Tecumseh Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Adam Bouse on Unsplash

Tecumseh Trail

~4 days · 43.8 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance43.8 mi
Days out4
Elevation gain4,721 ft
Gain / mile108 ft
High point965 ft

What the Tecumseh Trail is known for

The Tecumseh Trail winds 42 miles point-to-point through Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests in southern Indiana's wooded hill country, one of the state's few long backpacking routes. Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail in both forests with no permit needed; most hikers take three to four days.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Tecumseh Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,841 ft to 3,166 ft over 43.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 15.5 mi · 36%
  • Downhill 18.7 mi · 43%
  • Flat 9.2 mi · 21%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Tecumseh Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Tecumseh Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 43.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Tecumseh Trail?

The Tecumseh Trail climbs roughly 4,721 ft total — about 108 ft per mile, topping out near 965 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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