Clark State Forest
23,979 acres
Clark County
Henryville, IN
Clark State Forest, established in 1903, is the oldest state forest in Indiana. The original appropriations to purchase a 2,000 acre tract took place during the administration of Governor Winfield Durbin. In the ensuing 96 years, additional acquisitions have increased this area to the present 24,000 acres. Much of this land was originally part of Clark's Grant, lands provided by a clause in the Virginia Cession of Claims to the Northwest Territory on December 20, 1783.
Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years, early in the development of forestry into a science and profession. More than 150 experimental tree plantings, established from 1905 through 1935, can still be observed in many areas throughout the forest.
Camping
Primitive(class C) camping is available for a fee. Self check-in stations are located at the entrance to each campground. Sites have pit toilets and seasonal drinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 45 sites. The Horseman's Campground offers 26 Class C sites for those visitors who are camping with horses. A dump station is available.
Fishing
Seven lakes are open to fishing; a valid Indiana fishing license is required. Schlamm Lake (18 acres), Franke Lake (13 acres), Bowen Lake (7 acres), Oak Lake (2.5 acres) Pine Lake (2 acres), Shaw Lake (13 acres) and Wilcox Lake (5 acres). A boat launch ramp is available; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes. A summary of fishing regulations is available on line at the Division of Fish & Wildlife's web pages.
Hunting
Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, squirrel, fox, woodcock and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required. Hunting and trapping regulations are available on line at the Division of Fish & Wildlife's web pages.
Picnicking
Several picnic areas and 8 picnic shelters are available for day use. Picnic areas, with picnic tables and grills, are located throughout the forest. The property also includes seven playgrounds, two baseball fields, tennis court, basketball court, firetower and public gun range.
Hiking Trails
White Oak Nature Trail - 0.9 mile loop, self-guiding
Resource Trail - 1 mile, self-guiding
Knobstone Trail - 59 miles (backcountry) 32 miles in Clark State Forest 27 miles in Elk Creek and Jackson-Washington State Forest. For more information contact the DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation.
Hiking is also permitted on the entire property including firetrails and horse trails. Hikers and horseback riders are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.
Horse Trails:
Approximately 100 miles of marked trails and six day ride parking areas. Horseback riding is permitted only on designated bridle trails. All horses brought, driven or ridden onto Clark State Forest must have a valid annual horse use tag.
Wildlife Loop (blue trail marker) - 3.5 miles
Easy. Area has wide trails enhanced by wildlife openings and ponds.
Shaw Lake Loop (green trail marker) - 5.5 miles
Moderately Rugged. Very scenic trail bordering Shaw Lake . High vistas with two steep areas.
Horse Camp Loop (blue trail marker) - 5 miles
Moderate. Good scenery. Trail crosses one creek, goes by several vistas, switches back and cuts around camel backs.
Beginner Loop (orange trail marker) - 3 miles
Easy. Wider trails built for beginning horses and riders.
Wilcox Valley Trail (yellow trail marker) - 0.5 mile
Moderately Rugged. Scenic with large trees and winding creeks. Wet in spring.
Bowen Loop (blue & yellow trail marker) - 7 miles
Moderate. Upland trees include chestnut oak and pine; several vistas.
Deam Trail (red trail marker) - 20 miles
Moderately Rugged. Day-long ride with all types of scenery and wildlife. Ends at day ride area on Flower Gap Trail.
Mountain Grove Trail(green trail marker) - 4.9 miles
Moderately Rugged. Trails are wider due to wildlife habitat enhancement work, wildlife food plots and ponds. Some creeks, hills and hardwood trees.
Dry Fork Loop (orange trail marker) - 12 miles
Rugged. Very primitive area with two ever-changing creek crossings. Large trees and steep valleys, creeks and knobs. This trail is one of the most scenic, and has two crossover shortcuts (green & yellow).
Trail Difficulty Ratings:
Easy- A wide trail, often short in length and free of obstacles, located near day use areas, horse camp facilities and recreation areas where heavy use is expected.
Moderate- A wide, longer trail of moderate grade, traversing varying topography and free of obstacles.
Moderately Rugged- For the more experienced horse and rider. Trail width may vary from 4-6 feet and may accommodate both double and single file riding. Steeper grades, varying topography and changes in trail surface will be encountered.
Rugged- Rugged trails are designed for single file riding over extremely steep grades, dramatic topography, native rock and frequently changing trail surfaces. Obstacles such as rock ledges, fallen trees and creek crossings may be encountered.
Mountain Bike Trails
Clark S.F./Deam Lake S.R.A. offers 5 miles of mountain bike trails. Mountain bikes are only permitted on those designated trails. View our publications page for further details and a trail map.
Nature Preserves
White Oak - 160 acres
Chestnut Oak/Virginia Pine - 20 acres
Address & Directions
Property Manager: Walt Zak
Clark State Forest
P.O. Box 119
Henryville, IN 47126
(812) 294-4306
ClarkSF@dnr.IN.gov
Located on U.S. Highway 31, 10 miles south of Scottsburg or one mile north of Henryville just off I-65.
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The Division of Foresty is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
