For a detailed list, please visit the DNR’s Monroe Lake 60th Anniversary webpage at https://events.in.gov/event/60th-anniversary-events-monroe-lake or follow facebook.com/monroelake for weekly updates.

Hoosier National Forest Photo Contest

Contest Information:

The Hoosier National Forest is excited to announce a photo contest open to the general public! Come visit the Hoosier National Forest and capture spectacular views, special moments and hidden gems.

In this year’s contest there are four categories in which to enter your photos. This means there will be a total of four winners! At the end of the submission period, there will be a final vote to determine our grand winner!

Contest Dates

Our photo contest starts immediately, and all photos must be submitted by Friday, November 29, 2024.

Contest Rules

We will select one photo to be featured on our website and social media channels from each of the following four categories: wildlife/nature, scenic/landscape, recreation, and solar eclipse photos. The only rule is that the photo must be taken on the Hoosier National Forest.

Please include with your photo:

• Your name
• Date the photo was taken
• Location of the photo
• Category for your photo
• Whether you would like to be contacted via email or phone if you are a category winner (along with contact information)

Any photos the include persons under the age of 18 are required to have an accompanying USDA Minor Photo Release form. 

Winning photos will be shared on our website and social media with photographer credit and used to promote awareness and appreciation of the forest. 

How to Send in Your Photos

Email:

Send photos to Public Affairs Specialist quentin.melson@usda.gov. File format is flexible, but we ask that you send your photos in as high resolution as possible.



Mail:

Send to:

Hoosier National Forest, Attention: Quentin Melson

811 Constitution Ave.

Bedford, IN 47421.

For questions call 812-276-4753

Contest Disclaimers:

• Photographers agree to share all copyrights for pictures submitted to Photograph Your Forest contests with the Hoosier National Forest, giving the USDA Forest Service shared ownership and rights to reproduce it.

• The photographer does retain a non-exclusive use license and may make use of their photos for personal and professional promotion.

HNF Recreation Spotlight

Pate Hollow Trail

The Hoosier National Forest Pate Hollow Trail is a 7.7 mile hike-only trail that is a nice hike through mixed hardwoods with views of Lake Monroe.

An old road serves as an inner connector for those desiring a shorter hike.

This trail is a joint effort between the Hoosier National Forest and the Indiana DNR.

The parking lot trailhead is administered by the DNR and offers access not only to the Hoosier National Forest Pate Hollow Trail, but also to the DNR White Tail Trail.

The White Tail Trail intersects just a few feet into the trail and takes off to your left.

Have fun on both trails but please be aware that different rules apply for each agency.

For more information, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hoosier/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=41584&actid=51

For more Hoosier National Forest Pate Hollow Trail pictures got to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hoosiernf/albums/72177720320365837/

Save the Date!

Recreation Operations

Birdseye Trail - Due to forest management activities involving heavy equipment, a short section of the Birdseye Trail north of Governor’s Trace Rd. and east of Riceville Rd. will be temporarily closed to the public for safety until further notice.

Charles C. Deam Wilderness - Due to recent storm damage, the Peninsula Trail has been temporarily closed until further notice.

In addition, Campsites 12 and 21 are also closed.

The area surrounding the Peninsula Trail contains fallen trees, branches and other storm damage, so visitors are encouraged to avoid the area.

Visitors are also encouraged to stay on established trails and not make detours or cut throughs so as not to worsen the trail conditions.

Visitors should be aware the Peninsula Trail is expected to be closed into the fall or later. Additional personnel and equipment will likely be needed to clear all the trees following wilderness management guidelines.

German Ridge Recreation Area - Alcohol ban in effect.

Hickory Ridge Fire Tower - Parking is limited. Have a plan to visit another site or trail if this site is full. We recommend planning your visit during non-peak times such as mornings, and weekdays.

Hickory Ridge Trail - Trail 16 is closed from the junction of trail 17 on the west to junction with trail 17 on the east.

Hays Trail - Repaired and open.

Pate Hollow Trail - Pate Hollow Trail has been cleared and is open to the public.

Rainbow Lake Recreation Area - Alcohol ban in effect.

As a reminder, no discounts are provided for day-use fees. On the Hoosier National Forest, Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders may obtain a 50% discount on base camping at Hardin Ridge, Tipsaw, Celina, and German Ridge.

Discounts available for Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders are for camping fees only. This discount does not apply to any other fee such as trail tags, cabin rentals, shelter rentals, group campsites, firewood, reservation fees, or electric or water surcharge for campsites.



Passes may entitle the holder to free or half price at other locations nationwide. Benefits vary based on location, type of area, and land management agency. Pass holders should contact their destination ahead of time to determine benefits.

Hoosier National Forest OFFICE HOURS

Enjoy Outdoors!

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