Reviewed by: Jeff Frownfelter ,  Weekend Warrior

Favorite Trail:
Trail 18

Summary:
Hickory Ridge Trails are ruled by horses but they can definately be enjoyed by Cyclists. The horses should not hold you back! There are so many miles of trails here that you can ride all day. Better yet, camp almost anywhere you please according to National Forest rules and ride two days. You will not get bored of this area since there are so many trails and options. Trails are well marked. I have ridden here many years and have always enjoyed the area. Trails are challenging and there is something for everyone and every skill, though the beginner may be overwhelmed if they are not determined. Don't rule out riding in the winter when the ground is dry because most all horses will be gone. The middle of summer can be brutal humid and the largest water pack may not be enough. Slowly but surely maintenance is placing small crushed gravel on the trails, especially the worst areas near horse camps, which helps with the harsh horse damage in some areas. Overall, this is the best Indiana has to offer. I agree with another reviewer to bring a buddy if you really like to let loose because you can get way out there. If need be you can hobble to a gravel road and limp back to the car!

Strengths:
Pay your $25 dollar yearly user fee to support maintenance and enjoy guilt free riding any day of the year all year. There is no better deal!

Weaknesses:
It can get very muddy and the mud really sticks, possibly gumming up your brakes for us old non disc types. Avoid after heavy long rains. You will run into hunters from October through January. Hunters are usually out in early morning and late evening so most of the day is free from them if you are at all worried.

Reviewed by: Thomas , from Indy

Summary:
I went to this trail in the early spring last year. First advice is, leave early in the morning if coming from Indy. It's a long winding road to get there and on some of the roads I thought I was in Appalachia Also, take a couple buddys with you. I went alone and to be honest this place is so remote that you would be in a world of #$#@! if you got hurt. Don't take this trail if you're not in decent shape. The hills are steep and challenging. You can ride all day without running out of new trails.

Recommended Route:
See previous review

Reviewed by: Cam , from INDY

Summary:
This was my second time to Hickory Ridge. I picked up trail passes from a store right off 446 across the street from the road that leads to IN Nat Forset Hardin Ridge recreation area. I had stopped at 2 different National Forest posts before to ask if I could buy passes there and they had no idea what I was talking about. Bought the passes from the store and the lady said I would need them cause there would be rangers out there on horses checking for trail apsses. This was my second time out there and once again I didn't need them. The trail is great except for the horse shit and damage done by them. For those people worried about mt bikers on trails I think they should take a look at horses. It would take about 20 riders going over the exact same piece of trail to even come close to the damage done by one horse. Besides the shit and the horses this is a great ride. I noticed this time they had done some work to trail 1 (alot of gravel added to the mud boggs) and overall gravel all over the place on trail 1. The main trail 18 remained the same as did all the others. They need to chop down the fallen tress on trail 3

Recommended Route:
Follow Mt Bike IN route. Haven't tried others but Im sure they are great

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Wapehani, Nebo Ridge, Valley branch Retreat

Reviewed by: David , from Neely

Summary:
This is a beautiful and well maintained trail system (except for damage done by horses) This was one of the best ride i have ever been on. great variety of terrain and scenery. Only explored about 13 miles of trails and would love to go back. The ride is not overly techinical but there are some challenging sections that would give a novice trouble. Beatiful rdie! Make sure you have a map or follow trail markers.

Recommended Route:
Followed the Mountain Bike Indiana suggested route.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
NEBO RIDGE. I have heard you can connect these trails. that would be great! I prefer Hicory for the variety of terrain/scenery/views/ and its not an out and back. You can see something new everywhere

Reviewed by: Phillip Trausers , from Indy

Summary:
This is the best trail system in Indiana. The problem with them is the horese ridin' folk don't stay off the trails after a rain. This only effects about 2% of the trail area (lowlands). Once you climb out of the low areas you are rewarded with the nicest singletrack trails with long challenging climbs and the best downhills in the state.

Recommended Route:
From Nebo/Story Trailhead take 8 mile nebo trail to end then R on road about .75 mi to bridge on left cross bridge then R on gravel road for another .75 mi look for trail # 20 on left there is a permanent map/sign there. Go explore

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Ottercreek (KY), Pinkney (MI), Nosedive (WV), National (AZ), oh and try the Nebo spur trails, good stuff - only when dry