The Hoosier National Forest Park is located in the picturesque hills of south central Indiana about 30 miles east of Jasper and 50 miles south of Bloomington. Homewood Suites Hilton at Bloomington is a convenient place to spend an overnight stay both to plan a visit to the park or to reorganize oneself on the way back home.
Several features about the area make it unique. First, it is the largest natural area in Indiana. Second, rather than being one contiguous area, the forest is scattered across several separate areas. Third, it has a multiple use designation; hunting is allowed in season. Fourth, it contains is the only real wilderness in Indiana, the Charles C Deam Wilderness.
HNFP has about 200,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty manifested as bush trails, limestone ridges, old mines and interesting caves. Quixotic rural villages dot the landscape around the forest. Off-road vehicles are prohibited from the area.
The park offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for adventure enthusiasts of all ages including hiking, horse riding and mountain biking, a bewildering variety of wildlife. The area features dozens of caves highlighted by spectacular karst features. Karst is a jargon term referring to areas where prolific dissolution of rock has caused development of underground streams or rivers, that is, subterranean channels allowing groundwater to flow. These spectacular formations are largely due to the preponderance of limestone composed largely of calcite (CaCO3). Carbonate rocks tend to be relatively soluble in water, being mildly acidified from dissolved carbon dioxide.
The area contains many caves. Some feature underground rivers that make for exciting, albeit cautious, exploration. These formations largely reflect the vast presence of limestone. Being calcite or carbonate in nature, limestone is particularly susceptible to forming interesting configurations over time. The reserve has over 240 miles (almost 400 kilometers) of managed trails within its confines. There are also cleared camping areas. It is also possible to camp at any location within the park, so long as restrictions are not in force.
The Charles C Deam Wilderness is perfect for those that want to get away, far away. It is the best wilderness to be found in Indiana. It extends for 13,000 contiguous acres on the south bank of the eastern half of Lake Monroe, southeast of Bloomington. SR 446 forms its western boundary.
Visitors to the area should be aware that mosquitoes and various other insects are common in summer. Poisonous snakes live throughout the forest including timber rattlers (quite rare), copperheads and cottonmouths. Natural water sources cannot be relied upon for purity; visitors should carry a filter or other solutions. Finally, Perry County is the only county in Indiana to have an infestation of the Lyme-disease carrying Lone Star tick.
Hoosier National Forest Park is an ecological delight, rich with diversity and full of promising adventure. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy this impressive natural resource. If hotel accommodations are needed, Homewood Suites Hilton at Bloomington is conveniently located and well able to offer guests top quality service.
Several features about the area make it unique. First, it is the largest natural area in Indiana. Second, rather than being one contiguous area, the forest is scattered across several separate areas. Third, it has a multiple use designation; hunting is allowed in season. Fourth, it contains is the only real wilderness in Indiana, the Charles C Deam Wilderness.
HNFP has about 200,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty manifested as bush trails, limestone ridges, old mines and interesting caves. Quixotic rural villages dot the landscape around the forest. Off-road vehicles are prohibited from the area.
The park offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for adventure enthusiasts of all ages including hiking, horse riding and mountain biking, a bewildering variety of wildlife. The area features dozens of caves highlighted by spectacular karst features. Karst is a jargon term referring to areas where prolific dissolution of rock has caused development of underground streams or rivers, that is, subterranean channels allowing groundwater to flow. These spectacular formations are largely due to the preponderance of limestone composed largely of calcite (CaCO3). Carbonate rocks tend to be relatively soluble in water, being mildly acidified from dissolved carbon dioxide.
The area contains many caves. Some feature underground rivers that make for exciting, albeit cautious, exploration. These formations largely reflect the vast presence of limestone. Being calcite or carbonate in nature, limestone is particularly susceptible to forming interesting configurations over time. The reserve has over 240 miles (almost 400 kilometers) of managed trails within its confines. There are also cleared camping areas. It is also possible to camp at any location within the park, so long as restrictions are not in force.
The Charles C Deam Wilderness is perfect for those that want to get away, far away. It is the best wilderness to be found in Indiana. It extends for 13,000 contiguous acres on the south bank of the eastern half of Lake Monroe, southeast of Bloomington. SR 446 forms its western boundary.
Visitors to the area should be aware that mosquitoes and various other insects are common in summer. Poisonous snakes live throughout the forest including timber rattlers (quite rare), copperheads and cottonmouths. Natural water sources cannot be relied upon for purity; visitors should carry a filter or other solutions. Finally, Perry County is the only county in Indiana to have an infestation of the Lyme-disease carrying Lone Star tick.
Hoosier National Forest Park is an ecological delight, rich with diversity and full of promising adventure. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy this impressive natural resource. If hotel accommodations are needed, Homewood Suites Hilton at Bloomington is conveniently located and well able to offer guests top quality service.
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Planning a trip the the fabulous Hoosier National Forest? Get the low down now in our guide to the best hotels In Bloomington Indiana .
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