Yellowwood State Forest Hiking Trails
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If you’re looking for a quieter place to hike in Brown County—somewhere with lake views, the full range of trail difficulty, and far fewer crowds than Brown County State Park—Yellowwood State Forest is the spot. I’ve been hiking in Brown County for years, sometimes solo, sometimes with my kids, sometimes with friends, and Yellowwood always feels like a true escape.
Yellowwood doesn’t have the long-range overlook views that Brown County State Park is famous for, but it makes up for it with peaceful lake views and diverse habitats. Plus, it has a sense of solitude combined with amenities like paved parking and pit toilets that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Whether you’re looking for a short family-friendly trail, a challenging ridge hike, or something in between, this guide will walk you through each hiking trail in the Yellowwood State Forest, what to expect, and which one might be right for your visit.
What to Expect When Hiking in the Yellowwood State Forest
Yellowwood State Forest covers more than 24,000 acres, with trails that wind through ridgetops, lakeshores, deep woods, pine stands, and creek crossings. The terrain is more primitive than what you’ll find at Brown County State Park—less signage, more rugged paths, and a greater sense of seclusion.
There are six main hiking trails near Yellowwood Lake, each offering something different, whether that’s family-friendly creek access, educational forest management signs, or challenging climbs to quiet ridgelines. Many trails are connected or loopable, and several intersect with the long-distance Tecumseh Trail, which passes through Yellowwood on its way south toward the Hoosier National Forest.
Expect to find:
- Unpaved and uneven surfaces (with some roots, rocks, and creek crossings)
- No modern restrooms—only well-maintained pit toilets
- Trail signage and blazes to mark trails, although some longer or backcountry routes may have limited signage
- Typically quiet, uncrowded trails, even during peak fall season
- Parking at major trailheads, including paved parking near the lake and forest office
My Favorite Hiking Trails in the Yellowwood State Forest
I’ll cover each trail in more detail below, but here’s my quick recommendation for each trail:
- Trail 1 – Yellowwood Lake Trail: Best for adults or families with older teens who want a longer hike, diverse terrain, and lots of great lake views.
- Trail 2 – Resource Management Trail: Slightly more terrain than Jackson Creek Trail, plus more in-depth interpretive signage. Great option for families with older kids, or anyone who wants to learn more about forest management practices.
- Trail 3 – Jackson Creek Trail: Perfect for families with younger kids, or anyone wanting an easier hike with the chance to cool off in a creek along the way, or learn more about the forest along the way.
- Trail 4/5 – High King Hill & Scarce O’ Fat Ridge: Even though these are two separate trails, I always hike them as a combo. This is your best option of you’re looking for something truly rugged.
- Trail 6 – Tecumseh Trail: The Tecumseh Trail stretches far beyond the boundaries of Yellowwood State Forest, but it’s your best option in Brown County if you’re really trying to cover some miles in the woods.
Whether you’re here for a few hours or a full day, this guide will help you navigate the trail system, find the right hike for your skill level, and plan a visit you’ll love.
NOTE: The distances, elevation gain, time to hike, and trail routes displayed below are all based on data from my own tracked hikes in the Strava app.
The stats shown below may vary slightly from what is reported in the official Yellowwood State Forest map, due to rounding differences or alternate route measurements.
Trail 1 – Yellowwood Lake Trail
- Distance: 4.75 miles (Loop)
- Approximate Time to Hike: 1 hr 50 min
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Rugged
- Elevation Gain: 459 ft
- 📍 Yellowwood Lake Trail Trailhead Location – Starting from the main parking lot at the north end of Yellowwood Lake, near the boat ramp
What to Expect
This loop trail circles the entire 133-acre Yellowwood Lake, offering one of the most scenic and peaceful hiking experiences in the forest.
It winds through dense hardwood forest, skirts quiet coves, and crosses a few shallow creeks, giving you ever-changing views of the lake as you hike. The terrain is rolling and uneven in places, with a few short climbs and low-lying areas that stay muddy after rain.
It’s one of the busier trails at Yellowwood, but still relatively lightly traveled. If you hike on a weekday, or start early on the weekend, you may have long stretches of trail entirely to yourself.
My Recommendation
If you’re up for a longer hike and want to really experience what makes Yellowwood special, this is the trail to do. I usually recommend it in the fall or winter, when the foliage opens up the lake views and the cooler temps make the hike more comfortable.
Start early in the day, and consider hiking it clockwise—you’ll get better lighting on the water in the first half of the loop. This trail makes for a great solo recharge hike, and it’s also a favorite when I want to get some miles in without feeling too remote.
NOTE: Waterproof hiking boots are a must. The spillway area and a few creek crossings near the back side of the lake are soggy year-round.
