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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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Indiana
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Greene-Sullivan State Forest
Greene-Sullivan State Forest © Ann McGriffin
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GREENE-SULLIVAN STATE FOREST
GREENE-SULLIVAN STATE FOREST
2551 IN-159
Dugger, Indiana   47848-8116
(lat:39.0446 lon:-87.2596) map location

Phone: (812) 648-2810
For a day of fishing, camping, hunting or just rest and relaxation, Greene-Sullivan State Forest is one of themost beautiful and serene places to visit. Greene-Sullivan was founded in 1936 when various coalcompanies donated more than 3,000 acres of property to the Department of Natural Resources, Divisionof Forestry. But that was just the beginning. Now the forest boasts almost 8,000 acres of beautifulwoodland and rolling hills dotted with more than 120 lakes, making it one of the most unique areas inIndiana.

If you're not fishing or camping, there's still something for you at Greene-Sullivan State Forest. Otherfavorite activities include hunting, picnicking, mushroom hunting, horseback riding, photography andwildlife viewing.
History of the Area
The history of Greene-Sullivan State Forest in Indiana dates back to the early 20th century. The forest was established in 1920 when the State of Indiana purchased approximately 2,865 acres of land in Greene and Sullivan counties. The acquisition of the forestland was done as a part of a broader effort to restore and improve the state's natural resources.

Originally known as Black Ankle State Forest, it was named after the local Black Ankle Creek. The forest was primarily managed for timber production, with a focus on reforestation and sustainable forestry practices. The state forest provided a steady supply of timber for the region's growing populations and industries.

Over the years, the forest area expanded with additional land acquisitions, and today, Greene-Sullivan State Forest encompasses around 9,000 acres. It is primarily composed of mixed hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory, along with small patches of pine plantations.

Apart from timber production, Greene-Sullivan State Forest has also been utilized for recreational purposes. The forest offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, bird watching, hunting, and fishing. It has a network of trails, picnic areas, and access points to streams and lakes, which make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The forest also serves as an important wildlife habitat, providing shelter and food for various species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and numerous songbirds. It is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to balance timber production, wildlife management, and recreational opportunities.

Greene-Sullivan State Forest has played a vital role in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in Indiana. It continues to serve as a valuable public land where people can enjoy nature and connect with the history and beauty of the area.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres8,000
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #4
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingBoating Limits-1
 Launch Ramps, #60
CampingPrimitive, #100
 Horsemen Campsites, #20
Camping
Primitive(class C) camping is available for a fee; campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis.Self check-in stations are located in each campground or at the forest office. Sites have pit toilets andseasonal drinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the 100 familycampsites of Narrow Lake, Wampler Lake and Reservoir #26. An additional 20 sites for horse campersonly are available in the Horseman's Campground near Ladder Lake. A dumping station is also available.Reservoir #26 has a wheelchair accessible campsite, pit toilets and playground.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Fishing
With more than 120 lakes scattered throughout Greene-Sullivan State Forest's 9,000 acres, you'll never fall short of fishing opportunities! In fact, the forest offers some of the finest fishing in the state.

Most of the lakes are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish. The state record bluegill, weighing 3 lbs. 4 ozs. was taken from Reservoir #26 in 1972. In some of the lakes you can find channel catfish, bullheads, crappie and warmouth. Airline Lake is also stocked annually with rainbow trout as part of a statewide put-and -take trout program.

For those who enjoy the serenity of fishing, several of the lakes are "walk-in only" to provide a more secluded fishing experience. Approximately 60 of the lakes have easy access from county roads and have dirt or gravel launching ramps; boating limited to electric trolling motors. Muskellunge were stocked in Bass Lake in the fall of 1997. These fish should reach a harvestable size limit of 36" by the year 2000.

Whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, fox, and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required. Hikers and horseback riders are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.


Location
Greene-Sullivan State Forest is

Picnicking
There are picnic areas and four picnic shelterhouses available for day use. Picnic tables and grills arelocated at the picnic sites. Wheelchair accessible picnic tables are available at Narrow Lake, Reservoir 26and the archery range shelter houses.
Trails
1. Long Pond Trail: This trail is approximately 2 miles long and loops around the scenic Long Pond Lake, offering stunning views of waterfowl and other wildlife.

