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Hickory Ridge Trail

Hoosier National Forest, Indiana · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
380 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
March through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Dry ridge-top oak-hickory forest with open character
  • Winter views across rolling southern Indiana hill country
  • Spring wildflowers on ridge and hollow sections
  • One of the quieter trails in the southern Hoosier unit
  • Good for wildlife observation in fall and early winter

Overview

The Hickory Ridge Trail follows a dry, south-facing ridge through the Crawford County section of Hoosier National Forest, tracing the spine of an oak-hickory upland for 4 miles out-and-back. The ridge character: thin-soiled, well-drained, south-exposed: produces a drier, more open forest than the shaded hollow bottoms nearby, and a wildflower community in spring that is distinct from the more famous spring displays at Pioneer Mothers Forest.

The trail is lightly used and not heavily maintained, giving it an honest backcountry feel closer to the Knobstone than to the developed recreation areas of the northern Hoosier unit.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 1.2: Trailhead Climb

From the roadside pullout, the trail climbs steadily onto the ridge crest through a young hardwood edge before transitioning to mature oak-hickory. The climb gains about 250 feet. The canopy becomes more open and the understory more park-like as the soil thins on the ridge top.

Miles 1.2 to 2.0: Ridge Walk and Views

The ridge section follows the spine with gentle rolling terrain. In winter, views extend through the bare canopy across the hollow and ridge pattern of the surrounding forest. Shagbark hickory: identifiable by its distinctive shaggy-plated bark: is common on the ridge. Wild turkey signs (scratching, droppings, feathers) are frequent.

Turnaround and Return

The turnaround is at a natural fork in the ridge at mile 2.0. Return the same way. The descent back to the trailhead is faster than the climb.

When to Hike

March through May: Spring wildflowers on the ridge and at the hollow edges. Wake-robin trillium and wild geranium bloom on the slope sections in April.

December through March: Best ridge views in bare-tree season. Quiet and wild-feeling in winter.

Summer: Shaded but closed views. A warm but less scenic option.

What to Bring

Carry all water from home: no sources on trail. The trail is short enough that 1 liter is typically adequate in cool weather, more in summer. Trekking poles help on the initial climb.

Trailhead Access

Roadside pullout on Crawford County road near the forest boundary. Unpaved road may require high-clearance vehicle after rain. Free. No facilities. No permit required (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.

Nearby

The Hemlock Cliffs Trail is nearby in the same Crawford County unit and is the most popular trail in the forest. The German Ridge Trail is about 20 miles south in Perry County with a longer loop and lake access. Review Leave No Trace principles before your visit.

Trailhead Parking

Small roadside pullout near the Hickory Ridge Trailhead. Free.

← Back to Hoosier National Forest

More Trails in Hoosier National Forest

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Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest Loop

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a dry oak-hickory ridge forest distinctive?
Dry ridge-top forests in southern Indiana are dominated by several oak species (white, chinkapin, scarlet, post) and shagbark and pignut hickory. The shallow, well-drained soils limit tree size but produce a diverse wildflower community in spring. Blueberries and huckleberries grow in openings on drier ridges.
Are there views from the Hickory Ridge Trail?
Yes, but primarily in winter after leaf drop. The ridge top gives filtered-to-open views across the hill country, with more distant visibility on clear winter days. Summer views are mostly closed by foliage.
Is Hickory Ridge Trail good for beginners?
It is accessible to most hikers in moderate fitness. The climbs are sustained but not extreme. The main challenge is 4 miles of rooted, uneven trail surface on a path that sees minimal maintenance.