Indian Kitchen Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A fairly easy five-mile hike, with a special place in the middle.

Indian Kitchen is the gem of the trail, and definitely worth a look.

This section of the Shawnee National Forest is a designated wilderness area. The trail is not difficult, but not for everyone. There are no blazes, and if you are not confident in your ability to read a map, or are not with someone who knows the area, it is not for you, yet. This being a wilderness area, the main trail maintenance is inadvertently done by the horse riders that use it, and when trails move some, it is not well documented.

Working counterclockwise, you'll take the Indian Kitchen Trail #433 to Indian Kitchen. From there, take the Bear Branch Creek Trail #405. You'll continue on this trail, continuing straight as the 404 trail moves to the right. There will be a downed tree crossing the creek where you cross to rejoin the 405. Hikers will continue until reaching the road. Travel south until you hit the parking lot to complete the loop.

Typical Shawnee NF.