Indy Hiker

I've decided to start a series exploring the trails and forests of Hickory Ridge in the HoosierNF. With all the rain and the freeze thaw cycle going on, and all the plants taking a nap, now's a great time to head off trail and explore some areas. We'll meet at the Hickory Ridge Trail 18 parking area located west of Maumee and head off into the woods to go explore some valleys and ridges off the beaten path. This hike will be a rugged one, with climbs up steep hills, down into narrow valleys with creek crossings, and plenty of what did I get myself into thoughts... bring some hiking poles or find a good sturdy stick, plenty of snacks and water or a filter, and gear for the weather.
Pace on these is usually pretty slow, under 2 mph, and usually around 1.5 mph. Depending on conditions, it might only be 6 or 7 miles in length, but possibly around 11 or 12 miles as well. The group will dictate what we do, but leaving early won't really be a good option as the group will need to stay somewhat together since we won't be on actual trails. I will be using some old roads, hitting up the occasional wildlife ponds and some other areas of value along the hike.

Dear hiking friends-

This event is cross-posted in the Wabash Valley Hiking & Social Meetup Group.

The Sugar Creek Conservation Area is a 1,321 acre forested area managed by the Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area. Located along the Wabash River and Sugar Creek, it offers diverse natural features, rock formations, rugged terrain, and a variety of wildlife.

Today we will be hiking within the Sugar Creek Conservation Area, to a destination known as Pot Rock Holler. Anticipate wet or muddy conditions, as we will be walking part of the way through a creek bed. Consider wearing long pants and bug repellant, bring a daypack, and enough water for a 2-3 hour hike. This hike will be of moderate difficulty, approximately 5 miles. We will find a small local restaurant for anyone who wants to grab a late lunch after the hike.

Hope to see you on the trail,
Erin

In an abundance of caution, this'll be a table-hike night primarily for those going to Yellowwood to camp/hike/frolic/kayak/read/rest/tourist-ize over Memorial Day weekend. Might not be needed; might take 15 minutes; could help in running an efficient camp (re, foods to bring, ice, firewood, TENT SPACE); might be a fine, crafty beer involved; and when that is all done, might talk about ANY OTHER DESTINATIONS that gather our interests. (So, BRING MAPS.) Priority obviously to YSF/Mem Day Wknd.

ALL ARE WELCOME, but YSF/Wnders get priority.

Made your Memorial Day plans, yet? How 'bout a quiet, woodsy get-together, too much food, good company; Bloomington and Nashville for touristy activity, BCSP (pool, hot showers) and TCSteele nearby.

Roughly 90 minutes south of Indy, there is a unique spot in Yellowwood State Forest, just off the forest road, within sight of the tiny (and mostly quiet) boat ramp, that provides shaded camping with just enough breeze to push mosquitoes away, and small enough (10-12 sites?) that it maintains a woodsy (non-parking lot) character rather nicely, at $13/night per site. Potable water and pit toilets nearby. Primo!

There is a beauteous, if Indiana-rugged, 4.5 mile trail ("Trail 1") around the lake there. The somewhat rugged 4.5 mile Scarce o'Fat Trail starts at the base of the Yellowwood Lake dam. Around the ridges are various lengths of trail that include the 50 mile Tecumseh Trail. And my new favorite trail (Crooked Creek Lake) is a quick 4 miles south by car. Very rugged; very scenic. But it is all a trail-ish playground.

I intend to hike as much as my interest/motivation allows, subject to the good foods, boat ramp dips, icy craft beers, side-trips to town, and great company in camp. Your own intentions may be just to sit in the wonderful breeze, read a book, poke a fire, sip a beer, float quietly in the perfect water near the boat ramp, or discuss the ins and outs of whether light is a particle or wave. OH!!! And there's playing Tourist at TCSteele, Nashville, or Bloomington. Indeed, I will try to do all those things, but for sure, I'm going to be in the woods. It's just too pretty.

Space is constrained -- these are high-demand sites and I will go down first thing Thursday morning to grab one. There are common occupancy restrictions (6 persons, 2 tents and/or 2 automobiles per site), but YSF has been flexible in the past. We'll work things out such that a small group of us can fit without crowding, into 1 or 2 sites, as needed. Dumpster, potable water, and pit toilets are all nearby. Lastly, if you're not interested in staying overnight, write that into your RSVP, so we can all plan around it.

Firewood is nearby, but with the heat... We may not get to it.

Whether hiking, floating/kayaking, reading, snoozing, beer or nearby winery-ing, or something else entirely[!!!], I hope you have a great weekend.

We'll convene a kitchen planning (food/cooler/ice/meals/gear/clean-up) conversation-by-text beforehand, so as to minimize everyone's efforts and maximize everyone's enjoyment.