The Mogan Ridge East trail in Hoosier National Forest is an interesting mixed habitat trail closely nestled to the Ohio River. To find the trail head, take I-64 West to the Sulphur Springs exit and then head South for about 18 miles on Indiana State Highway 66. Just prior to the turnoff to reach the trailhead parking lot, you'll pass a sign for the Mano Point Boat Ramp and then immediately afterwards, you'll cross a short bridge. Just after the bridge is a gravel road on your right which will lead your to the Mogan Ridge East trail head.
Mogan Ridge Trailhead
Hiking in from the trailhead, you'll find the first half mile or so to be dark, damp and rocky. During wet weather, this section can have mud and slick rocks, so watch your footing. You'll pass what looks like a mudslide or bulldozed area on your right at the .3 mile mark. Although it may not look like a trail, this is in fact the return section of the loop. Continuing on, you'll exit the forst into an open area filled with scrub and grasses and many types of wildflowers. This is an ideal habitat for birds and especially deer in the early morning hours.
Rose Gentian
In this area, you'll reach a fork in the trail. To the right, you'll find the shortcut to the loop. It descends to a lowland area adjacent to a creek. To the left, you start the longest section of the trail up to a high ridge. Taking the left, you'll begin a climb that continues for at least a half mile or so. On this section, there are still many leftover downed trees from this year's ice storm and the trail has gone somewhat feral. Lots of high weeds will greet you in between huge downed trees which you will have to navigate.
Ice Storm Obstacles Still Exist
This section of the trail in summer has lots of sunflowers and once I reach the ridge top, provided a great overlook into a valley where I spotted turkeys as well as a few white tails. When you start to walk downhill on this section, you'll be getting close to the next section of the trail which is comprised mainly of an old hunting or fire road. Turning right from the southern section onto this road, you'll notice that it's completely clear of debris and you'll enjoy easy hiking on this section for the next mile or so before you reach the shortcut loop again.
Continuing on the loop, you'll enter an area with a few decent ups and downs on the trail. This area links you back up to the spur that connects the loop to the trail head. You'll find a lot of mushrooms in this area as well and you'll have two creek crossings. During my hike last weekend (July 18th), I also spotted some tiger lillies but the blooms were way past their prime.
Chicken Mushroom
The Mogan Ridge East trail is one I'll return to, especially since it is a hiking only trail (though there was some evidence of horse traffic). The different habitats as well as the diversity of plants and animals make this trail a nature lover's dream. If you don't mind a little climbing, hike the entire loop for the full effect. I think you'll find the trail worth the trip.
Zebra Swallowtail
Check out the other pictures from my hike in the album Mogan Ridge East
No comments:
Post a Comment