Trail 2 – Resource Management Trail
- Distance: 1.3 miles (Loop)
- Approximate Time to Hike: 30-45 min
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 186 ft
- 📍 Resource Management Trail Trailhead Location – Across the road from the Yellowwood Forest Office
What to Expect
This self-guided interpretive loop offers something a little different—an educational look at how Indiana’s state forests are managed through active timber harvest and ecological stewardship. The trail winds through a mixed forest where you’ll pass 30 numbered signs, each explaining a different aspect of sustainable forest management.
The loop covers areas that were selectively logged in 1995 and 2007, so you’ll notice changes in vegetation density and tree age. It’s not as scenic as the trails along the lake, but it’s quiet, shaded, and informative—and offers a good mid-distance option if you’re short on time.
My Recommendation
This trail is ideal if you’re curious about forest management or just want a shorter, less crowded walk with some educational value.
I often suggest it for families with slightly older kids who are looking for something more than the Jackson Creek Trail, but not quite up for the full Lake Trail, or for visitors who just want to learn something along the way.
Trail 3 – Jackson Creek Trail
- Distance: 1.6 miles (Out-and-Back with Loop section)
- Approximate Time to Hike: 30-45 min
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 61 ft
- 📍 Jackson Creek Trail Trailhead Location – Main parking lot near Yellowwood Lake (north end) or small cemetery lot just north of the lake
- Alternate trailhead location for “accessible” trail segment to Jackson Creek bridge (per Indiana DNR).
What to Expect
Jackson Creek Trail is a gentle, wooded loop with multiple creek crossing points and a short stretch of interpretive signage that’s great for kids and first-time visitors.
The terrain is flat to gently rolling, with a mix of hardwood forest, pine groves, and open glades, and several creek crossings that are shallow and easy to navigate.
The trail has two main access points: one from the main Yellowwood Lake parking lot, and another from a smaller gravel lot near an old cemetery. The section of trail from the cemetery lot to the first bridge is listed by the state as accessible. While it’s not paved, it is wide, flat, and mostly free of obstacles.
My Recommendation
This is a fantastic trail for families with younger kids. The wide, relatively flat path makes it accessible for an off-road stroller, though only a portion is considered fully “accessible.”
This is my top pick for families or casual hikers. When our kids were little, this was always the first trail we’d take them on—it’s easy to follow, never too steep, and has plenty of places to stop and explore the water.
Just be sure to bring water shoes and some towels, so kids are free to fully explore!
Trails 4 & 5 – Scarce O’ Fat Trail + High King Trail
- Distance: 4.9 miles (Loop)
- Approximate Time to Hike: 1 hr 50 min
- Trail Difficulty: Rugged
- Elevation Gain: 598 ft
- 📍 Trailhead Location – Gravel parking lot at the south end of Yellowwood Lake, near the dam
- NOTE: The road to this trailhead through two low creekbed sections. Make sure your car has appropriate clearance to pass.
What to Expect
This combined loop is the most rugged and remote-feeling hike in Yellowwood. Starting from a gravel pull-off past the dam, the route climbs steeply up High King Hill, then meanders across ridgelines and through hollows via the Scarce O’ Fat Trail.
You’ll gain nearly 600 feet of elevation over the course of the hike, with a few rolling descents and climbs that keep the legs working throughout. The trail is lightly traveled, and in some places narrow or overgrown, so it feels far wilder than anything around Yellowwood Lake.
Expect creek crossings, muddy stretches, and several unmarked junctions—navigation apps are highly recommended.
My Recommendation
I hike this loop when I want to get away from everyone. You won’t see many people out here, if any. This is not an ideal trail for beginners, but experienced hikers will appreciate the solitude and the sense of immersion in the woods.
I recommend hiking the loop clockwise so you get the steepest elevation out of the way early, and leave the gentler rolling hills for the back half. Just be prepared—no water, no toilets, and cell signal is unreliable on this section of trail.
Trail 6 – Tecumseh Trail
- Distance: 6.1 mi section near Yellowwood Lake (40+ miles total)
- Approximate Time to Hike: 2 hr 20 min
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Rugged
- Elevation Gain: 771 ft
- 📍 North end of Lake Trailhead Location & Parking – Starting from the main parking lot at the north end of Yellowwood Lake, near the boat ramp
- 📍 Scarce O’ Fat Ridge Road Parking Area Location
What to Expect
The Tecumseh Trail is a 40+ mile long-distance hiking trail that stretches nearly the full north-to-south length of Brown County. Portions of the trail do pass through Yellowwood State Forest, especially around Yellowwood Lake and the Scarce O’ Fat Ridge area, but the full route extends well beyond.
