Loading

Detailed Topographic Trail Maps: Promoting Recreational Opportunities along Indiana's Knobstone Escarpment INDIANA UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR RURAL ENGAGEMENT AND INDIANA GEOLOGICAL AND WATER SURVEY

Through a partnership launched in 2019, the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) created detailed and updated topographic maps of the recreational areas in southwest central Indiana to significantly enhance the Center for Rural Engagement’s goal of increasing recreational use of public lands within the Indiana Uplands region.

Trailblazing Knobstone & Tecumseh Trail Maps

The IGWS created the first map in a series of five that aims at connecting communities from Borden to Martinsville, Ind., along the length of the Knobstone and Tecumseh Trails. These are Indiana’s longest footpaths in a corridor of increasing tourism. Using the first map as a benchmark, the IGWS created the remaining four maps to highlight the unique topography and include the trail systems and recreational activities within the region.

Areas covered include:

  • Deam Lake SRA
  • Jackson-Washington State Forest
  • Clark State Forest
  • Starve Hollow SRA
  • Brown County State Park
  • Morgan-Monroe State Forest
  • Sycamore Land Trust
  • Nature Conservancy lands

Helping Explorers Find Their Way

The focus of this project was to create four detailed topographic maps highlighting trail systems, recreational facilities, and public versus private lands along the rugged eastern edge of the Indiana Uplands region. These maps have been printed on tear-resistant waterproof paper for durability and use while exploring in a variety of weather conditions. The maps will be sold throughout the region in local businesses, with major retailers throughout the state, and on the IGWS website, encouraging increased recreational activity in the region. In addition, digital copies of the map are provided for free through a third-party mobile app called Avenza Maps.

Impact of Project Trail Maps

This project has been a huge success with many maps sold and downloaded for the large number of outdoor activities that Hoosiers have enjoyed over the past year. The team is already receiving requests for more maps of different areas and for additional improvements.

Matt Johnson, Indiana Geological and Water Survey

“We've shared earlier maps with Sycamore donors, and everyone loves them. And this one we plan to also share with neighbors, as a way to build relationships that we hope will lead to more land protection opportunities. So your maps are contributing to land conservation in a very direct way.”

- John Lawrence, Sycamore Land Trust

“THANK YOU!! Wow this is amazing. My Dad has a farm in Starve Hollow road…I didn’t realize there were trails over on the Skyline Drive section. I’m excited to check that out now. This map has identified many trails in that entire area for me to piece together into really big looks. Thanks a bunch--this is a great resource.”

-A resident of Washington County

"Please let your cartographer know that we relied heavily on all four of our IGWS trail maps as we actually needed all four based upon the 15 destinations we explored on this trip. Our KTHA taxi guy was amazed at the map that covers the KT (TM02) and took down the website information in order to purchase one. He did not know that those existed."

-Satisfied tourist

Resources

Topographic trail maps

Take a hike with one of the Indiana Geological and Water Survey topographic trail maps. Order a hard copy for $15 or download a digital copy for free through Avenza.