Yellowwood State Forest, an Indiana State Forest located near Bloomington, Columbus and Martinsville

YELLOWWOOD STATE FOREST

Yellowwood State Forest was created in 1940 when federal land was leased to the State of Indiana. Theland was deeded to the state in 1956. Prior to that time, the Civilian Conservation Corps and WorksProject Administration completed three lakes, a shelterhouse and a residence, all presently in use. Othersuch buildings were sawn from the forest in kit form and shipped to other public properties.

Over 2,000 abandonded and eroded acres were planted to pine (red, jack, shortleaf, white and scotch), black locust, black walnut, white and red oak. Red and white pines are the true northern pines and are still in good condition. The other pines are succumbing to insects, disease and extremely cold winters.

Yellowwood Lake was completed in 1939. The 133-acre lake is about 30 feet deep.

Yellowwood State Forest, along with several other state properties, has gained parcels of landthrough the Indiana Heritage Trust Program. In 1994, 30 acres slated for the construction of aradio tower were purchased and became part of Yellowwood State Forest. A 36-acreinholding adjoing a nature preserve was purchased and added to Yellowwood in 1995.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

GeneralLand, acres23,326

Day-UseFishingyes

Huntingyes

Hiking Trailyes

Picnickingyes

Picnic Shelters, #1

Bridle Trailsyes

BoatingBoat Rentalyes

Boating Limits-1

Launch Rampsyes

CampingPrimitive, #80

Horsemen Campsites, #10

Walk-In Campsitesyes

Camping

Primitive (Class C) campsites are centrally located within the forest and around Yellowwood Lake. Seethe fees page for a list of camping fees. There are 80 designated campsites south of the Forest Office anda carry-in tent site area north of the office. Vault toilets and drinking water are available near thecampsites. Two playgrounds are located within the campground area.

A Class C Horsemen's Camp with 10 sites is located south of the primitive campsites, and is convenientto the many miles of horse trails that wander through the forest. Please register for camping at the ForestOffice. Camping reservations are not taken.

Location

Yellowwood State Forest is located near Bloomington, Columbus and Martinsville

Nearby Parks

TC Steele State Memorial

North Fork State Wildlife Refuge

Middlefork Waterfowl Resting Area

Brown County State Park

Morgan Monroe State Forest

Picnicking

There are picnic areas and one picnic shelter available for day use. Picnic tables and grills are located atmost picnic sites.

Trails

Hiking Trails

Jackson Creek Trail - 1.5 milesSelf-guiding interpretive trail. Traverses a variety of terrain and forest types. Trail begins 3/4 mile north ofthe Forest Office. Booklets are available at the Forest Office and trailhead. Wheelchair accessible toJackson Creek.

High King Trail - .5 miles Steep trail cut through a heavily forested hillside. The trail leads up to a scenic view, returning to startingpoint along the same path, and connects with the end of Scarce of Fat Trail. Trail begins below dam about1 1/2 miles from the Forest Office.

Lake Trail - 4.5 miles This trail loops completely around Yellowwood Lake. The trail uses several segment of other marked trailsso caution to follow the right trail is needed. The path also requires you to navigate a shallow streamcrossing. On the west side of the lake you will pass through an area that has been designated as OldForest and will one day take on the characteristics of Old Growth Forest.

Scarce O' Fat Trail - 4 milesSome parts follow fire trails, so watch for trail markers. Begins just north of High King Trail along road tothe spillway.

Tecumseh Trail - 36 milesThis trail follows the proposed national Tecumseh Trail route that was to to span from Florida to Canada.The trail begins near the head of Panther Creek. The trail ends 36 miles later at the Morgan-MonroeOffice. Trailheads are located near Crooked Creek Lake, the north boat ramp at Yellowwood Lake, atPrange Pond on Dubois Ridge Road, at Bear Lake and at the Morgan-Monroe office. Camping isallowed in the backcountry area along the Low Gap Trail, at the north end of Yellowwood Lake, andwhere the trail begins/ends at the Hoosier National Forest. Flooding may block several sections of trailduring wet weather and potable water can only be found at property offices.

Resource Management Trail - 1.5 miles Self-guiding interpretive trail. Brochure available at Forest Office. Trailhead across the road from theoffice.

Horse Trails (Horses allowed only on marked bridle trails.) An annual horse use tag is required. "Y" Horse Trail - 8.6 miles Starts and ends near Horse Campground. "SY" Horse Trail - 4 miles This shortcut creates a 4-mile loop on the Y Trail. "W" Horse Trail - 2.4 miles This trail is accessible off Crooked Road just south of Highway 46. The trail connects with Brown County State Park trail system. "Z" Bill Jack Horse Trail - 4 miles Starts at Horse Campground - traverses west side of lake and along Scarce of Fat Trail. "X" Brock Road Horse Trail - 2 miles Starts on Brock Road - connects to Bill Jack Trail.

Area Attractions

Yellowwood State Forest is close to Brown County State Park, the quaint village of Nashville,T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Monroe Reservoir, and Morgan-Monroe State Forest.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

July 4 the lake by ken dixon/ frankfort indiana

it is now july 4th, we were at yellowwood the week end of june 23 and 24th the lake looked fine, they were catching fish by boat rental area, we sure do love this place, we go every chance, camp in our pop up,we have a shower in it and water is close by. GREAT, place for family fyn

June 29 nice camping spot by dave

Just spent the weekend at yellowwood lake.the lake is full again and seemed much cleaner.fishing is ok, nothing major in there and never really has. All and all its a very enjoyable place