Nestled in the core of southern Indiana spanning both Jackson and Washington counties is 18,000 acres of amazingness just waiting to be explored from top to bottom. Known as the Jackson-Washington State Forest, this amazing respite from the hustle and bustle of city life is a spectacular example of the pure perfection that is Indiana's amazing outdoors. The Division of Forestry manages an impressive 15 state forests in Indiana encompassing more than 160,000 acres, and this one just so happens to be especially wondrous. Come out to one of the most beautiful places in Indiana and enjoy - there's so much to do that you could make a whole season out of it.
While Brown County often gets all the credit for being ridiculously beautiful, Washington and Jefferson Counties are a bit more secretive about it than that.
But I do promise you this: no matter which forest in Indiana you visit, you'll be awed at the sheer wonder of it all. Jackson-Washington State Forest is no different.
There are 14 miles of wonderful trails to meander around on, with varying degrees of intensity and skill levels required for the full experience.
Camping, too, is available, and there are numerous primitive campsites peppered throughout. Spend the night or spend 14 nights - no matter what, I'm pretty sure you'll never want to leave.
There are five gorgeous lakes you'll find here, too, and I definitely recommend visiting every last one.
In Washington County, there's Spurgeon Hollow Lake, Potter Lake, and Plattsburg Pond; in Jackson County you'll find Knob Lake and Cypress Pond. All of 'em make for perfect day trips.
The hiking is great, the camping is awesome, and the memories you'll make along the way will be oh-so-special.
This forest has so many different things to do - from the usual hiking and boating to more exotic things like archery and horse trails as well. It's an adventure through and through.
Oh, and the vistas - there's also the vistas!
This awesome state forest is home to numerous notable overlooks that are sure to thrill. Indiana isn't exactly known for its mountain ranges, but that doesn't mean we don't have plenty of cool lookout points anyway!
Come out to the amazing Jackson-Washington State Forest any time - it's open year-round and every season brings with it new surprises.
For more information about this amazing state forest in Indiana, check out the official Jackson-Washington State Forest write-up on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website. Planning a visit and need somewhere to stay? Check out all the cool stuff available from our friends at VRBO.
Do you have a favorite forest in the Hoosier State? Tell me about it in the comments!
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