Wayne National Forest Hickory Ridge Extension Indiana Border Loop
Coal mining heritage on the Ohio border
This cross-border route extends Ohio’s Wayne National Forest trail system into Indiana’s forgotten coal mining territory where strip mine highwalls and reclaimed pit lakes dot the landscape like scars from the region’s industrial past. The trail follows old mining haul roads and ridgeline two-tracks that miners used to access remote tipples, connecting with Ohio Forest Road systems just east of the state line. Deep ruts from coal trucks still groove the clay-based surface, creating challenging off-camber sections that demand attention during Indiana’s wet springs.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD for the steeper climbs and muddy bottom sections. The Indiana portion crosses private mining company land where access depends on current reclamation activities—check with Wayne County authorities before attempting. Best attempted late summer through early fall when surface conditions are most stable. No formal camping but plenty of flat spots on reclaimed areas. The reward is seeing how industrial extraction shaped the Ohio-Indiana border region and finding solitude in country most people drive past without a second glance.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1120 ft |
| Best season | August-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Richmond, Indiana |
| Land manager | Private/Wayne County |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 run this trail without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but low-hanging skid plates will take hits on the ridgeline two-tracks. Bash plates and all-terrain tires are a real advantage here, not just nice-to-haves.
When does this trail turn into a muddy mess and become impassable?
Spring thaw (March–May) and after heavy summer rains will bog the dirt sections badly. August through October is the sweet spot — drier conditions, firm ground, and the hardwoods start turning in late September.
Do you need permits to run this loop, and is there a fee?
The Ohio side falls under Wayne National Forest — no permit required, no fee. The Indiana portion crosses private and Wayne County land, so respect posted boundaries and don't assume all side tracks are open access.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The ridgeline two-track near the Indiana border has the tightest tree pinch points and the most off-camber shelf road exposure — nothing extreme, but a rollover risk if you get complacent. The water crossings can deepen after rain and have soft, muddy approaches that will swallow a tire if you don't check depth first.
Is there anywhere to camp on this loop, and how far is the nearest gas?
Dispersed camping is available on the Wayne National Forest side — no hookups, no facilities, just find a flat spot off the two-track and pack out everything. Richmond, Indiana is your closest fuel stop; fill up before you head out because there's nothing between the trailhead and town, and cell service is too spotty to count on for navigation assistance if you run dry.
Trail track
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