Head to southern Indiana to visit Deam Lake where you'll enjoy time on the water and discover it's the gateway to more trail systems than you'd expect! Horse riders and hikers can camp at Deam Lake and access Clark State Forest for more miles of exploring. The Knobstone Trail's southern terminus is at Deam Lake, and the Monon South has a trailhead here too.
You'll also learn that Deam Lake is named for Charles C. Deam, Indiana's first forester. Deam was a man of intense focus and conviction, an early conservationist who spent his life discovering plants in the state and beyond.
The Deam Lake Loop Trail Run is Oct. 3, 2026, and you can sign up for the race here. If you want to bring your horse to ride at Deam Lake, Indiana Trail Riders Association is a valuable resource. Get maps, tips, segment ideas, pictures, history, and more on the Knobstone Hiking Trail Association website.
Follow Deam Lake on Facebook and be sure to take on their new hiking challenge!
You are going to learn about:
- Activities at the park like the lake, camping, horseman’s campground, and trails
- Who it’s named for: Charles Deam, Indiana’s first state forester
- The Knobstone Hiking Trail, Indiana’s longest trail
- How Deam Lake connects you to so many other trails, parks, and opportunities
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Want to join my IN the Parks journey? Check out the podcast, follow along on Instagram and Facebook, and be sure to share with a friend. Now, go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!