Indiana, Crawford County, Hoosier National Forest
river mile 681
As the research team drove along Dexter Magnet Road, we wondered if we were on a legitimate road at all. Often in our research travels a paved way becomes a gravel way, then a mud way, then vanishes in a field or forest. Time to turn around. But then we noticed the particles of grass strewn along the road: sure evidence of a mower, and, on this deeply wooded bluff, of being in a state park or national forest: Hoosier National Forest, in this instance. A narrow track — sometime paved, often gravel, leads off into the depths of the forest. At the end — surely! A campground! The incisions into the fabric of the forest, the asphalt pads, the picnic tables. Yes, a campground, for sure. Primitive camping, but furnished with a working porta-potty. Bicyclists would treasure the quiet ride through the forest to get here.
Kayak campers would have more difficulty. The trail is only .8 mile long, but it goes down the steep bluff probably 150 feet. Then back up.
No buzzards — black vultures or turkey vultures — were in evidence here, but it certainly is a high place. From the bench one can look out what seems miles to the corn and soybean fields on the plain on the other side of the river. It is hard to believe that a place as remote and isolated — and as quiet and beautiful — as this is only — as the crow, or the buzzard, flies — 40 miles from Louisville.
Next park Magnet Riverside Park
Field research September 2015
Ohio River Parks Project 