The trail winds through remote forest, rugged ridgelines, and scenic creek valleys, and offers a unique chance to experience true backcountry hiking in Indiana.
My Recommendation
If you’re hiking in Yellowwood and want to explore part of the Tecumseh Trail, the section from the north end of Yellowwood Lake to Scarce O’ Fat Ridge Road is a good one to try — though it includes some gravel forest roads and may be brushy in summer.
For a full breakdown of the entire trail (including my favorite sections, trail maps, elevation data, and logistics), head over to my complete guide:
👉 Read the Full Tecumseh Trail Guide
Planning Your Hike at Yellowwood State Forest: Accessibility, Amenities & Entrance Fees
Yellowwood is quieter and more rustic than Brown County State Park, and that simplicity shows in its facilities. While there are a few basic amenities, don’t expect modern restrooms, drinking fountains, or paved trails beyond the parking lots.
Entrance Fees
There are no entrance fees for Yellowwood State Forest, which is part of why I love it as a more accessible alternative to the Brown County State Park. You’ll only be charged for activities like boat rentals and camping.
Parking
Parking is free at Yellowwood, and most of the main trailheads have designated lots:
- Paved parking is available at the Resource Management Trail, Yellowwood Lake Trail, and Jackson Creek Trail.
- Gravel parking is available at the High King Hill + Scarce O’ Fat loop and a few dispersed trail access points along Yellowwood Lake Road.
None of the trailheads have large lots, so if you’re visiting on a weekend in October or during peak wildflower season in spring, aim to arrive early.
Restrooms & Water
Pit toilets are located at the Jackson Creek Trail and Lake Trail trailheads at the north end of the lake, plus near the Forest Office near the Resource Management Trailhead. These are primitive (no running water), but usually clean and stocked with plenty of toilet paper.
There is no potable water available at trailheads or picnic areas, so plan to bring your own. I recommend packing more than you think you’ll need, especially in warmer months.
Family-Friendly and Accessible Trails
- Wheelchair-Accessible: Yellowwood doesn’t have any fully paved trails, but a portion of the Jackson Creek Trail (from the parking area near the cemetery to Jackson Creek) is listed as being accessible by the Indiana DNR.
- Family-Friendly: The Jackson Creek Trail and the Resource Management Trail are both great picks for kids, offering short loops, scenic views, interpretive signage, and nearby amenities like picnic tables and restrooms.
- Stroller Use: Some trails may be manageable with a rugged/off-road stroller, but it won’t be easy. Instead, I’d recommend using a hiking carrier to make things more enjoyable for everyone.
Shelterhouse & Picnic Areas
There is a reservable stone shelterhouse near the Redbud Campground, with numerous additional picnic tables nearby
There are also a handful of picnic tables near the boat ramp at the north end of the lake, and along the lakeshore in that area.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Yellowwood State Forest
What to Bring
There are no modern restrooms in Yellowwood State Forest, and most trailheads don’t have water fountains or trash bins, so plan ahead and come prepared.
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
Rather than repeating the same tips in every trail post, I’ve collected my most important advice for Brown County hikers into one place. This includes:
- What “Leave No Trace” really means
- Tick safety and wildlife to watch for
- Why dog leash rules matter here
- Local trail conditions to expect seasonally
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.
Maps & Trail Signage
You can download the official Indiana DNR Trail Map for Yellowwood State Forest here.
Many of the different trails at Yellowwood overlap and share sections from between trails, so take caution and make sure you follow the proper trail. Note that different trail sections use differently shaped trail ‘blaze’ marks, as shown on the post of the sign below.
Trail Closures & Forest Management
Yellowwood State Forest covers over 24,000 acres across Brown County—far more than just the area around Yellowwood Lake. While this guide focuses on the core trails near the lake, there are additional routes (like Crooked Creek Trail in the southern part of the county) that technically also fall within the boundaries of the state forest.
Because Yellowwood is an actively managed forest, the Indiana DNR regularly conducts timber harvests and salvage logging, especially after storm damage. This means that trail closures or detours can happen at any time, sometimes without much notice.
Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to check the latest trail updates or temporary closures on the official DNR website:
👉 Yellowwood State Forest Trail Conditions & Updates
NOTE: As of August 2025, the Crooked Creek area of the forest remains closed due to storm damage and salvage operations following a tornado in May 2025.
When to Hike the Yellowwood State Forest
Yellowwood offers year-round hiking, and each season brings something different.
Looking for a full breakdown of what to expect across the seasons? Head over to the When to Visit Brown County, Indiana guide for a seasonal cheat sheet covering crowds, weather, and more.
