Salamonie Trail - Boy Scouts of America

UNIT NUMBER
We
will
Leader’s Name
This form must be filed with the Trail Committee
at least two (2) days in advance of hike.
Or call (260) 833-1550 or (260) 475-1066
SALAMONIE TRAIL
POKAGON - KEKIONGA TRAILS NOTICE
will not camp
Age
City, State, Zip
Phone
In consideration of the benefits to be derived, and in view of the fact that the BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA is an educational institution, membership
in which is voluntary, and having full confidence that every precaution will be taken to insure the safety and well being of this unit on this activity, I
hereby agree to our participation and waiver all claim against the Pokagon-Kekionga Trail Committee Officers, Agents, Property Owners and
Representatives of the Boy Scouts of America.
August 2007
Address:
Date of hike
Estimated time of arrival
Estimated departure time
The following scout group under the proper adult leadership will be hiking the Salamonie Trail.
Send to:
Pokagon - Kekionga Trails Inc.
P.O. Box 192
Angola, IN 46703
Phone: (260) 833-1550 or (260) 475-1066
SERVICE PROJECT OF POKAGON-KEKIONGA
TRAILS COMMITTEE, INC.
TROOP 125
TROOP 303
ANGOLA
FT. WAYNE
Salamonie Trail
Bloodroot Trail / Salamonie Reservoir
basis.
Cost of awards are listed on the trail application.
Salamonie Reservoir is located in Huntington and Wabash Counties
in northeastern Indiana. The Salamonie River flows into the reservoir
and then empties into the Wabash River, downstream from the earthfill dam. The reservoir is accessible from the following routes: S.R. 15
from the west, U.S. 24 on the north, S.R. 9 on the east and S.R. 124
on the south. It is also accessible from Interstate 69, taking exit S.R. 5
go north and then west on S.R. 124.
To order awards send completed application to:
See map below for further directions.
Please contact the above address if you have interest in other trails.
Questions about the area? Write:
Salamonie Reservoir
9214 W. Lost Bridge West
Andrews, IN 46702-9731
Pokagon-Kekionga Trails, Inc.
P.O. Box 192
Angola, IN 46703
(260) 833-1550
(260) 475-1066
Service Project of:
Boy Scout Troop 125 Pleasant Lake
Boy Scout Troop 303 Fort Wayne
Phone: (260) 468-2125 / TDD
Fax: (260) 468-2583 or e-mail: http://www.ai.org/dnr
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completed while hiking this trail. Each unit is to pick up litter (paper,
cans, etc.) as they hike these trails. If the trails are clean, take time to
clean up litter around the parking lots, campgrounds or areas close to
the trails, litter is everywhere. We think that you will agree that this
requirement is in keeping with Boy Scouts of America Code of the
Out-of-Doors, “Project S.O.A.R.”. Let’s clean up this world we live in.
We suggest each unit have a large plastic garbage bag with them for
litter.
CHURCHES
Various denominational churches are located in the communities of
Lagro, Andrews, Wabash and Huntington.
13 MILE OR 20 MILE TRAIL
Units may make this a 13 mile trail or a 20 mile trail for the hiking
merit badge.
For units with young scouts that are not yet working on the hiking
merit badge, they can hike the 13 mile trail that starts at the Interpretive Center (see map) to Mount Etna SRA and back to the Interpretive
Center.
For scouts that are working on the hiking merit badge, it will be
necessary for them to hike a portion of the Bloodroot Trail over again
(see map).
TRAIL AWARDS
Those who hike both trails are entitled to wear the Salamonie Trail
patch and/or medal. The medal has a scene imprinted on it of
Hominy Ridge Falls located in Salamonie River State Forest. The date
1935 is stamped on the medal noting the year the forest was developed. 1965 is the other date, noting the year Salamonie Dam was
completed.
The patch has seven colors and a full view of the Salamonie Dam and
Lake.
If the trails are hiked more than once, there is a repeat pin available.
The awards are pictured on the front of this brochure.
AREA HISTORY
Northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio once was occupied by the
Miami Indians. The Wabash River was used widely by Indians to
reach their destinations. The Miami people called the river, WAHBAH-SHIK-KI, meaning bright and clear. Downstream of the reservoir on the Salamonie River, where it meets the Wabash is a small
town called Lagro. Lagro was an Indian Trading Post deriving its name
from the old French-Indian (Miami) Chief, Le Gros. The government
gave him several sections of land in 1828 and built him a brick house,
which was the first house in Lagro.
