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German Ridge Recreation Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 78 Google reviews · Running trail in Tell City, Indiana · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of German Ridge Recreation Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Park offering hiking and mountain biking trails, plus picnic areas, and camping.
What runners say about German Ridge Recreation Area
“The beach could use some weed clean up bit I was there Memorial weekend so not sure if it gets better.”
“Challenging trails, Beautiful views, and peaceful nature are just a few things you can expect while visiting the German Ridge campground area.”
“Challenging trails, Beautiful views, and peaceful nature are just a few things you can expect while visiting the German Ridge campground area.”
Great primitive campground near many trails. It is mountain bike and horse friendly. The two pit toilets were clean.
The lake trail around the recreation area is great. Some of the other rock bluffs are off-trail and a guidebook is handy. Hoosier's Hidden Hikes covers the area in more detail.
We entered at the Carter Botom trail head. Beautiful diverse and one of the nicest forests in the area. No water or bathrooms near the section of trail that we hike 5 miles in and out. 10 miles total. 5 hours. Nice dirt and gravel trail without any rocks. Can be muddy at times and the ticks were very much present.
This place doesn't seem to get much use at all. Theres tons of trails, bathrooms, shelter with fireplace, horse camp and regular camping sites but I didnt see another soul until a couple showed up just as I was leaving. Come here for some peace and quiet!
Trail conditions & character
“Challenging trails, Beautiful views, and peaceful nature are just a few things you can expect while visiting the German Ridge campground area.”
“Challenging trails, Beautiful views, and peaceful nature are just a few things you can expect while visiting the German Ridge campground area.”
“Theres tons of trails, bathrooms, shelter with fireplace, horse camp and regular camping sites but I didnt see another soul until a couple showed up just as I was leaving.”
Plan your run at German Ridge Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(812) 547-7051
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Tell City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hoosier National Forest - Two Lakes Loop Trail
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Hiking area featuring trails through a forest setting with picnic tables.
Hemlock Cliffs
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Scenic hiking trails through forests and over streams past cliffs, caves and waterfalls.
Harrison-Crawford State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 572 reviews
State park offering horseback riding, camping, picnicking, and hiking, plus wildlife sightings.
Yellow Creek Park- SE Entrance
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