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| Jackson-Washington State Forest |
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| Exploring Indiana's Historic Sites, Markers & Museums South Central Edition |
Jackson-Washington State Forest comprises 18,000 acres in the beautiful "knobs" area of central-southern Indiana. The knobs, or as geologists call it, the Knobstone Escarpment, includes some of Indiana's most rugged terrain. It stretches from Brown County State Park in the north to the Ohio River in the south. Elevations range from 360 feet near the mouth of the Wabash River to Weed Patch Hill, which has an elevation of 1,056 feet above sea level. This hill is in Brown County State Park and is the third highest area in Indiana.
Multi-Use Facility
Jackson is a multi-use property. Hunting, fishing and trapping is permitted. The State of Indiana conducts periodic timber sales in the State Forests. The monies obtained by the sale of licenses, fees and timber go into the Heritage Trust fund that the State uses to procure more property. The State began acquiring the land that now encompasses Jackson-Washington in the 1930's. The other activities offered at Jackson-Washington are camping, hiking, boating, fishing and horse trails.
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| Jackson Washington State Forest - Skyline Drive |
Skyline Drive in Jackson-Washington State Forest is about two miles south of Brownstown, Indiana on Indiana State Road 250. Turn right off the State Road on Skyline Drive. At the top of a steep grade, visitors will find the first of five overlooks. The drive is about three miles long before Stare Holler Road branches off to the left on its way to another Department of Natural Resources facility called Starve Hollow Lake. The knobs tower over the surrounding area providing some spectacular vistas. Skyline Drive and the area around it boast some fabulous vistas that afford some magnificent fodder for an autumn foliage drive.
Camping
The campground at Jackson-Washington is on the east side of Indiana State Road 250. It is a few miles south of Brownstown, Indiana. It is a (Class C) campground, meaning it is primitive. There are pit toilets, no electricity, hot water or showers. The campground charges a nominal fee, paid at the park office. There are some waterfront sites on Knob Lake, but most are located in the bordering fragrant pine forest. Campers may purchase firewood at the park office during normal business hours. There is also a youth campground for youth groups to use.
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| Jackson State Forest - handicap Accessible Fishing |
There are five lakes at Jackson-Washington for anglers to try their luck. The facility allows boats with electric trolling motors only on Spurgeon Hollow Lake and Knob Lake. Anglers will need an Indiana State Fishing License. Spurgeon Hollow Lake has wheelchair accessible fishing docks.
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| Jackson Washington State Forest - Pinnacle Peak Trail |
Many of the trails at Jackson Washington State Forest are challenging trails, as the knobs terrain has steep hills. The eleven trails range from one mile to eight miles. The Backcountry Trail is the longest at eight miles and is located near Starve Hollow Lake in the Forest. Hikers will find the other trails in the main area south of Brownstown on Indiana State Road 250 on the left side of the highway just past the turnoff for Skyline Drive. This area is where the camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing take place.
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| Jackson Washington State Forest - Backcountry Trail |
Hunting
Jackson-Washington provides hunting for white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, eastern wild turkey, rabbit, quail, dove, squirrel, fox, coyote, and raccoon in designated areas. An Indiana State Hunting license is required.
Horse Trails
Jackson-Washington State Forest has about fourteen miles of trails. The parking area for the horse trails is a few miles further south on SR 250, past its intersection with Indiana State Road 39.
Picnicking
There are also several great places to picnic in the Forest. The Forest has five total shelters available for rental (Skyline Drive, White Oak, and Pinnacle). There are two oven shelters (Skyline and CCC playground). Picnickers will find ten total picnic areas scattered around the Forest.
Jackson-Washington State Forest
1278 East State Road 250
Brownstown, IN 47220
(812) 358-2160
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