morgan-monroe state forest

I grew up with this forestry in my back yard. But I still visit it often. I have been hiking all over it through the years. The best part about it; finding neat old stuff randomly. Last summer while hiking through the forest with my kids, we came across what appeared to be a foundation of a house from who knows when. ( we go off trail ) We found a broken mason jar protruding from the ground and some rocks that looked like they had some purpose (I'm not a historian by any means, not sure what the earlier settlers of this area may have used these for). I'm sure if we had dug down a little bit, we could have found more interesting artifacts. We have also come across all-but-forgotten cemetaries along the years. Yes, ones aside from the legendary Stepp Cemetary, which will probably not be forgotten any time soon! I know in the Hindustan area of the forestry (Monroe county side), we have found a lot of things similar to this throughout the years. I find it so intriguing because those days are so long gone, they were such simple times. Gets you thinking!Stepp Cemetary has some interesting stories behind it; if you're into that kind of thing, you should look up the tales, and visit it some time. It's a local legend.Anyway, I find tranquility in hiking in these woods, I always have. I'd highly recommend any part of it to anyone. You'll find small lakes, shelter houses, campgrounds, picnic areas, etc.

We love this place. The trails are well maintained and quiet...no crowds! Because you don't see a lot of people, I don't go alone. There is cell service in most areas. Although we have only hiked at the forestry, I believe they have camping, paved roads for biking, possibly hunting, shelter houses and two cabins to rent (one small and one larger one). There is no fee for entry.

We visited the Morgan-Monroe State Forest for our anniversary hiking trip this year. We chose this location because it was close, we had not been here before, and we knew we could hike both trails in two days. All total (including walking down to the lakes and other off-trail jots) there are 22-ish rugged hiking miles within two trails: The Low Gap Trail and Three Lakes Trail. On day one we did the Low Gap Trail. We arrived around 11:00 am on a Saturday (July 5th) and were shocked that we only ran into two other couples hiking. Usually when we go hiking over the 4th of July weekend trails are packed - this was not the case at all here. We hiked for almost 4 miles before we saw anyone. Overall, this trail was very easy and we got through the whole thing within 3 hours. I must admit, there was surprisingly little to see on this trail. We saw almost no wildlife (very weird), birds were sparse, and there was no water or interesting things to see. There were also no areas to make "pit stops" or any place to look out at anything. At one point there was a rock face you could climb up to but that was it. It was funny because I remarked that we did not even see any deer and seconds later one bounded in front of the trail right as we were returning to the car. I would suggest this trail be taken in the fall perhaps for a better "nature experience."The Three Lakes Trail was much more enjoyable. We were able to see a lot of wildlife and although the creeks were dry, this would be challenging to hike in the spring (you would probably need to hike in ankle deep water in some areas). The lakes were lovely as well and we stopped and ate lunch by one of the lakes after we hiked about 5 miles in. It was a lot of fun. We also stopped by Stepp Cemetery and looked at the old gravestones which was quite interesting for two history buffs. Other people have mentioned you should hike this trail backwards - you absolutely should! If you begin your hike at the trail head, you will hike this trail for about 8 miles and while it is slightly rugged, it is really pretty level overall (not too strenuous). The LAST TWO miles are nothing up straight up and straight down - it is a WORK OUT for sure. If you hike the trail backwards, you will get these aerobics over with and the rest of the hike will seem super easy. Again, we ran into almost no one else hiking on what would otherwise be considered to be a "busy outdoor weekend". We actually saw more people fishing than hiking. These are two great trails to take but I would suggest you visit in the spring or fall. These trails also intersect/begin with the Tecumseh Trail and you can register to pack-in/sleep in the forest overnight if you want to hike all 42 miles of this particular trail. We did see many overnight hikers setting up camp. I would absolutely return here in the fall!

A great picnic place, but don't expect accomidations. Camping is primitive, no showers, or much of anything, but nature. So it might bore some, and refresh others. Plan to bring what you need, and enjoy natural Indiana.

Visited on a weekend - no crowds! Miles of trails, ample parking, nothing but nature. There are 3 lakes near the area and a trail that will take you to all. Great picnic facilities as well. Will definitely be back!

MMSF has great opportunities for hikers, photographers, campers, hunters, cyclists, and others. The area is hilly and covered with native hardwoods. Hiking trails run from short to very long, from easy to difficult. While there are lakes in the main MMSF area, such as Cherry and Bryant Creek, they are lack-luster for fishing. They are hit heavily every weekend. Perhaps by launching a canoe or kayak one may be able to get away from the hardest hit areas and find bigger fish. If you are looking for a place to have a picnic where the kids can toss out a line without any expectations, then its perfect.If hiking be sure to bring plenty of water as creeks are seasonal.In the spring the forest is overrun with morel mushroom hunters, photographers looking for wild flowers, dogwoods, and red buds, and to a lesser extent, turkey hunters. The fall is the most popular time to visit as the leaves turn red, yellow and orange. Both Cherry and Bryant Creek Lakes offer picturesque photo opportunities. Many geocaches exist in MMSF so bring you GPS and go on a treasure hunt. For those truly wanting to get away from it all MMSF has a rustic cabin rental called Draper Cabin. It is very isolated and without power. Many local legends abound for the area so ghost stories at the cabin can be exciting.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest's boundaries are almost adjacent to ours. It's mostly just forest, with the remains of old settlements still visible in places. Some great folklore is associated with Morgan-Monroe, too, with some pretty great ghost stories.

Has some of our favorite nearby picnic spots. The last time we had one was in October. Multiple picnic areas with both shelter houses (which can be reserved for large groups) and individual tables under the trees or in the sunshine. Fishing, hiking, and camping. Some hunting areas in season.Ignore the silly woman who was afraid of ghost stories about the Stepp Cemetery. Website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/4816.htm

Love driving through this forest especially in the fall. Enjoy riding my cycle there, very little traffic.

good trails, several miles total throughout. connects to the Techumseh trail (have not tried that part yet) Camping allowed on some trails. We did the Low Gap Trail, about 10 miles in 4 hours.

Many parts of Indiana are devoid of anything nice to look at while driving. This place is easy to get to and fun to visit. Beautiful areas that most local residents take for granted...or don't even bother.We drive or hike parts of it at least once a week.

if your into nature, the trails are nice, well maintained, and well marked. just make sure you are not in a hunting zone!

This is a very scary place to visit. There is an old cemetary within the park that satanists frequent. Many odd and creepy stories from this place. Not a safe place to be.

This is something the state of Indiana did right. Preserving nature for all to enjoy. The park is easy to get to. Enjoy the seasons given the chance.

This is a very good state forest to visit for a day with your family. Lots of nature to take in, good picnic areas.