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Indiana
27

Indiana State Parks

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USA Parks
Indiana
Eastern Region
Salamonie River State Forest
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Salamonie River State Forest The Docks at Salamonie Lake © Richard Fowler
The Docks at Salamonie Lake
Salamonie River State Forest Returning to The Dock © Richard Fowler
A sailboat return to the dock at Salamonie Lake
Salamonie River State Forest Predawn Fishing © Richard Fowler
Two fishermen out to try their luck before dawn at Salamonie Lake
Salamonie River State Forest Early Sunset © Richard Fowler
The sun beginning to set at Salamonie Lake
Salamonie River State Forest Blooms © Richard Fowler
Some of the blooms along one of the trails.
Salamonie River State Forest Sunset © Richard Fowler
Summertime sunset at Salamonie Lake
Salamonie River State Forest Dawn At Salamonie Lake © Richard Fowler
Early morning at Salamonie Lake.
Salamonie River State Forest Sunset at Salamonie Lake © Richard Fowler
Sunset on the beach at Lost Bridge West SRA
Salamonie River State Forest Sunset at Salamonie Lake © Richard Fowler
Sunset on the beach at Lost Bridge West SRA
Salamonie River State Forest Turkey Cove Nature Trail © Marsha Wade
This nature trail is an easy hike where a guest will find an abundance of wildflowers.
Salamonie River State Forest Shades of Pink © Marsha Wade
Another group of flowers found in the tended garden at the Interpretive Center.
Salamonie River State Forest Clematis © Marsha Wade
This gorgeous flower is growing in the tended garden at the Interpretive Center at Salamonie Lake. All of the plants are lovely.
Salamonie River State Forest Wildflowers in Woods © Marsha Wade
The woods around Salamonie River State Forest are filled with an abundance of wildflowers.
Salamonie River State Forest The Bird and Butterfly Garden © Richard Fowler
The Bird and Butterfly Garden
Salamonie River State Forest cooling off in Hominy fall © Hannah Ben Augspurger
Salamonie River State Forest Taking A Break © Richard Fowler
Looking out over the Turkey Cove Trail.
Salamonie River State Forest Wildflowers © Richard Fowler
Some of the wildflowers along the Marsh Trail at the Lost Bridge West State Recreational Area
Salamonie River State Forest Pirates Cove Marina © Richard Fowler
The marina at Lost Bridge West.
Salamonie River State Forest Campground Decorating © Marsha Wade
Each camp site was encouraged to decorate for the festival. This is just ONE of the hundreds of displays that families chose to show off their fun sides
Salamonie River State Forest Frost on Fungus © Marsha Wade
I have found a fascinating fallen trunk at the Salmonie Dams tail-waters. The frost on the fungus was gorgeous.
Salamonie River State Forest Waiting for a Hayride © Marsha Wade
The park has two large tractors pulling folks around the park as part of their annual Fall Festival.
Salamonie River State Forest Fall Festival Fun © Marsha Wade
Campers were lining up for their tasty lunches while the kids and some adults were trick or treating from site to site.
Salamonie River State Forest Sunset at Salamonie Lake © Richard Fowler
Sunset on the beach at Lost Bridge West SRA
Salamonie River State Forest Sunlight on Ferns © Marsha Wade
The sunlight filtering into the woods through the trees was breath-taking. I shot this pic on the Turkey Cove nature trail.
Salamonie River State Forest Happy Munching © Marsha Wade
This little fella was so intent on snacking that he didnt mind one bit that I was photographing him less than 3 feet away.
Salamonie River State Forest Toe dippin... Hominy Falls © Hannah Ben Augspurger
Salamonie River State Forest Tree by the Lake © Marsha Wade
There are several of these empty trees by the place where boats are put into the water. They are so interesting because of the amount of limbs close to one another.
Salamonie River State Forest Bird Butterfly Garden © Richard Fowler
Bird and Butterfly Garden at the trail head of the Turkey Cove Trail at the Lost Bridge West SRA.
Salamonie River State Forest Pumpkin Fun © Marsha Wade
Salamonie Lake has a wonderful celebration in the fall. The campgrounds are decorated by the families. Theres pumpkin carving, hayrides, contests, trick or treating, music, and all around fun.
Salamonie River State Forest Stay on the trail © Mary Larimore
A huge drop off to the River.
Salamonie River State Forest Red Berries © Kimberly Sherbert
Red Berries found while walking.
Salamonie River State Forest Hes 65...things to climb © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest beautiful weeds © Mary Larimore
Salamonie River State Forest Salamonie River © Mary Larimore
Tranquility
Salamonie River State Forest Streams © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest Waterfalls © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest View from the falls © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest getting a drink © Mary Larimore
Salamonie River State Forest Sunshine © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest postcard perfect © Mary Larimore
Salamonie River State Forest Natures Beauty © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest View from the top © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest thirsty © Mary Larimore
Salamonie River State Forest View from the Dam © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest A short ride by the road © Mary Larimore
Salamonie River State Forest Hedge Apple © Kimberly Sherbert
Beautiful Hedge Apple Near Beach.
Salamonie River State Forest Strange Part 2 © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest Endless Trails © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest Nature can be strange... © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest Fireside © Stephanie McMillan
Salamonie River State Forest Breath-Taking Views © Stephanie McMillan
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SALAMONIE RIVER STATE FOREST
SALAMONIE RIVER STATE FOREST
5124 County Rd 100 S
Lagro, Indiana   46941
(lat:40.8094 lon:-85.6905) map location

