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Hoosier National Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,781 Google reviews · Running trail in Bedford, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 200 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hoosier National 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.
Camping, fishing & more in a natural setting with scenic roads, historic sites & rural communities.
What runners say about Hoosier National Forest
“Beautiful and expansive nature Park with lots of topography and natural features like hoodoos, caverns, and waterfalls.”
“It was very quiet and peaceful.”
My go to place to get away. There is so much to see and do,wether it's the miles and miles of trails,( Which I rarely stay on) horseback riding on the miles of horse trails, taking in the view from hickory ridge fire tower,boating on lake Monroe ,fishing in one of the many ponds ,lakes or streams,or camping one of the…
It's a wonderful magical Forest that should be preserved for future generations. It is filled with many secluded spots that few forests have left anymore. It's a treasure that needs to stay around for our children. The Buffalo springs project needs revamped to ensure it is preserved, not cut down and burned.
It's an absolutely gorgeous place to go for a hike, see wildlife, go kayaking or fishing if it suits you. I will recommend packing extra water if you intend to hike as it can be more of a task than you'd initially expect but the hike is one of the most scenic in the entire state and worth the trek.
Awesome time backpacking this trail. The peninsula trail. A great 10 miles. Beautiful scenery and I'm sure the fall leaves are amazing
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful and expansive nature Park with lots of topography and natural features like hoodoos, caverns, and waterfalls.”
“Hoosier National Forest is a spectacular 200,000-acre wonderland of rolling hills, deep forests, and scenic lakes.”
“Hiked the Indian/Celina Lake Loop Trail over two days, though it could have been done in one long day of hiking!”
“Most of the area is flat but there are some nice hikes and places to see the water or go up the fire lookout tower.”
“I enjoyed over 20 miles of the trail system and loved camping directly on the shores of Lake Monroe.”
Plan your run at Hoosier National Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance200 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(812) 275-5987
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–12 PM, 1–4:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Bedford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest
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Scenic hiking trails through forests and over streams past cliffs, caves and waterfalls.
Spring Mill State Park
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Hoosier National Forest - Two Lakes Loop Trail
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Hiking area featuring trails through a forest setting with picnic tables.
Bohnert Park
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Playground, plus a basketball court, volleyball net and baseball fields in a clean, kid-friendly park.
Jasper Riverwalk
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Scenic paved park featuring a 2.1-mile walking trail winding along the Patoka River, plus a playground.