Discover the Serene Beauty of Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil trails of Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Indiana's largest wilderness area, perfect for hiking and camping enthusiasts.
Nestled in the heart of Indiana, Charles C. Deam Wilderness is a nature lover's paradise. With its vast hiking trails, serene landscapes, and abundant wildlife, this destination offers an escape into the tranquility of the great outdoors. A perfect spot for hiking, camping, and reconnecting with nature, it attracts tourists seeking adventure and peace alike.
A brief summary to Charles C. Deam Wilderness
- Bloomington, Indiana, 47401, US
- +1812-275-5987
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited facilities within the wilderness.
- Plan your visit during weekdays to enjoy a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots; some trails can be rugged and uneven.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure safe hiking conditions.
- Consider visiting in the fall to experience stunning foliage and cooler temperatures.
Getting There
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Car
If you're starting from downtown Bloomington, head east on E 3rd St toward S Walnut St. Continue straight onto IN-45 N. After about 5 miles, turn right onto IN-46 E. Follow IN-46 E for about 10 miles, then turn left onto Forest Road 90 (also known as Deam Lake Road). Follow this road until you reach the entrance of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, which will be on your left. Be prepared for unpaved roads in some sections.
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Public Transportation + Car
Take a bus from Bloomington to Nashville, IN using the public transit service. Once you arrive in Nashville, you will need to rent a car or arrange for a taxi to take you the remaining distance to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. The drive from Nashville will take approximately 20-30 minutes. You will head north on IN-135 N, then turn right onto IN-46 E and follow the directions provided for car travel.
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Car (from Indianapolis)
If you're coming from Indianapolis, take I-65 S for about 35 miles, then take exit 68 to merge onto IN-46 W toward Bloomington. Continue on IN-46 W for about 30 miles until you reach the junction with IN-45 N. Turn right onto IN-45 N, and after about 5 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 90 (Deam Lake Road). Follow this road until you reach the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
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Bicycle
For the more adventurous, consider biking from Bloomington. Take the Bloomington Rail Trail, which connects to various trails leading to the wilderness area. This route is approximately 12 miles and offers scenic views of the landscape. Be sure to check trail conditions and bring water and snacks.
Discover more about Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fairfax State Recreation Area
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Brown County Bridge No. 36
16.7 km
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Yellowwood Campground
17.1 km
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Brown County State Park Office
18.6 km
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Bloomington Restorations Inc Hinkle-Garton Farmstead
19.3 km
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Millen House
19.5 km
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Mckinney Fountain
19.9 km
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The Lilly Library
20.2 km
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Showalter Fountain
20.3 km
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IUB Red Clock
20.3 km
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Beck Chapel
20.3 km
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Biddle Hotel & Conference Center
20.4 km
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Rose Well House
20.4 km
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Dunn's Woods
20.4 km
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Herman B Wells Statue
20.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower
2.9 km
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Crooked Creek State Recreation Area
6.6 km
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Paynetown State Recreation Area
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North Fork State Wildlife Refuge
8.9 km
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T.C. Steele State Historic Site
10.4 km
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The Sock Barn
12.7 km
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Stillwater Marsh Water Fowl Resting Area
13.0 km
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Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
14.8 km
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Brown County State Park Taylor Ridge
15.7 km
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Yellowwood State Forest Camp Sites
15.8 km
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Maine's Pond, Hoosier National Forest
16.1 km
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Brown County State Park Raccoon Ridge Campground
16.3 km
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Yellowwood State Forest
16.3 km
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Jackson Creek Trail
16.3 km
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Ten O'clock Line Nature Preserve
16.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Scenic View Restaurant
10.1 km
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Cabin Restaurant & Lounge
10.9 km
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Story Inn
13.9 km
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C3 Bar
17.6 km
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Truffles Fine Cuisine & 56 Degrees Bar
17.8 km
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Trails End Roadhouse & StoneHead Pizza Co.
18.2 km
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BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
18.5 km
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Asuka Steak House
18.7 km
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Feta Kitchen and Cafe
19.4 km
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Hive
19.4 km
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Restaurant Ami
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The Elm Restaurant
20.2 km
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Feast Market & Cellar
20.4 km
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Southern Stone
20.4 km
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The Tudor Room
20.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ALIBI - Bloomington
17.6 km
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Plato's Closet Bloomington
17.8 km
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College Mall
18.3 km
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Southern Style Boutique
18.3 km
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Build-A-Bear Workshop
18.3 km
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The Game Preserve
18.5 km
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The Indiana Shop - 3rd Street (Formerly TIS)
19.8 km
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ArtShop at Eskenazi School of Art
20.3 km
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Handmade In Brown County
20.5 km
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Urban Outfitters
20.6 km
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The Chocolate Moose
20.6 km
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Greetings
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Bone Appetit Bakery
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The Indiana Shop - Kirkwood Ave
20.8 km
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Pitaya
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Office Lounge & Liquor Store
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The Sinkhole Craft Beer Bar
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Sycamore Saloon
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Kilroy's on Kirkwood
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The Upstairs Pub
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Sugar Creek Barbeque Co
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Casa Del Sol
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The Henhouse Bar at The Bird's Nest Cafe
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Cedar Creek Wine Tasting
20.9 km
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The Seasons Lodge
20.9 km
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The Bishop Bar
21.0 km
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Root Cellar
21.0 km
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Blockhouse Bar
21.0 km
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Brown County Winery - Nashville Tasting Room
21.0 km
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Atlas Ballroom
21.0 km
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