2. Airline Wetland Conservation Area Trails: These trails are a network that spans over several miles through wetlands teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species.

3. Reservoir Loop Trail: A moderately challenging hike at about 4-5 miles in length which circles the Greene-Sullivan State Forest reservoir providing panoramic lake views throughout its course.

4. Bass Island Pathway: An easy walk along this half-mile path offers hikers an opportunity to explore one of Indiana's most productive fishing areas on foot or by bike.

5. Miner's Mountain Nature Preserve Hiking Trails: The preserve has two main hiking paths - North Ridge (0.8 mile) & South Slope (1 mile). Both offer moderate hikes featuring beautiful forest landscapes rich in biodiversity due to reforestation efforts after coal mining operations ceased here decades ago.

6. Westwood Recreation Area Walking Paths: Located near Dugger Unit, these walking paths provide leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery making it perfect for families looking for light outdoor activities within state forest premises.

7. Sunset Point Overlook Walkway: Short yet rewarding pathway leading up to Sunset Point where you can enjoy breathtaking sunset vistas overlooking numerous lakes spread across vast expanse of Greene-Sullivan State Forest.

8. Dogwood Springs Primitive Campground Access Route: Though primarily serving as access route towards campground area, this roughly paved road doubles as nature trail allowing visitors chance encounters with local wildlife like deer, turkeys etc while enjoying serene surroundings.

9. Pine Bluff Peninsula Footpath: This short but steep climb leads onto Pine Bluff peninsula jutting out into Wampler Lake giving spectacular view points from atop bluff overseeing entire lake region below.

10. Bob White Hill Trekking Course: This 1.5 mile long trail takes hikers through dense forest cover, up a small hill named after the Bob White Quail found in this area.

11. Willow Pond Nature Trail: A short and easy hike of about half-mile around Willow pond which is home to several species of waterfowl making it an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

12. Sullivan Lake Loop: An approximately three miles round trip loop that circles Sullivan lake offering beautiful views throughout its course . The path is relatively flat with few inclines, suitable for all skill levels.

13. Airline Pit Overlook Pathway: Short pathway leading towards Airline pit overlook providing panoramic view over one among many strip mine pits now converted into lakes within Greene:Sullivan State Forest.

14. Hickory Ridge Lookout Hiking Route: This moderately difficult hiking route leads you onto Hickory ridge lookout point from where entire state park can be viewed on clear days.
Area Attractions
Archery Range

In addition, Greene-Sullivan offers an archery range, which the DNR Division of Forestry maintains in cooperation with a local archery club. This range features a shelterhouse, four practice targets at marked distances, and 15 targets scattered along a woodchipped trail to simulate hunting conditions. The archery range is available at no cost.

If you are interested in organized shoots, the local archery club sponsors shoots monthly. You are welcome to participate in these 30 or 40 target shoots for a small fee.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 21 Outdoorspersons paradise by Elyssa
park review stars; one to five Love this place so many lakes and places to camp. My boyfriend and I used to go every 4th of July. He is now gone but I have the most wonderful memories.
May 9 my favorite place by joe
park review stars; one to five my first pick for camping so peaceful and no one bothers you
March 16 Great Trails for Horse Riding! by LuvHorses
park review stars; one to five This has become my favorite place to go trail riding. The trails are very well maintained and offer something for everyone. Whether you like flat trails or a challenge, you will find it here. The day camp and overnight camping areas are nice also.
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Directions
1. Start by getting on I:70 W from S Meridian St.
2. Continue on I:70 W for approximately 55 miles until you reach Exit 23B to merge onto IN-46 W toward Terre Haute.
3. Stay on IN:46 W for about 30 miles until you enter Sullivan County.
4. In Sullivan County, turn right onto N Section St/County Rd E1200N (signs for Carlisle).
5. Continue straight onto Co Rd E1200N/N Section Street Road and drive for around 6 miles.

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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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