Phone: (260) 782-0430
Reservations: 260-468-2125
The name Salamonie was derived from the Native American word "O-sah-mo-nee," which means "yellowpaint." Native Americans made yellow paint from the bloodroot plant which grew in great abundancealong the winding banks of the river. Salamonie River State Forest was created as a demonstration riverside forest for the reclamation oferoded land. The state forest was established in the mid 1930's when local people assisted the state inpurchasing the hilly land and bluffs along the Salamonie River. Most of the land's topsoil was erodedaway, making reclamation of the area a major challenge. To deal with this challenge, a 200-memberCivilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was created. The CCC designed and planned the forest andrecreation facilities and opened a stone quarry. Several hundred acres of land were reforested and manyrecreation facilities were built, including Hominy Ridge Lake and the large stone shelter house that standsnear the lake. Today the forest encompasses 850 acres and offers many recreational opportunities to itsvisitors.
History of the Area
Salamonie River State Forest is a state forest located in Huntington and Wabash counties in the state of Indiana, United States. It covers an area of about 850 acres along the banks of the Salamonie River. The history of the forest traces back to the early 20th century.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the Salamonie River region was severely affected by the economic crisis. To address the issue, the federal government initiated various programs to provide employment opportunities, one of which was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a public work relief program that employed young unemployed men for conservation and development of natural resources across the country.

In 1934, Camp Davis, a CCC camp, was established at the present-day Salamonie River State Forest. The camp housed CCC Company 1582, which mainly consisted of young men from the Dayton area. The CCC workers at Camp Davis were involved in various conservation projects, including reforestation, erosion control, trail construction, and wildlife habitat improvement. They planted tens of thousands of trees to reclaim the eroded and deforested land, built roads and bridges, and created recreational opportunities within the area.

By the late 1930s, the CCC camp was disbanded, but the work done by the CCC workers had a lasting impact on the region. Their efforts resulted in the establishment of a state forest in 1949, designated as the Salamonie River State Forest, to recognize the importance of the area's natural resources and provide recreational opportunities for the public.

Salamonie River State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including hiking, bird watching, hunting, fishing, and camping. It also features a network of trails that allow visitors to explore the forest and enjoy its natural beauty. The forest continues to be managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to preserve its ecological integrity and provide a unique outdoor experience for future generations.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres850
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles9
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #1
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingBoating Limits-1
 Launch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitive, #32
 Electric Sitesyes
 Horsemen Campsites, #15
AccommodationsGolf Courseyes
Camping
Salamonie River State Forest offers 2 primitive(class C) campgrounds: family campground with 32campsites, and a horseman's camp with 15 sites. Campsites are available on a first come, first servebasis. Please self-register for camping at the campground entrance. Pit toilets and drinking water areavailable near sites.
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Location
Salamonie River State Forest is located near Huntington, Marion and Wabash

Picnicking
Close to Hominy Ridge Lake is a spacious shelterhouse which contains deep ovens and two fireplaces.Picnic tables are scattered throughout the area and a playground is also provided.
Trails
Hiking:

Hikers and horseback riders are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.

Horse Trails Main Access Provides riders from outside the forest access to the trail system. A short trail with easy riding on mostlylevel terrain.

Wood DuckSeasonal trail, open from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October. It is closed during the restof the year due to wet trail conditions and hunting season. A flat area, with easy riding through stands ofpines. In late spring and early summer, riders may see or hear wood ducks in this area.

Riverview/BoundaryThis winding trail varies in topography as it meanders in and out of ravines and overlooks along theSalamonie River. It is moderately difficult to ride with some rugged areas that are more challenging.

Waterfall A moderately difficult trail that wanders in and out of ravines and provides views of two rocky gorges withwaterfalls.

Boundary/ReservoirThis easy trail provides access to the Salamonie Reservoir Bridle Trail. Maps of this trail are available inthe self-registration station in the Horseman's Camp and at the state forest and reservoir offices.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 18 by Brad_B
park review stars; one to five
April 28 Good Hiking nearby by kheiland
park review stars; one to five We enjoy the Hiking Trails or Horse Trails, The falls are cool especially in the winter,You can see eagles over River,We also visit Salamoni Lake,France Park,Turkey Run ,Shades,and Clifty Falls and Mississinewa often , get out and enjoy.
August 30 Horse Trails
park review stars; one to five I use to go here as a young girl with my family and our horses. I loved riding my horse through the beautiful trails. I really enjoyed going when the leaves were just starting to change color.
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Directions
1. Start by heading north on I:69.
2. Take exit 278 for IN:5 toward Warren/Markle.
3. Turn left onto IN:5 N/S Main St (signs for Markle).
4. Continue to follow IN:5 N for approximately 10 miles.
5. At the roundabout, take the second exit and stay on IN:9 N/N Clark St.
6. After about 0.7 miles, turn right onto E South A Street/E Van Buren St (signs for Huntington).
7. Continue straight onto W Market St/W Old US Hwy24 W/Huntington Rd/Old U.S.Hwy35 S until you reach a T:intersection with County Road West Division Line Road North: this is where you'll find Salamonie River State Forest.

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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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