Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower — Attraction in Indiana

Experience of a lifetime, most Townies have a story to share about something they've seen in the night skys or being able to see as far as Kentucky. The physical burn in your calves and the rush of excitement you feel as you realize you're exposed on all sides are the 2 hardest parts to overcome as you push yourself to the top. You can't avoid looking down as you climb higher, so the "Elvis legs" set in, right at this point you can start to realize the whole tower sways slightly with the wind and you can feel the vibrations in the metal of each person that's come before you, you're only about halfway up but almost to the tops of the trees and each row of stairs gets a little more narrow and steep, the landing ahead looks inviting to rest on & as you reach it you realize you've made it to the top! There's a blast of fresh air & then you're stunned to silence as you realize the enormity and vastness of the beauty before your eyes. Breathe and let your soul speak to the tree tops. Celebrate overcoming the apex. Create your own memories to pass down for generations. Be the influence that gets the kids back into real life from a virtual one. And for God sakes man, pack out what you pack in! Campsites nearby are free and some of the nicest campsites I've ever had the pleasure of staying at. I've paid a whole lot more for a whole lot less. Lets keep the area as beautiful as we found it because that can change in the...

Climbed the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower in Hoosier National Forest, and it’s a hidden gem near Bloomington, IN! Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 110-foot steel Aermotor tower is the last standing fire tower in the forest, once one of eight. It was used for fire detection until the 1970s, with a 7x7-foot cab that housed an alidade for spotting fires. Now, it’s open year-round for public climbs, offering unreal views of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness and Lake Monroe, about 20 miles in any direction. The 133 metal steps (upgraded from the original 123 wooden ones) are steep and can sway in the wind—thrilling but not for the faint-hearted! The cab is small, with graffiti and chipped paint, but the panoramic forest views, especially in fall, are worth it. Located off Tower Ridge Road (a 5-mile gravel drive from SR 446), it’s free to visit, with no gate or fence as of 2024. No amenities, so bring water. Pros: Stunning views, historic vibe, free access, great for photos. Cons: Steep climb, no restrooms, gravel road access, can be crowded on weekends. Tip: Visit weekdays or early morning for solitude; avoid in storms or icy conditions. A must-do for hikers and history buffs! Check...

This is a great hub for running and hiking on the east side of Charles Deam. The Sycamore loop off of Terril Ridge to the north of the parking lot is for foot traffic only which is good if you'd prefer to avoid horses which are common during the summer on the rest of the trails. Terril Ridge is a fairly easy out-and-back leading to a small family cemetery. The trail does roll somewhat and one hill is a bit steep. From this lot you can also hook up with the rest of the forest trails by taking Axsom or Martin Hollow. As with any trails, know where you're going before you start. The trails are marked and worn pretty well but it can be easy to follow an unmarked trail or...