Hoosier National Forest Closes Bedford, Tell City Offices Amid Hazardous Winter Storm

Because hazardous conditions from a winter storm made travel dangerous, the U.S. Forest Service closed Hoosier National Forest offices in Bedford and Tell City on January 26, 2026. The closure was posted by Hoosier National Forest and cited staff and visitor safety as the primary concern, and it affected in-person access for residents who rely on the offices for permits and other services.

The Forest Service advised that remote services remain available online, with passes, maps and information accessible through the agency’s web resources. The closure notice also provided contact information for urgent needs and directed users to the Forest Service alerts page for the latest updates. For Perry County residents planning visits to Hoosier National Forest land or needing assistance, the alerts page is the official source for changes to office hours and service status.

Local impacts were immediate for those who had planned last-minute trips or needed face-to-face help. In-person permit transactions, map pick-ups and informational visits were suspended at the Bedford office and the Tell City office while hazardous travel conditions persisted. The closure also affects people who depend on the Forest Service for guidance about trail conditions and public land access in southern Indiana river communities around Tell City.

Forest Service staff emphasized safety of employees and visitors in the closure decision, recognizing that treacherous roads and winter weather can make routine travel risky. The closure is an example of operational decisions local agencies make when storms threaten travel and emergency response capabilities. Perry County residents who commute on winter-affected routes or who head to forest trailheads should plan for delays and seek digital alternatives.

Remote availability of passes, maps and information means many routine transactions can still be completed without a trip to an office. Residents should check the Forest Service alerts page before traveling to any Hoosier National Forest site and use online resources to secure permits and plan outings. For urgent matters, the closure notice indicated contact pathways remain open; the alerts page contains those details.

The closure on January 26 was a precautionary safety measure that underscores how quickly winter storms can disrupt local services. Going forward, residents should monitor the Forest Service alerts page for reopening notices and adjusted operations, and consider online options for permits and maps until offices resume normal hours.