That post covers weather, crowds, seasonal highlights, and more. But if you’re wondering which trails to hike in each season, here’s what I’d recommend:
Spring
Wildflowers start to emerge along Jackson Creek and the lower stretches of the Lake Trail. Trails may be wet and buggy, so waterproof shoes and tick spray are must-haves.
Summer
Dense canopy keeps the trails cool and shaded, though humidity can be high and the bugs will be out in full force. But this is a generally quieter time of year at Yellowwood, and a good time to explore along the lake or Jackson Creek.
Fall
The busiest season, with beautiful color along the lake and hill trails. It’s less crowded than Brown County State Park, but weekends still fill up. Arrive early or visit midweek for the best experience.
Winter
Quiet and peaceful, with clear ridgetop views on trails like High King Hill. You’ll likely have the trails to yourself, but come prepared—some access roads can be slick or muddy.
Other Things to Do at the Yellowwood State Forest
Hiking might be my favorite way to explore Yellowwood, but it’s far from the only reason to visit. Whether you’re planning a full weekend or just want to round out your outdoor time, here are a few more ways to enjoy the forest.
Camping
Primitive campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll find drive-in sites south of the forest office along Yellowwood Lake Road, including a horsemen’s camp area, and Youth Camping Area to the north.
There are no hookups, but there are pit toilets, water spigots, and a dump station at the Redbud Loop. Check in and register at the forest office before setting up camp.
Fishing & Boating
Yellowwood Lake is a peaceful spot for fishing and paddling. You’ll need a valid Indiana fishing license, but once you’re set, the lake offers bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Kayaks, paddleboats, and rowboats are available seasonally for rent near the forest office. You can also launch your own canoe or kayak from the walk-in ramp at the north end of the lake.
Horseback Riding
Equestrians can ride miles of designated horse trails throughout the state forest, including the scenic Bill Jack Horse Trail. An annual horse use tag is required, and brightly colored clothing is recommended during hunting season.
Creek Exploring & Gold Panning
Several trails—especially Jackson Creek and the Resource Management Trail—offer access to shallow, rocky creeks that are perfect for kids to splash around in.
Bring water shoes, and don’t forget towels. You can also try your luck at gold panning (yes, really!) with a free permit from the DNR.
Nearby Attractions & Other Trails to Visit
Looking to explore more of Brown County? Whether you want more trails or a break from hiking, these nearby spots are all easy to reach from Yellowwood.
- Nashville, Indiana: Just a 15–20 minute drive from Yellowwood, Nashville is the heart of Brown County and a great stop before or after your hike. Grab a bite to eat, wander through art galleries, or shop for locally made goods. It’s also a solid rainy-day backup if trail conditions aren’t ideal.
- Brown County State Park: If you want more hiking—plus scenic overlooks, family-friendly amenities, and a more developed trail system—head to Brown County State Park. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, multiple playgrounds, and the Nature Center, it’s a great companion destination to Yellowwood. Plus, it’s closer to town and easier to navigate for first-time visitors.
- Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve: For a quieter, off-the-radar hike, Trevlac Bluffs is a personal favorite. This Sycamore Land Trust property has two trails with excellent winter and early spring views of Beanblossom Creek. You’ll also find a rare stand of eastern hemlock trees and good opportunities for birdwatching. Just note: the two trails are not connected, so plan your parking accordingly.
- Tecumseh Trail: If you’re craving a longer hike or planning a multi-day trek, consider exploring more of the Tecumseh Trail. This 42-mile route cuts through Yellowwood and continues south toward Monroe Lake. Within the forest, it offers peaceful ridgelines and a remote, backcountry vibe. For trailhead tips, segment breakdowns, and maps, head to the full post:
👉 Complete Guide to the Tecumseh Trail
Now You’re Ready to Start Hiking at Yellowwood State Forest!
Yellowwood State Forest is truly a gem in Brown County, offering a peaceful and immersive hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Yellowwood State Forest is truly a gem in Brown County, offering a peaceful and immersive hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Whether you’re hiking with kids along Jackson Creek, tackling the High King climb, or connecting to the Tecumseh for a longer day, Yellowwood invites you to slow down and connect with nature in a way few places can.
As someone who hikes these trails year-round, I hope this guide helps you plan a visit you’ll enjoy and remember for many years to come. With its quieter trails, rustic charm, and opportunities for exploration, Yellowwood provides a perfect alternative to the busier Brown County State Park.
If you’re planning a visit, remember to pack plenty of water, download offline maps, and bring your sense of adventure. If you’re building a Brown County itinerary and want to include outdoor time beyond the State Park, Yellowwood is a must.
And don’t forget to share your experiences or get even more tips in my free Facebook group, “Things to Do in Brown County, Indiana”—a great resource for visitors and locals alike.
