Trail Overview
Trail 5 BF Goodrich Trail is an ideal route for stock four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and families seeking a scenic, gentle offroad adventure through the wooded terrain of Interlake State Recreation Area. Spanning approximately one mile, this trail offers rolling dirt hills and small mudholes that provide a fun introduction to offroading without the risk of vehicle damage. Situated in southwestern Indiana near Evansville, the trail features a technical rating of 2, making it accessible to beginners while providing lovely viewpoints and seating areas near Beaver Pond and Old Ben Lake.
For drivers seeking more excitement, the route provides access to two optional side loops with significantly higher difficulty. Trail 5A is overgrown and presents a medium-difficulty challenge, while Trail 5B is highly technical and reserved strictly for modified, well-built rigs, as the Department of Natural Resources does not provide vehicle recovery on this section. To reach the trailhead, drivers should sign in at the park guard station, proceed down the main gravel road to the primary parking lot near the restrooms and shelters, and follow the stock-friendly Trail 1 to the beginning of Trail 5.
History
Trail 5 was named a BF Goodrich Outstanding Trail in 2011, recognizing its scenic and recreational value to the offroad community.
Access Description
Visitors must sign in at the guard station upon entering Interlake State Recreation Area. Normal SRA park fees and regulations apply, and drivers should note that the DNR does not recover vehicles from the difficult Trail 5B side loop.
