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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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USA Parks
Indiana
Southern Region
Martin State Forest
Martin State Forest © Dorothy Weatherly
Martin State Forest © Richard Becraft
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MARTIN STATE FOREST
MARTIN STATE FOREST
Martin State Forest offers a variety of educational opportunities through its woodland management trailand arboretum. The forest features rugged hills, deep woods and long hiking trails.
History of the Area
The Martin State Forest, located in Indiana, has an interesting history that dates back to the early 1900s. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Early Days: The Martin State Forest was established in 1905, making it one of the oldest state forests in Indiana. At the time, the forest covered about 4,880 acres.

2. Logging Era: During the early 1900s, the primary purpose of the Martin State Forest was timber production. Logging activities were common, and the forest was crucial for supplying wood to support the growing demands of industrialization.

3. Conservation Efforts: In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program, played a significant role in the development and conservation of the Martin State Forest. CCC workers were responsible for building many of the infrastructure and recreational facilities present in the forest today.

4. Expansions and Acquisitions: Over the years, the Martin State Forest has seen various expansions and acquisitions. In the 1950s, additional land was acquired, increasing the total forest area to around 7,840 acres. The forest boundaries were expanded further in subsequent years.

5. Multiple Uses: While timber production was initially the main focus, the Martin State Forest is now managed for multiple uses. Today, it serves as a recreation area, wildlife habitat, educational site, and is also involved in research and conservation efforts.

6. Forest Management Practices: The Martin State Forest follows sustainable forest management practices. These include selective timber harvesting, reforestation efforts, and habitat management to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the forest ecosystem.

7. Recreation and Education: The forest provides various recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking, picnicking, hunting, fishing, and camping. It also serves as an educational space, hosting workshops, nature programs, and forest-related training events.

Throughout its history, the Martin State Forest has evolved from primarily being a timber production area to a well-managed forest that balances conservation, recreation, and education.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #4
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles7
CampingPrimitive, #26
Camping
Primitive(class C) camping is available for a fee. There are 26 designated campsites located within theforest. Pit toilets and drinking water are available near sites. A self check-in station is located in thecampground. We do not accept reservations, camping is available on a first come, first served basis.
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Picnicking
Several picnic areas including 4 picnic shelters are available for day use. Picnic areas, with picnic tablesand grills, are located throughout the forest.
Trails
Hiking TrailsTank Spring Trail - 3 milesModerately rugged. The trailhead is located approximately three miles from the Martin State Forest office.

Go straight out of the forest entrance to State Road 650 and follow the signs to the trailhead. Hikers areadvised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.

Woodland Education Trail - 1.25 milesEasy. Self-guided trail - follow yellow arrows on the posts. Information signs are located throughout thetrail to point out interesting facets of the woodland environment. This trail serves as a sampler of the varietyof activities found within the state forest system. Hiking this trail allows you to better understand thephilosophy of multiple-use management on Indiana's state forests.

Arboretum Trail - .25 mile Easy. This informal arboretum (a place for the study and exhibition of trees) was established in an existing wooded area. Species are being added to those which were already present; the collection currently contains about 60 different species identified by signs along the trail. The most common species, such as oaks and hickories, are represented within the arboretum by several specimens. Eventually the collection will contain between 80 and 100 different species. The goal of the Martin State Forest Hoosier Woodland Arboretum is to offer a representation of the common woodland trees if Indiana.

Mountain Bike TrailsMartin State Forest offers 7 miles of mountain bike trails. Mountain bikes are only permitted on thosedesignated trails.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 3 Quiet in all its wonderful glory
park review stars; one to five We had a great time at this park, I grew up having Family Reunions here and have since started taking my kids and its so shady and cool even on the hot days. Love the quietness and everyone that camps here always seems so friendly and willing to lend a hand.
June 19 great camping by sykes family
park review stars; one to five our family loves this park,it is great for camping,just a beautiful park!!
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Directions
1. Start by heading east on Interstate 70.
2. Take exit 112 for IN:9 toward Greenfield/Maxwell/Fortville.
3. Turn left onto N County Road 600 W/S Carthage Pike (signs for Fortville).
4. Continue straight onto S Meridian St/N County Road 500 W and drive for about a mile.
5. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on S Meridian St/N County Road 500 W.
6. After approximately two miles, turn right onto E Broadway St/E Main Street/McKenzie Rd (signs for McCordsville).
7. Continue driving until you reach Carroll Rd then make a slight left turn at this intersection.
8. Follow Carroll road northbound till you see signs indicating entrance into Martin state forest.

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Indiana
421

Indiana State Parks

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