Do I need a permit to run FR 6020 or camp along it?
No permit required to drive or dispersed camp in Hoosier National Forest. Standard Leave No Trace rules apply, and camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in any one spot — no fees, no reservations.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The ridge extension portion throws the worst combination: exposed off-camber shelf road with limestone drop-offs and tight tree corridors that punish wide tracks. It's not one single obstacle — it's sustained technical driving that grinds down your focus over miles.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is nonexistent on FR 6020 — plan like you're off the grid because you are. Story, Indiana is the closest town but it's tiny; fuel up in Nashville, Indiana (about 15 miles north) before you head in.
Trail track
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