Hiking in Brown County: Mountain Tea State Forest

If you’ve never heard of Mountain Tea State Forest, you’re not alone; even many locals don’t realize it exists. Quietly tucked into a remote corner of Brown County and only officially named a state forest in 2020, Mt. Tea is one of Indiana’s most recent public land additions.

I checked it out partly out of curiosity and partly because I love finding lesser-known places to hike. What I found was a peaceful, rugged landscape with a few hidden features—like a mossy pond and an old off-grid cabin—but also plenty of rough gravel, overgrown sections, and unclear routes.

It’s not the most scenic or enjoyable hike in Brown County, and I’d only recommend it to folks who are comfortable navigating without signage, walking along gravel roadbeds, and, most likely, not seeing another soul for miles.

But if you’re the kind of hiker who enjoys checking off new trails or exploring lesser-known public lands, this might be a satisfying back-pocket option. Let’s walk through what to expect and how to hike Mt. Tea without getting lost.

What You’ll Find at Mt. Tea State Forest

Mt Tea State Forest spans more than 1,190 acres just east of Nashville, off of Hoover Road and Pumpkin Ridge Road. Most of the land was formerly part of Yellowwood State Forest or managed by The Nature Conservancy before being transferred to the state in the early 2010s.

In 2020, it was officially designated as a standalone state forest, but don’t expect a visitor center, restrooms, or even trail signs.

No Developed Trail System

There are no marked trails here—just a pair of old fire lanes and logging roads that form a rough out-and-back hike. The route is wide, mostly gravel, and sometimes overgrown with grass, briars, and saplings.

It’s easy to follow the main roadbeds, but there are several unmarked forks where it’s possible to take a wrong turn if you’re not paying attention.

Most people park at the dead end of Pumpkin Ridge Road and walk past the gate or cable into the forest. A short way in, the road splits at a “Y.” Go right here to stay on the path that leads to the main landmarks: a rustic off-grid cabin and a small pond with a covered deck.

A Peaceful, Remote Feel

Even though Mt. Tea isn’t far from Nashville or Columbus, the hike feels remote. You’re unlikely to see other people, but you might see deer, hawks, or signs of old homesteads in the woods.

There’s decent cell service on most of the route, but GPS is still a good idea if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

One thing that stood out to me was how quiet it was. No traffic sounds, no trail chatter. That solitude is probably the best reason to hike here.

Know Before You Go

• There are limited to no signs, blazes, or trail markers. Download a GPS track, or use an app like Strava, if you’re unfamiliar with the layout.
• Most of the route follows a gravel fire road with uneven footing.
• There’s a small pond with a shelter at the far end of the walkable area.
• Hunting is allowed in season, so be sure to wear blaze orange if visiting in fall or winter.
• Ticks and overgrowth are common, especially in warm months. Use bug spray and wear long pants.

Mt. Tea State Forest Trail Overview

Since Mt. Tea State Forest doesn’t have designated trail loops, what you’re really hiking here is a there-and-back logging road walk. It’s mostly unmarked and unsigned, but wide enough to follow easily if you pay attention, and there are a few key landmarks worth noting.

Here’s what to expect from the most common hike at Mt. Tea:

• Distance: ~2.5 to 3 miles round trip (depending on route and detours)
• Approximate Time to Hike: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
• 📍End of Pumpkin Ridge Road (follow signs and look for the cable barrier and small gravel pull-off with room for ~4 cars)

What to Expect

• Start at the gate: After parking at the end of Pumpkin Ridge Road, pass the cable barrier to begin. The road starts climbing gently uphill.

• The “Y” split: About 0.2 miles in, the road splits. Go right for the main forest route (going left leads to the power line clearcut and doesn’t connect well).
• Old cabin + lean-to: Around the halfway point, you’ll pass a newer-looking, off-grid cabin and basic shelter. These were left from a previous private owner and are not currently in use, but they’re interesting to see.

• Pond and shelter: Continue another ~0.4 miles past the cabin, taking a left turn just before the powerline clearing. This unmarked fire lane leads downhill to a quiet pond with a covered shelter, the unofficial turnaround point of most hikes here.

• Optional side trips: A few other fire lanes split off throughout the forest. Some lead to clearings or logging sites; others just dead-end. They’re hikeable, but overgrown, and easy to get turned around without GPS.

My Recommendation

This isn’t a trail I’d return to for the scenery alone, but it was worth hiking once. It’s great if you like ticking off new state properties, finding solitude, or exploring wild-feeling land that’s still in development. Just don’t expect stunning views, flowing creeks, or polished trails. The pond and shelter are peaceful, but much of the walking is just gravel through woods.

Wear boots, bring bug spray, and know where you’re headed. There’s nothing worse than bushwhacking down the wrong fork in July with seed ticks everywhere.

Accessibility and Amenities

Parking

Mountain Tea State Forest has a small, informal gravel parking area at the dead end of Pumpkin Ridge Road. It holds about 4 vehicles, first-come, first-served.

There’s typically a simple “welcome” sign near the end of the road, but no obvious trailhead signage, and the road itself can feel like a private driveway as you approach. Keep going — it is public land.

Pumpkin Ridge Road is narrow, gravel, and often rutted, especially after rain. Drive slowly, and be respectful of nearby properties. Do not block the road or private driveways when parking.

