Harrison–Crawford State Forest 3.24

Harrison–Crawford State Forest is a large tract of protected forests in the far southern portion of the U.S. state of Indiana, straddling the border between Harrison and Crawford counties.HistoryHarrison–Crawford State Forest was established in 1932 when the state purchased a few hundred acres of badly eroded farmland from cash-strapped landowners during the depression. The total acreage has been expanded over the years to now include in western Harrison County as well as parts of Crawford County and a little in Orange County. The state forest surrounds O'Bannon Woods State Park (created in 2005) and the Wyandotte Caves.GeographyThe forest has large public-access areas including C-class camping sites. There are 25mi of hiking trails ranging from beginner to advanced trails. In the state forest and O'Bannon Woods State Park combined, there are about 80mi of looped horse trails that run through two properties. There is fishing in the scenic Blue River, and limited picnicking at Stage Stop campground. The state forest also permits hunting to anyone with a hunting license. The forest is rich in wild game including white tail deer, wild turkey, and squirrel. Protected and threatened species such as the Eastern hellbender, cerulean warbler, woodrat, spadefoot toad, bobcat, and bald eagle are found here as well.