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Selmier State Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · Running trail in North Vernon, Indiana · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Selmier 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.
Riverfront destination featuring a nature trail and a historic cemetery.
What runners say about Selmier State Forest
“The views along the river are nice and you’ll see the old ruins of a dam and an old cemetery with some beautiful headstones and some soldiers from the War of 1812.”
“The paths are gravel and the map is pretty easy to follow.”
Nice trails and walking. This was just a lil off a front trail. I was told is a spot built to sit and look at reflection pond. It once had lights in it. Of course over time the glass bottles have been broken off on most of it.
Very enjoyable Trails, but they need a consolidated map and better marked trails. It's too small to really get lost, but it's also hard to tell which trail you're on at some points. There is also a cabin marked on one of the maps, but the lady in the office said she thinks it's long gone.
Really nice area for a hike. The footing is good with loose gravel for most of it. I did around 4 miles but there are other logging type roads to up the mileage if you want.
Took a lovely walk with my awesome boyfriend here. Beautiful scenery. Well marked trails. Lots of information available and posted along the trails.
Trail conditions & character
“The views along the river are nice and you’ll see the old ruins of a dam and an old cemetery with some beautiful headstones and some soldiers from the War of 1812.”
“The paths are gravel and the map is pretty easy to follow.”
“We take our dog "Candy" here a lot to explore and walk.”
Plan your run at Selmier State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitein.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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