Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Among other trails, the Morgan Monroe State Forest offers two 10-mile loop trails through its mature hardwood forests: The Three Lakes Trail and the Low Gap Trail. The HHC volunteers help maintain these two trails, and also borrow large portions of them for our run/walk events. There are also a variety of shorter routes available, some of which are mentioned below.
The Morgan-Monroe State Forest often provides a free map of their property and these two trails at their headquarters. Here is a scan of that map (provided with permission from MMSF): Morgan_Monroe_State_Forest_Map. Here is a topographic map provided by MMSF that shows the property and its trails: MMSF-Hiking Map. And here is MMSF’s description of the trails with tips on trail use: MMSF Hiking Trail Description.
Three Lakes Trail
Fall colors are reflected in Bryant Creek Lake
The Three Lakes Trail is named after the three lakes it formerly passed, one of which has since been drained due to a dam failure on Bean Blossom Lake. It begins at Cherry Lake, which is very near the forest headquarters (directions to headquarters are below). It is a 10-mile path which loops around back to the start. It does have several large, long hills, somewhat tempered by switchbacks. It also has some long stretches that are relatively flat and scenic, either along a high ridge top or following along a low stream or ravine. Overnight backcounty camping is not allowed along this trail.
Here is the DNR’s map of the Three Lakes Trail: Three Lakes Trail Map.
Here is a topo map of the Three Lakes Trail by Steve Rice: Three Lakes Map-Rice.
Here are the GPS track coordinates of the Three Lakes Trail, in standard gpx format: Right-click here and select “Save As”.
If your browser saves the file as xml, add “.gpx” to the end of the filename.
Low Gap Trail
Leaf and moss along the Low Gap Trail.
The Low Gap Trail is also a 10-mile loop which begins and ends at the Morgan-Monroe State Forest Headquarters (directions below). As with the Three Lakes Trail, this also has some long, high hills in between some relatively flat stretches. Portions of this trail can also be used to hike shorter 3-mile loops, such as the Rock Shelter Loop and the Mason Ridge Loop. Overnight backcountry camping is allowed along the eastern-most portion of the loop.
Here are the GPS track coordinates of the Low Gap Trail, in standard gpx format: Right-click here and select “Save As”.
If your browser saves the file as xml, add “.gpx” to the end of the filename.
If you would like to make a shorter route, the three-mile Rock Shelter Trail loop is highly recommended. This short but rugged route walks along high ridges with distant views, and also meanders through very low areas, running beside and through small streams.
Here is the DNR’s map of the Low Gap Trail, Rock Shelter Trail, and Mason Ridge Trail: Low Gap Trails Map.
Here is a topo map of the Low Gap Trail by Steve Rice: Low Gap Map-Rice.
Here are the GPS track coordinates of the Rock Shelter Trail, in standard gpx format: Right-click here and select “Save As”.
Mason Ridge Trail
The Mason Ridge Trail runs north-south along Mason Ridge, which the Main Forest Road also uses to access the forest headquarters. The trail is about 1.5 miles long, and can be combined with a portion of the Low Gap Trail to make a nice 3.7 mile loop. Most of this route offers nice views down the valley, with occasional glimpses of the creek that runs below.
Here are the GPS track coordinates of the Mason Ridge Trail and the Low Gap Trail section which make the loop trail. It is in standard gpx format: Right-click here and select “Save As”.
If your browser saves the file as xml, add “.gpx” to the end of the filename.
Scout Ridge Nature Preserve Trails
The Scout Ridge Nature Preserve is located very near the forest headquarters (directions below). It has three trails under a mile each. One of these, the Tree Identification Trail, begins at the headquarters parking lot. This 2/3-mile trail is very popular with visitors, providing a wide, gentle path and a great opportunity to learn to identify native trees typical in southern Indiana. Here is an electronic version of the Morgan_Monroe_Tree_Identification_Trail_Brochure, which is needed to determine the tree species.
Directions to Morgan-Monroe State Forest Headquarters
The recommended route to the forest office in Morgan-Monroe State Forest is to take the Liberty Church Road exit (Exit 134) from I-69 (formerly State Road 37) located just south of Martinsville. If you are driving from the north on SR37/I-69, Liberty Church Road is 28.2 miles from I‑465 in Indianapolis. If coming from the south on I-69, Liberty Church Road is 18.2 miles from State Road 46 in Bloomington.
- Take the Liberty Church Road exit from I-69 (Exit 134), and turn east onto Liberty Church Road.
- Travel approximately 0.1 miles on Liberty Church Road, and turn right onto Old Hwy 37 (first road on your right).
- Travel 4.1 miles on Old Hwy 37, and turn left onto Forest Road at the entrance to Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
- Travel 4.5 miles on Forest Road to the forest headquarters.
- The driving time from I-69 to the forest office by this route is approximately 20 minutes.