Patoka Lake Trails are located at Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area, which is owned and managed by the Indiana State DNR. Since I have been fixated on making a guidebook for the Hoosier National Forest, I hadn’t visited the Patoka Lake Trails in 10 years at least. Upon my return visit, I was surprised to find that much of the trail system has been decommissioned. However, the remaining trails have been improved immensely, which isn’t a bad trade. The park has clearly done a lot of work improving the grounds, so I was equally surprised to find them distributing old trail maps that are in dire need of an update.
With that said, I’ve decided to make my own map of Patoka Lake Trails. This map includes the current trail system laid over LiDar Hillshade topography, which makes it possible to the see the locations of rock outcrops, streams, and old roads. I’ve also included the decommissioned trails for historical reference. Note: the DNR website asks visitors to “please stay on marked trails”. Feel free to download, print, or share the map wherever you like.
