Hiking Project Logo

A challenging backcountry hike featuring scenic views of Indian Creek and the Ohio River.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

22.9

Miles

36.9

KM

Loop

861' 263 m

High

409' 125 m

Low

3,374' 1,029 m

Up

3,370' 1,027 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

Users are encouraged to wear "Hunter's Orange" or other bright colored clothing during hunting season.

Description

The trail is rough, rugged, and rutted in places, with a number of steep climbs and descents. Fallen trees, logs, and loose rock may be encountered at any time, as the trail receives minimal maintenance.

The trail is marked with white and green markers. Some markers can be difficult to locate, especially in places where trees have fallen.

Beginning in the campground, near the entrance to the Horseman's Camp loop, follow the gravel access trail a short distance down to the Adventure Hiking Trail intersection on the right.

The trail descends approximately one mile toward the Blue River, crossing the Breeden Ridge Trail, before dropping into the river valley and crossing the old Iron Bridge Road. (The trail runs through the bottom lands near the Blue River, and the area can be wet or closed during high water events.)

Following the edge of the Blue River for a mile or so, the trail climbs back up the ridges and crosses the Fire Tower Trail in two locations before descending again toward Fox Hollow, eventually climbing back up the hills for a view of the Blue River, near the trail intersection at Rendezvous Point. Just across the river is the old Stagecoach Campground.

The trail continues across a series of ridges and valleys for about 3 miles and after another descent, the trail climbs once again as it nears IN-462, and crosses that road a short distance from the O'Bannon Woods State Park entrance.

After crossing IN-462, the trail winds through a swampy area, and then once again descends through a rocky segment following a dry creek bed, before climbing again. The trail continues to twist and wind, with a number of shorter climbs and descents before a long climb to the Old Forest Road crossing. It's about 2 miles from crossing to crossing.

From Old Forest Road, the trail drops and climbs again, and joins a horse trail for a short segment along a ridge line. The trail breaks off and continues to wind through the woods before reaching the steep limestone bluffs that overlook Indian Creek far below. The trail follows along the edge of the bluff closely, before reaching the Indian Creek Shelter a short distance later.

From the Indian Creek Shelter, the trail descends and climbs a number of times, through rocky creek beds and up short hills, approximately 3.5 miles before reaching the Old Homestead Shelter.

Another series of short climbs is followed by long descent to the Cold Friday Road crossing, about 1.5 miles from the Old Homestead Shelter. The Cold Friday Road crossing is an excellent place to cache supplies, or leave a vehicle in case of an emergency.

From Cold Friday Road, the trail climbs up a steep rocky hillside, and makes a steep descent into a dry creek bed, before climbing steeply once again up a sharp switchback step. Following along the edge of another ridge, the trail descends and climbs once more, before reaching a long, scenic section that runs along the edge of the bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. The trail joins a horse trail for a short distance before reaching the Ohio River Overlook Shelter. It's about 2.8 miles from Cold Friday to the shelter.

From the Overlook Shelter, the trail makes a twisty mile-long descent toward Potato Run Creek and follows along a steep bank overlooking the creek. The trail crosses Potato Run Creek near the Pioneer Shelter and crosses the paved park road, climbing up a steep bank on the opposite side over a series of water bars.

The trail continues to climb the ridge and twists and winds through a series of short descents and climbs before eventually crossing the Breeden Ridge Trail. After crossing Breeden Ridge, the campground is a short distance away, with the trail joining the gravel access trail the hike began on.

Contacts

Land Manager: Indiana State Parks

Shared By:

Pete Kemppainen

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 15 votes

#2074

Overall
  4.3 from 15 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#21

in Indiana

#2,074

Overall
27 Views Last Month
4,464 Since Oct 2, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
23%
15%
54%
8%

Photos

The Old Iron Bridge.
Nov 21, 2018 near Corydon, IN
Crossing Potato Run Creek on the Adventure Hiking Trail. The creek is pretty much always dry somehow. This crossing occurs after you drop in from the old forest road.
Oct 2, 2017 near Corydon, IN
Hiking with my son — best hiking buddy ever. Final day on AHT. No water anywhere! Glad we packed and stashed all we needed.
Mar 28, 2021 near Corydon, IN
One of the shelters along the Adventure Trail for overnight stays if you wish.
Oct 2, 2017 near Corydon, IN
A beautiful clearing on the Adventure Hiking Trail, before the last descent to Cold Friday Road.
Oct 2, 2017 near Corydon, IN
Adventure Hiking Trail, Indiana. Morning cup of joe.
Mar 28, 2021 near Corydon, IN
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.