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ForestMatters, LLC

Mogan Ridge Loop

Hoosier National Forest, Indiana · 3 min read

Distance
7.4 mi
Elevation Gain
780 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
7 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

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

At a Glance

  • Perry County Wilderness: wildest terrain in the Hoosier
  • Multiple creek crossings through hollow bottoms
  • 800-foot ridge climbs above the surrounding lowlands
  • Remote-feeling with minimal other visitors
  • Good habitat for wild turkey, deer, and raptors

Overview

The Mogan Ridge Loop traverses the Perry County wilderness unit of Hoosier National Forest on a 7.4-mile circuit through some of the most remote terrain in Indiana. The loop climbs ridges, crosses hollow-bottom streams, and loops through old oak-hickory forest where the knob-and-valley topography of the Knobstone system continues into the southern forest units.

This trail is for hikers who want the Hoosier without the crowds: which, given the forest's generally low-crowd designation, means genuine solitude. The Perry County unit sees fewer visitors than the German Ridge and Hemlock Cliffs areas to the north, and the wilderness designation means no motorized equipment and no trail maintenance beyond what volunteer crews provide.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 2.0: First Ridge Climb

From the gravel trailhead pullout, the trail immediately begins climbing the first ridge. The climb gains 400 feet over 0.8 miles on a rooted, sometimes switchbacked track. The ridge top gives filtered views through the oak canopy in bare-tree season. The descent is steep into the first hollow.

Miles 2.0 to 4.0: Creek Corridor

The lower section of the loop follows a hollow-bottom creek through a damp, fertile forest of tulip poplar, sycamore, and pawpaw. Pawpaw: Indiana's native tropical-fruit-adjacent tree: fruits in September and October. Creek crossings on this section vary from stepping stones to ankle-deep wading depending on season. The hollow is the best section for spring wildflowers, with mayapple, blue phlox, and jack-in-the-pulpit.

Miles 4.0 to 7.4: Second Ridge and Return

A second major ridge climb of 380 feet brings the trail back to the drier oak-hickory upland before descending the western slope and returning to the trailhead. The western descent passes through a section of mature forest with a high canopy and open understory before the trailhead pullout.

When to Hike

April through June: Best wildflowers and creek flow. Wet crossings expected. Bug repellent essential.

October: Ridge color and turkey activity. Hunting season starts in November.

Winter: Accessible for experienced hikers in mild weather. Creek crossings become ice-hazardous in hard freezes.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water from the trailhead; creek water requires treatment. Waterproof footwear for spring creek crossings. A bear canister is not required but food storage is good practice per our bear canister guide. Offline maps essential given no cell service. Trekking poles for the ridge climbs and creek crossings.

Trailhead Access

Mogan Ridge Trailhead is on forest roads in Perry County, south of Tell City. Roads are unpaved gravel: passable to most vehicles in dry conditions but can be muddy in spring. No facilities at trailhead. No permit required (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.

Nearby

The German Ridge Trail is in the same southern unit and provides a less rugged loop alternative with a small lake and campground. The Hemlock Cliffs Trail is the forest's most scenic canyon trail about an hour north. Check current conditions before any backcountry trip in the Perry County unit: trail maintenance and road conditions are variable. Review Leave No Trace principles for wilderness camping.

Trailhead Parking

Small gravel pullout at Mogan Ridge Trailhead on forest road. Free. No facilities.

← Back to Hoosier National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How remote is the Mogan Ridge Loop?
It is among the most remote trails in Indiana. The forest interior has no road crossings for the full loop, and cell service is absent. Most weekday hikers will complete the circuit without seeing another person. Plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency contacts.
Are the creek crossings difficult?
Crossings range from step-stone in dry season to thigh-deep in spring. Spring visits (March through May) require waterproof footwear or acceptance of wet feet. Summer crossings are typically ankle to knee-deep.
Is camping allowed on the Mogan Ridge Loop?
Yes. Dispersed camping is permitted in the wilderness unit. Camp at least 200 feet from any water source or trail. No fire rings provided: use a stove or build small fires on rock or sand where available. No permit required (as of 2026).