In 1958 the 85th Congress approved the Flood Control Act authorizing
the Salamonie Reservoir Project. Construction of the reservoir began in
1961. The area covers approximately 12,187 acres, with the lake stretching over about 3,000 acres, The dam is 133 feet high, 6,100 feet long and
916 feet wide at its base and is earth filled. Changes made to the area by
the construction of the reservoir involved relocation of four cemeteries
having a total of 2,652 graves. The small towns of Dora, New Holland
and Monument City were also relocated. The Salamonie Reservoir dam
was completed in 1965.
ORIGIN OF TRAIL NAME
Bloodroot Trail was derived form the Native American word “O-sahmo-nee” which means yellow paint. Native Americans made yellow
paint from the bloodroot plant which grew in great abundance along
the winding banks of the river.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Salamonie Reservoir is a multiple use property. Hunting, camping,
fishing and other recreational activities are allowed in designated
areas. Parts of the “Bloodroot Trail” run through designated hunting
areas. While using the trail in fall or winter, users are stongly encouraged to wear hunter orange clothing.
CAMPGROUNDS
Trail users have a choice of several different campgrounds where they
can stay for a fee, all located in Lost Bridge West SRA. Youth groups
can camp in the Youth Campground. Some of the facilities available
there are drinking water faucets, pit toilets, a shelterhouse, basketball
There are no trail fees. Trail awards are purchased on a voluntary
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court, volleyball court and fishing. A Nature Center and a swimming
beach are also within short walking distance. There is a modern
campgound with electric sites, showers, flush toilets and a dump
station. Also, the Apple Orchard primitive campground with pit toilets
and drinking water is available. All sites are reservable on-line at:
www.camp.IN.gov or call 1-866-6campIN.
CONDUCT
Unit leader, it is your responsibility to keep your unit under control. It
is essential that hikers maintain a high standard of conduct, courtesy
and consideration toward the public property that these trails pass
through. Acts of vandalism along the trail could result in the trail
being closed. Keep it clean and help us maintain its beauty and our
good relationship with the property management, so that those who
hike after you will have a chance to enjoy it also.
The property manager is in charge of the Salamonie Reservoir and the
Salamonie River State Forest. His job is to manage the property and
follow the policies and practices set by the Indiana Department of
Natural Resources and the State of Indiana. You will find him helpful
and ready to assist your unit in any way he can. However, do not
expect him to bend the rules for you. He will appreciate your cooperation and will make every effort to cooperate with you.
Keep your Scouts together. The following trail requirements must be
read to your group before hiking the trails.
TRAIL REQUIREMENTS
1. The trails are open to the public. Boy and Girl Scouts and
other groups may hike the trails to receive the trail awards
consisting of a four inch patch and a medal.
2. Axes and sheath knives ARE NOT permitted on the trail.
(High Training EXCLUDED)
5. No fires are permitted on the trails. Smokers: be aware of
dry seasons throughout the trails.
6. Each hiker must hike the trails as a member of a unit. There
must be at least one adult (21 or older) for every ten youth
hikers. All members of the unit must hike together.
7. An anti-litter project must be completed to receive trail
awards.
8. Remember this is a State Reservoir property, treat it with
respect. Do not disturb other people enjoying this multi-use
property.
9. There is no gate fee where the trails are located. However
there are camping fees.
START OF TRAILS
Salamonie Reservoir’s “Bloodroot Trail”. This hiking/biking trail is a
13 mile loop that starts at the Salamonie Interpretive Center in Lost
Bridge West SRA, wanders through fields and woods to Mt. Etna SRA
and then returns along the beautiful bluffs overlooking the reservoir. In
winter, when there is heavy snow cover, the trail is part of the
Salamonie Snowmobile Trail. The “Bloodroot Trail” is of moderate
difficulty, with some hills and valleys, and is well marked. The trail can
be traversed either direction but users must be alert to avoid conflicts
with other users.
TRAIL MARKERS
By using the map and watching closely for the trail markers,
the trail committee feels you will have no trouble following
this trail. The trail is marked with Park signs. These signs
are a flat plastic post with a figure of a hiker and an arrow
giving the direction of the trail.
3. All property rules must be observed.
4. The full length of the trails must be hiked to receive the trail
awards.
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ANTI-LITTER
Litter is unsightly, it is a health and safety hazard and contributes to
pollution. The Trail Committee is requiring an anti-litter project to be
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NOTICE
Salamonie Trail
Lost Bridge East S.R.A. Campground has been CLOSED permanently.
Units camping will need to camp at the Lost Bridge WEST youth campground.
The trail still starts from the CLOSED Lost Bridge East parking lot (see map below).
Transportation from the West Youth Camp to the start of the trail will be needed.