📍 Trail access begins directly from the parking area, where old roadbeds split into multiple directions.

Restrooms

There are no restrooms or facilities at Mountain Tea State Forest.

Plan to use restrooms in Nashville (about 15 minutes away) before or after your hike, and pack out everything that you bring with you.

Picnic Areas

There are no designated picnic areas or tables, but many hikers choose to take breaks along the wide roadbeds or near the pond at the back of the property.

The pond includes a small shelter structure, which makes a natural stopping point for a snack or rest, but it is not maintained like a park shelter and should be treated as a simple backcountry feature.

Bring a small blanket or plan to sit trailside if you want to linger.

Family-Friendliness and Accessibility

Mountain Tea State Forest isn’t built with families in mind, but confident hikers with older kids or teens may still enjoy the experience.

The wide gravel roadbed makes for easy navigation, but the trail is not stroller-friendly, and there are no signs or guardrails to help guide younger explorers. Some sections are overgrown, muddy, or rutted, and seasonal ticks and bugs can be a hassle for little ones.

That said, if your crew enjoys less-structured nature time, this hike offers space to roam, plenty of solitude, and the chance to spot birds, frogs, and the occasional deer or fox.

If you’re introducing younger kids to hiking, this probably isn’t the trail to start with, but for adventurous families who don’t mind brushing through tall grass and navigating light hills, it’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path option.

💡 Best for: Teens and older kids who are comfortable walking a mile or two with uneven terrain and no amenities.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

What to Bring

Mountain Tea State Forest is completely undeveloped, so you’ll need to come fully prepared. There are no restrooms, water fountains, trash bins, or trail maps on-site. Make sure to pack:

• Water and snacks
• Long pants and tick repellent (especially May–October)
• A printed or downloaded trail map or GPS app like Strava or AllTrails
• Sunscreen and a hat — although mostly shaded, portions of the trail are fully exposed
• Bright clothing if hiking during hunting season

📌 Important: Hunting is permitted here during designated seasons. Avoid hiking during peak firearm dates unless you’re wearing blaze orange and understand shared-use safety.

If you’re new to hiking or just need a gear refresh, I’ve put together a detailed breakdown of what to pack (and what you can skip):
👉 Hiking Essentials for Beginners

Trail Tips and Etiquette

• This is a raw, shared-use state forest – expect the unexpected.
• Practice Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay off sensitive wetland areas, and avoid creating new paths or shortcuts.

👉 For a full breakdown of Brown County hiking best practices (including seasonal hazards and how to prep for off-trail areas), check out: Hiking Tips for Beginners (Brown County + Beyond)

It’s a helpful read before your first hike—or a quick refresher if it’s been a while.

Best Times to Visit Mt. Tea State Forest

This hike is accessible year-round, but seasonal conditions will dramatically affect the experience.

• Late Spring to Early Fall – The trail can be lush and green, but overgrowth, heat, ticks, and sun exposure are all concerns. Best hiked early in the day and with long pants and plenty of bug spray
• Late Fall – Arguably the best season to visit. Cool temps, no bugs, and easier visibility through overgrowth.
• Winter – Peaceful and stark. Be mindful of slick or icy spots on the gravel road.

💡 Local Tip: Visit in early November, after the leaves have dropped but before hunting season peaks. The woods are quiet, the bugs are mostly gone, and the trail feels wide open.

For even more ideas on what to see and do in every season (including other trails and festivals), check out:
👉 When to Visit Brown County, Indiana (What to Expect in Every Season)

Nearby Attractions & Other Trails to Visit

If Mountain Tea State Forest leaves you wanting something more scenic or structured, there are several excellent alternatives just a short drive away:

• Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill: Brown County’s hidden gem for serious hikers. Expect steep hills, dramatic ridge walks, and remote solitude. Great if you’re looking for a longer, immersive trail with clear markings.
• Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve: Quiet and often overlooked, this preserve offers beautiful ridge-and-ravine terrain. It’s located just north of Nashville and is easily one of my favorite trail systems in Brown County.
• Stonehead Nature Preserve: Located a few miles down 135 S, towards Story, you’ll find this 123-acre nature preserve with several short, family-friendly trails that make a great add-on hike if you’re looking for something more relaxed.
• Brown County State Park: If you want trail signage, restrooms, picnic shelters, and stunning overlooks, this is the place. Trails 5, 8, and 9 offer solid day hikes with varying lengths and difficulty.

Now You’re Ready to Hike at Mt. Tea State Forest!

Mountain Tea might not check every box for a scenic, well-marked trail, but that’s not what it’s trying to be.

This is a hike for curious explorers, quiet-seekers, and locals who’ve seen the “greatest hits” and want something new. It’s a snapshot of what public land looks like before the crowds arrive—rough around the edges, but full of potential.

Don’t go expecting Instagram-worthy overlooks or polished trails. Instead, go if you’re looking for:

• A quiet place to wander
• An off-the-map hike to say you’ve done
• A glimpse of Brown County’s wilder side

And if you decide Mt. Tea isn’t your thing? No problem, you’ve got dozens of other incredible trails just down the road.

👉 Want more ideas? [Check out my full Brown County trail guide here] or join the Things to Do in Brown County Facebook group to trade tips and updates with local hikers.

Happy hiking!