Deam Lake State Recreation Area
Natural Areas: Deam Lake State Recreation Area
Morning Mists at Deam Lake. Click to enlarge
Few visitors venture far from the reservoir, but hikers know this place as the southern terminus of the roughly 45-mile Knobstone Trail (I highly recommend it). The best hike lying within the boundaries of the property is the Lake Vista Trail, which begins about a hundred yards shy of the campground entrance, on the north side of the road. The trail is reminiscent of the Knobstone; mixed woods with lots of undergrowth. As it approaches the knob, the path climbs steadily along pseudo-switchbacks before arriving at a prominent outcrop. There are good views from here, though obscured somewhat when the leaves are out. The initial descent is ridiculously steep but soon levels out and follows a ridgeline back toward the trail’s origin.
Directions
Clark County. From the intersection of IN 60 and IN 111, west 3.6 miles on IN 60 to Deam Lake Road, then north 1.1 miles to the entrance. (Fee)
GPS: N 38 27.699 W 85 51.924
Facilities
Campground, nature center, more.
Finder Sketch
Click to enlarge
Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
White Oak Nature Preserve (12.7)
Falls of the Ohio State Park (16.6)
Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve (17.9)