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Clark State Forest

4.6 ★★★★★ 772 Google reviews · Running trail in Henryville, Indiana · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
1.6 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Clark State Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surface1.6 miLoopScenicRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Free, huge park for camping and fishing, as well as hiking.

What runners say about Clark State Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (772 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“Beautiful park, my first visit during spring, plenty of areas to sit and relax and enjoy the quiet of nature.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“Beautiful park, my first visit during spring, plenty of areas to sit and relax and enjoy the quiet of nature.”

This park is pretty quite and big. Has some very pretty scenic areas. Campsites are nice. They recently added a shower house tho I have only had the privilege of using the unisex bathroom the floor stays very wet everywhere no where to put clothing on without getting something wet.

★★★★★ — Bethany , Apr 2026

A little confusing for first timers.. I still don't think we did everything right... Edit/update We like going here. Self check in is good. Still interesting how things are set up. Make sure you have $1's and $10's... The trees can make it a little tighter with big units..

★★★★★ — Dustin , Oct 2022

what a gem this place is! it is unreal how big this place is! the forestry manager Elena is passionate about the park and preservation of its floral and fauna. she was very kind and knowledgeable now matter what we needed! also the office manager Jessie went above and beyond.

★★★★★ — Steve , Feb 2026

Really like the forestry.. beautiful scenery and usually peaceful. Nice trails to walk and if you don't have any idea what to do one day that won't cost all your money, this is a good place to go. I also wish I could give five stars to the Amish family that sells pumpkins right by there.

★★★★★ — Barbara , Oct 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 772 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 15 mentions

“Beautiful park, my first visit during spring, plenty of areas to sit and relax and enjoy the quiet of nature.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“Beautiful park, my first visit during spring, plenty of areas to sit and relax and enjoy the quiet of nature.”

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🔁 Loop trail

“big units can come in if you stay to the inner back of the right side or the left loop.”

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🚻 Restrooms

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Clark State Forest

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • Loop distance1.6 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websitein.gov
  • Phone(812) 294-4306
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
Friday 8 AM–4 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Clark State Forest

2 Service Rd, Henryville, IN 47126

Get directions

Running trails near Henryville

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Jackson Road Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 22 reviews

Henryville, IN

Natural surfaceScenic

6.2 miles away

Nine Penny Branch State Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 255 reviews

Charlestown, IN

LoopScenic

Nature preserve featuring a hiking trail that leads to a waterfall.

9.0 miles away

Greenway Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 123 reviews

Charlestown, IN

ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

Local green space with a dog area, a playground and a creek for kids to splash around in.

9.4 miles away

Christmas Lights Of Charlestown

4.8 ★★★★★ 486 reviews

Charlestown, IN

LitScenic

Festive park featuring Christmas lights synced to music, a train ride and an ice rink, for a fee.

9.5 miles away

Charlestown State Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 33 reviews

Charlestown, IN

6 miLoopMixedScenic

9.7 miles away

Charlestown State Park Trail 1 Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

Charlestown, IN

14 miScenic

Kid-friendly area offering a number of hiking trails.

10.2 miles away

All running trails in Henryville, IN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.