National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

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Clark State Forest
State Park Information

State Park Overview
Clark State Forest, established in 1903, is the oldest state forest in Indiana. The original appropriations to purchase a 2,000 acre tract took place during the administration of Governor Winfield Durbin. In the ensuing 96 years -dditional acquisitions have increased this area to the present 24,000 acres. Much of this land was originally part of Clarks Grant, lands provided by a clause in the Virginia Cession of Claims to the Northwest Territory on December 20, 1783.



Camping

Trails
Hiking Trails

White Oak Nature Trail0.9 mile loop, self-guiding

Resource Trail1 mile, self-guiding

Knobstone Trail59 miles (backcountry) 32 miles in Clark State Forest 27 miles in Elk Creek and Jackson-Washington State Forest.

Hiking is also permitted on the entire property including firetrails and horse trails. Hikers and horseback riders are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.

Horse Trails

Approximately 100 miles of marked trails and six day ride parking areas.Horseback riding is permitted only on designated bridle trails. All horses brought,driven or ridden onto Clark State Forest must have a valid annual horse use tag.

Wildlife Loop (blue trail marker)3.5 miles

Easy. Area has wide trails enhanced by wildlife openings and ponds.

Shaw Lake Loop (green trail marker)5.5 miles

Moderately Rugged. Very scenic trail bordering Shaw Lake . High vistas withtwo steep areas.

Horse Camp Loop (blue trail marker)5 miles

Moderate. Good scenery. Trail crosses one creek, goes by several vistas,switches back and cuts around camel backs.

Beginner Loop (orange trail marker)3 miles

Easy. Wider trails built for beginning horses and riders.

Wilcox Valley Trail (yellow trail marker)0.5 mile

Moderately Rugged. Scenic with large trees and winding creeks. Wet in spring.

Bowen Loop (blue & yellow trail marker)7 miles

Moderate. Upland trees include chestnut oak and pine several vistas.

Deam Trail (red trail marker)20 miles

Moderately Rugged. Day-long ride with all types of scenery and wildlife. Ends atday ride area on Flower Gap Trail.

Mountain Grove Trail(green trail marker)4.9 miles

Moderately Rugged. Trails are wider due to wildlife habitat enhancement work,wildlife food plots and ponds. Some creeks, hills and hardwood trees.

Dry Fork Loop (orange trail marker)12 miles

Rugged. Very primitive area with two ever-changing creek crossings. Large treesand steep valleys, creeks and knobs. This trail is one of the most scenic and hastwo crossover shortcuts (green & yellow).

Trail Difficulty Ratings

Easy- A wide trail, often short in length and free of obstacles, located - dayuse areas, horse camp facilities and recreation areas where heavy use isexpected. Moderate- A wide, longer trail of moderate grade, traversing varyingtopography and free of obstacles. Moderately Rugged- For the more experienced horse and rider. Trail widthmay vary from 4-6 feet and may accommodate both double and single file riding.Steeper grades, varying topography and changes in trail surface will beencountered. Rugged- Rugged trails are designed for single file riding over extremely steepgrades, dramatic topography, native rock and frequently changing trail surfaces.Obstacles such as rock ledges, fallen trees and creek crossings may beencountered.

Mountain Bike Trails

Clark S.F./Deam Lake S.R.A. offers 5 miles of mountain bike trails. Mountainbikes are only permitted on those designated trails.

Picnicking

Fishing and Hunting
Fishing

Seven lakes are open to fishing a valid Indiana fishing license is required. Schlamm Lake (18 acres), Franke Lake (13 acres), Bowen Lake (7 acres), Oak Lake (2.5 acres) Pine Lake (2 acres), Shaw Lake (13 acres) and Wilcox Lake (5 acres). A boat launch ramp is available boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes. A summary of fishing regulations is available on line at the Division of Fish & Wildlifes web pages.

Hunting

Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, squirrel, fox, woodcock and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required. Hunting and trapping regulations are available on line at the Division of Fish & Wildlifes web pages.