Jackson-Washington State Forest encompasses nearly 18,000 acres in Jackson and Washington counties in the heart of southern Indiana. The main forest and office area are located 2.5 southeast of Brownstown on State Road 250. This part of the state contains unique topography known as the "knobs". This region provides scenic views second to none and offers some breathtaking mountain biking, hiking, & horse back riding opportunities. ◾Cedar Tree Loop (blue trail marker) 3.4 miles Moderately Rugged. The trail runs through areas of old fields that have large Cedar Trees in them. Sections of the trail run along the ridge top where wildlife openings are located. These openings provide habitat for many game and non-game animals. Morel mushrooms can be found on the ridgetops during the spring months. ◾Orchard Ridge Loop (green trail marker) 2.9 miles Moderately Rugged. The old field sites where once locations of peach tree orchards. During the fall or early spring you will notice the old peach tree rows when the leaves are off of the trees. Wildlife openings dot the ridgeline to enhance habitat. Chestnut Oak is the common tree species on the ridge tops while yellow poplar will be seen on the better sites in the old field sites and valley bottoms. ◾Turkey Hollow Loop (orange trail marker) 2.2 miles Moderately Rugged. This loop provides a scenic vista of Starve Hollow Lake at one of the picnic sites located on trail #2. Wild turkey were first seen in this area as they migrated north from the spot where they were reintroduced.

• published: 18 Sep 2013
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