Pike State Forest Patoka River Bottoms Coal Mine Heritage Trail
Coal country reclaimed by nature.
Pike State Forest preserves the scars and beauty of southwestern Indiana’s coal mining era, where strip mines from the 1940s-60s have become deep lakes surrounded by recovering prairie and oak savannas. This 18-mile trail system follows abandoned railroad grades and haul roads that once carried coal from the massive Patoka River mining operations. The route threads between flooded pits now home to waterfowl and connects remnant timber stands via old logging roads that cross seasonally flooded bottomlands. Several crossings of Patoka River tributaries require careful scouting, especially during spring floods.
Easy to moderate terrain accessible to any high-clearance vehicle with decent tires. Wet seasons from March through May can make the bottomland sections impassable, while late summer exposes the best creek crossing spots. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest. Cell coverage is hit-or-miss in the hollows. The old mining equipment scattered along the route and the stark beauty of the reclaimed landscape make this a unique window into Indiana’s industrial heritage slowly returning to wilderness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 680 ft |
| Best season | June-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Petersburg, Indiana |
| Land manager | Indiana DNR 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 Tacoma or F-150 handle this trail without modifications?
Yes. Minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock mid-size truck or body-on-frame SUV with decent clearance is fine. Low-range isn't necessary, but it helps on soft ground after rain.
When is the trail closed or impassable?
Best season runs June through November. Spring and early summer can leave the bottomland roads saturated and muddy — the Patoka River floodplain holds water long after rain. Avoid it during or right after heavy rainfall regardless of season.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp here?
No permit required for driving the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed within Pike State Forest under Indiana DNR rules — no fee, but stays are limited to 14 consecutive days and you must camp at least 300 feet from water.
What's the hardest part of the trail and what makes it tricky?
It's rated easy overall, but the water crossings through old strip-mine drainage areas are the wildcard — depth varies with recent rainfall and the bottoms can be soft. Nothing technical, but don't assume a crossing is shallow just because it looks it.
How far is the nearest gas station and is there cell service on trail?
Petersburg is the closest town for fuel, roughly 10-15 minutes from the trail — fill up before you head in. Cell service is spotty throughout; don't count on navigation or calling for help once you're in the bottoms.
Trail track
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