Clark State Forest advisories
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Please visit on.IN.gov/dnrcovid19 for a listing of what is open, closed, restricted and canceled.
- Due to limited staff the Clark State Forest office is temporarily closed. You may purchase Clark State Forest gun range passes and other DNR permits/passes at Deam Lake State Recreation Area. The gun range sign in process remains the same. Deam Lake SRA is currently open seven days a week. Permits and passes may be purchased at the Deam Lake gate or office.
- Beginner Loop Horse Trail closure
- Description
Clark State Forest, established in 1903, is the oldest state forest in Indiana. The original appropriations to purchase a 2,000 acre tract took place during the administration of Governor Winfield Durbin. In the ensuing 96 years, additional acquisitions have increased this area to the present 24,000 acres. Much of this land was originally part of Clark's Grant, lands provided by a clause in the Virginia Cession of Claims to the Northwest Territory on December 20, 1783.
Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years, early in the development of forestry into a science and profession. More than 150 experimental tree plantings, established from 1905 through 1935, can still be observed in many areas throughout the forest.
Nature Preserves
- White Oak - 160 acres
- Chestnut Oak/Virginia Pine - 20 acres
- Activities
- Trails
- Maps
- Photos & Videos
