Yellowwood State Forest was created in 1940 when federal land was leased to the state of Indiana. The land was deeded to the state in 1956. Prior to that time, the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Project Administration completed three lakes, a shelter house, and a residence, all still in use.
More than 2,000 abandoned and eroded acres were planted to pine (red, jack, shortleaf, white, and scotch), black locust, black walnut, white, and red oak. Red and white pines are the true northern pines and are still in good condition. The other pines are succumbing to insects, disease, and extremely cold winters.
Yellowwood Lake was completed in 1939. The 133-acre lake is about 30 feet deep.
Yellowwood State Forest lies on the edge of glaciation; unglaciated topography consists of narrow ridges, steep slopes, and numerous drainages.Yellowwood State Forest is just under 24,000 acres; it adjoins Morgan-Monroe State Forest to the west and Brown County State Park to the Southeast. It features a 133 acre lake with excellent fishing, kayakying, and is surrounded by challenging hiking experiences. Row boat and kayak rentals are available seasonally. The property has 74 primitive campsites with an additional 11 primitive horse campsites. Yellowwood State Forest has ~22 miles of horse trails, ~18 miles of off road cycling trails, ~12 miles of hiking trails, and hosts a significant portion of the 40 mile long Tecumseh Trail. Property users looking for a more rugged outdoor experiance will enjoy the backcountry area, where backcountry camping is permitted.Yellowwood State Forest has 3 lakes (with boat ramps), one rental cabin, one shelter, one playground, 74 primiteive campsites, and 11 primtive horse campsites.Yellowwood State Forest is close to City of Bloomington, Indiana University, Brown County State Park, Town of Nashville, T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Monroe Lake, and Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Contact the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.browncounty.com or 1-800-753-3255 for more information.