Explore Hoosier National Forest This Winter: Trails, Tips for Perry County

Winter on the Hoosier National Forest brings sandstone canyons, small waterfalls and quiet trails to within a short drive of Tell City, Cannelton and Troy, making it a practical option for Perry County residents looking for low-cost outdoor activity. Sections such as Hemlock Cliffs and Lick Creek remain viable for experienced day-hikers through the colder months, while the Celina and Indian Lake recreation areas and the Two Lakes Loop and Celina Interpretive Trail offer shorter, more sheltered routes suited to winter conditions.

The most immediate impact is local access. Residents can trade longer trips and higher-cost recreation for nearby forest outings that require only basic gear and a day-trip schedule. That reduces household travel expense sensitivity during tighter winter budgets and supports modest off-season spending at area businesses - small outfitters, convenience stores and local restaurants may see steadier weekday traffic when residents and visitors plan afternoon hikes or post-hike meals in Perry County towns.

Trail conditions in winter demand extra planning. Shorter daylight means hike durations should be conservative; bring extra food, water and layered clothing, and be prepared for colder conditions on exposed ridgelines and near waterfalls where spray can freeze. Ice can make sandstone ledges slick, so traction devices and trekking poles are prudent for many routes. Many of the park’s geological highlights - narrow canyons cut in sandstone and small cascades - remain visible and photogenic in winter, but they also create microclimates where temperatures fall and footing worsens.

Historic sites scattered through the forest add cultural interest to winter outings. While some remote backcountry sections are best left for warmer months, the marked loops and interpretive trail at Celina are frequently accessible to experienced day-hikers and provide a reliable experience for families seeking nature close to home. Sticking to established routes reduces risk and concentrates visitor impact on maintained corridors, an important consideration for local land managers balancing limited budgets and year-round maintenance needs.

Before heading out, confirm current conditions and any temporary closures by contacting the Tell City Ranger District for visitor questions and trail information. Prepared planning protects both hikers and forest resources and helps sustain access for the broader Perry County community.

For Perry County readers this means a realistic, low-cost way to stay active and support local commerce through winter. With sensible precautions and local knowledge, Hoosier National Forest offers dependable outdoor options that keep residents connected to the county’s natural and historical landscape until spring.