Post by Indiana Fisherman on Nov 27, 2013 10:19:34 GMT -5
Clark State Forest - Indiana Jewel In The South
By Paul Wonning
Clark State Forest is located on US 31 about one mile north of Henryville, Indiana and about ten miles south of Scottsburg, Indiana. This is Indiana's oldest State Forest, established in 1903. It is also one of the prettiest of the State Forests.
Clark is very hilly, and the narrow, one lane asphalt system of roads which wind their way through the Forest makes a very scenic drive, especially in the autumn when the leaves are turning. There are eight sheltered picnic areas, the nicest ones overlooking Franke Lake. There is Old Franke, probably the best one, and New Franke, on the southwest side of the lake.
Clark State Forest, like all Indiana State Forests, is a mixed use facility. Hunting and fishing is permitted on the property. There is a popular gun range near Bowen Lake on the west end of the Forest. The State Of Indiana also sells timber from the Forest. Sales from the State Forest provide funds which help administer the State Forest system.
There are about one hundred miles of horse trails here, as well as six parking lots for day users. Horse riding among the wooded hills of Clark State Forest is a popular activity and the weekends will find a lot of horse riders on the trails.
The Forest boasts a forty five site primitive camp ground. There are seven public lakes ranging in size from thirteen acres to two acres. Franke Lake, at thirteen acres, is on the southeast side of Clark, the main road winding past it and its two picnic areas. Fishing is permitted, with an Indiana Fishing License in any of these lakes.
This road then climbs a rather impressive hill up to the fire tower. On the left, just before the fire tower is a picnic area with a very impressive view. On a clear day, the skyline of Louisville, Kentucky, twenty miles to the south can be visible against a background of trees and sky. There are two unmarked trails here. One, descending down the hill to west of the picnic shelter, is a one quarter mile loop which affords some nice views in the fall and winter when the leaves are down. Another trail, little used, leads down the hill. A hike on this one is not for the unprepared. It is steep, slippery, and finally dies away in the forest. A return up the hill is then necessary. This is a very pretty trail with some nice views, but not for the inexperienced hiker.
The fire tower is the next item of interest on this road. Ninety eight steps to the top, the tower is about one hundred feet tall. Unlike most fire towers, access to the lookout is permitted. An unfettered look at the surrounding countryside here makes it well worth the climb up. Again, Louisville is visible to the south, as well as some Indiana villages in other directions.
You can complete the loop around the Forest by turning right at the satellite dish antennae, right again on Bloomington Trail. This leads back to US 31. Maps are available at the State Forest Office, which is just off US 31, the entrance about a quarter mile north of the entrance to Clark State Forest.
There are only two marked hiking trails at Clark, the .9 White Oak Trail, trailhead on the right before the turnoff to Old Franke. The Forest Resource Trail, a one mile loop, is located near the main entrance. The trail head is near the Pine Lake picnic area.
Clark State Forest features a diversity of activities for the nature lover. Hiking, fishing, picnicking, hunting and horseback riding are all activities which can be pursued here. Add to that a scenic drive which encircles the facility, you have the ingredients for a fun day outdoors.
© 2006 Paul Wonning is the owner of Gardens and Nature.com [http://www.gardensandnature.com] a web site about gardening, hiking and other nature related topics.
Our blog about gardening is located here:
Hoosier Hurricane - Blog about Gardening [http://hoosierhurricane.blogspot.com/index.html]
Our hobby and craft related blog, Hobby Hobnob, is located at this link: hobbyhobnob.blogspot.com/
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Wonning
EzineArticles.com/?Clark-State-Forest---Indiana-Jewel-In-The-South&id=339524
Indianapolis Colts
G+G Spinnerbait Company.
G&G Tournament Series Spinnerbaits
Fishing in Indiana. Hunting in Indiana
COPYRIGHT 1996-2014 © Indiana Fishing &
Hot Spots Martinsville Indiana 46151
Indiana Fishing Info, it's creator, or it's moderators are not responsible for damage, loss, or injury resulting from the use of information contained on the pages of this site. Furthermore, Indiana Fishing Info, and it's creator assumes no liability for posts made by others and is not responsible for the accuracy, copyright compliance, legality, or decency of material contained in the posts Their posts are solely their opinions, and their responsibility. No part of Indiana Fishing may be copied, printed, or reproduced in any manner, without written permission from it's owner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This website contains some information obtained from the Indiana DNR and other government agencies controlling the described outdoor resources. However, this site is not sponsored by the state, any parks, or any other government agency. by the state, any parks, or any other government agency.