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Indiana
27

Indiana State Parks

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Indiana
Western Region
Owen-Putnam State Forest
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OWEN-PUTNAM STATE FOREST
OWEN-PUTNAM STATE FOREST
Poland, Indiana   47868
(lat:39.3208 lon:-86.8456) map location

Phone: (812) 829-2462
Hike through some of the best hardwood forests in the country. Enjoy deer, squirrel and turkey hunting.Fish in one of the many ponds. Horseback ride through some of the beautiful hills of south central Indiana,including a view of a 50-foot sandstone bluff. This property consists of many scattered holdings in anorth-south orientation and because of this scattered nature, care should be exercised to avoid trespassingon private land.Developed areas include the Forest Office, Fish Creek Campground, Horseman's Campground andRattlesnake Campground.
History of the Area
Owen-Putnam State Forest is a state forest located in the U.S. state of Indiana. It is named after the two counties it spans: Owen and Putnam. The history of this state forest is relatively recent, dating back to the 20th century.

In the early 20th century, much of the land which now comprises Owen-Putnam State Forest was heavily logged, resulting in significant deforestation. Recognizing the need to restore the lands and protect them for future generations, the state of Indiana began acquiring these lands in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The acquisition process was facilitated by the Clarke-Dilbeck Act of 1929, which allowed the state of Indiana to acquire land for reforestation purposes. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) was responsible for actively managing these lands.

After the land was acquired, reforestation efforts began in 1930. Over 7 million trees were planted in the span of a few years, turning the deforested lands into a vibrant and diverse forest cover. The reforestation efforts were aided by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public work relief program established during the Great Depression.

The CCC constructed infrastructure within the forest, including trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Many of these CCC-built facilities are still in use today, showcasing the historical significance of the forest.

Throughout the years, Owen-Putnam State Forest has remained under the management of the IDNR, which has continued to protect and conserve the natural resources found within the forest. The forest offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.

Owen-Putnam State Forest is an important ecological and recreational asset for the state of Indiana, providing a beautiful natural space for visitors to enjoy and serving as a testament to the state's commitment to reforestation and conservation efforts.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHuntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles6
 Bridle Trailsyes
CampingPrimitive, #24
 Horsemen Campsites, #9
Camping
Fish Creek Campground: 14 sites, available water; Horseman's Campground: 9 large sites, water trough;and Rattlesnake Campground: 10 sites (opened April 15th to December 1st for camping). Campgroundsare primitive (Class C) and are provided with vault toilets, picnic tables, grills and parking spurs.Rattlesnake and Horseman's campgrounds have no drinking water, but this can be obtained at the ForestOffice or Fish Creek Campground. Campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis; please self-register at booths located in eachcampground.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Location
Owen-Putnam State Forest is located near Bloomington, Brazil and Spencer

Trails
Hiking Trails: Hiking is available on the forest access trails and bridle trails throughout the forest property. Hikers and horseback riders are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season. Poplar Top-1.5 miles, self-guiding

Horse Trails: All horses brought, driven or ridden onto Owen-Putnam State Forest must have a valid annual horse use tag. Pleasant Grove-1.8 miles around Horse Campground, passes by an old cemetery. Sandstone Bluff-1.7 miles around Horse Campground, passes by a 50' sandstone bluff & waterfall. Bridle Loop-10 miles from Horse Campground to Rattlesnake Campground and back.

Mountain Bike Trails:Owen-Putnam State Forest offers 6 miles of mountain bike trails. Mountain bikes are only permittedon those designated trails.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 6 MY FAVORITE PLACE by DONALD COLLINS
park review stars; one to five I HAVE BEEN GOING HERE SENCE I WAS 7 YEARS OLD, IT IS THE ONLY PLACE I FEEL REALLY RELAXED.
April 19 Our Favorite Park by Shadow/Magill Family
park review stars; one to five Our family absolutely loves to camp here. It is absolutely beautiful.
May 22 RATTLE SNAKE CAMP GROUND IS WERE TO GO I by 8BALLLDON
park review stars; one to five
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Area Campgrounds
Hickory Hills Campground
499 Dixie Hill Road
Spencer, IN
765-795-6079

Directions
1. Start by heading onto I:70 and take Exit 37 for IN-243 toward Cloverdale.
2. Turn left onto IN:243 N/S Main St (signs for Cataract Lake).
3. Continue on this road until you reach a roundabout; take the second exit to stay on IN:243 N/County Rd 1050 S.
4. After approximately 5 miles, turn right onto County Rd 950 W/Cunot:Cataract Road.
5. Drive straight ahead for about half a mile before turning left at the sign indicating "Owen Putnam State Forest.".
6. Follow this road as it winds through beautiful forested areas until you arrive at your destination.

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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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