Hoosier National Forest Park is positioned in the picturesque rolling hills of south-central Indiana, 30 miles to the east of Jasper and 50 miles to the south of Bloomington. Homewood Suites Hilton at Bloomington is conveniently placed to serve as an overnight stay either en-route to the forest or on the return home.
Several features about the area make it unique. First, it is the largest natural area in Indiana. Second, rather than being one contiguous area, the forest is scattered across several separate areas. Third, it has a multiple use designation; hunting is allowed in season. Fourth, it contains is the only real wilderness in Indiana, the Charles C Deam Wilderness.
HNFP has about 200,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty manifested as bush trails, limestone ridges, old mines and interesting caves. Quixotic rural villages dot the landscape around the forest. Off-road vehicles are prohibited from the area.
The area offers a wealth of adventure prospects for nature enthusiasts in all age groups. Activities include horse riding, hiking, and trail biking, bird spotting and nature watching. In season, Canadian geese are prolific. Fishing is also very popular.
The forest has more than 240 miles of maintained or managed trails. There are established campgrounds, however it is possible to camp anywhere in the forest provided a temporary restriction is not in force.
Spend a day exploring the popular Birdseye Trail, a multiple-use path almost 12 miles long. It is used by hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers. The trail leads enthusiasts through a variety of terrains and scenic hardwood forests. Access points to the trail can be found near the town of Birdsville.
Users of the area should note that mosquitoes and other insects are prolific in the summer. Poisonous snakes are present throughout the forest including the timber rattler (very rare), the copperhead and the cottonmouth. Also, water sources in the wilderness cannot relied on for purity; hikers should take a filter or be prepared to boil all water found wild.
Hoosier National Forest Park is an ecological delight, rich with diversity and full of promising adventure. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy this impressive natural resource. If hotel accommodations are needed, Homewood Suites Hilton at Bloomington is conveniently located and well able to offer guests top quality service.
Several features about the area make it unique. First, it is the largest natural area in Indiana. Second, rather than being one contiguous area, the forest is scattered across several separate areas. Third, it has a multiple use designation; hunting is allowed in season. Fourth, it contains is the only real wilderness in Indiana, the Charles C Deam Wilderness.
HNFP has about 200,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty manifested as bush trails, limestone ridges, old mines and interesting caves. Quixotic rural villages dot the landscape around the forest. Off-road vehicles are prohibited from the area.
The area offers a wealth of adventure prospects for nature enthusiasts in all age groups. Activities include horse riding, hiking, and trail biking, bird spotting and nature watching. In season, Canadian geese are prolific. Fishing is also very popular.
The forest has more than 240 miles of maintained or managed trails. There are established campgrounds, however it is possible to camp anywhere in the forest provided a temporary restriction is not in force.
Spend a day exploring the popular Birdseye Trail, a multiple-use path almost 12 miles long. It is used by hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers. The trail leads enthusiasts through a variety of terrains and scenic hardwood forests. Access points to the trail can be found near the town of Birdsville.
Users of the area should note that mosquitoes and other insects are prolific in the summer. Poisonous snakes are present throughout the forest including the timber rattler (very rare), the copperhead and the cottonmouth. Also, water sources in the wilderness cannot relied on for purity; hikers should take a filter or be prepared to boil all water found wild.
Hoosier National Forest Park is an ecological delight, rich with diversity and full of promising adventure. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy this impressive natural resource. If hotel accommodations are needed, Homewood Suites Hilton at Bloomington is conveniently located and well able to offer guests top quality service.
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Planning a trip the the fabulous Hoosier National Forest? Get the low down now in our guide to the best hotels In Bloomington Indiana .
