The Charles C. Deam Wilderness area was designated a wilderness in 1982 and encompasses nearly 13,000 acres of the Hoosier National Forest. Wilderness designation places this area in a special legal status (subject to the 1964 Wilderness Act). It is managed to preserve a natural condition and provide opportunities for solitude.

Since its designation as a wilderness, visitor use in the area increased to a point that significant damage was occurring. In order to protect the wilderness character, regulations are enforced to control the impact of people. Visitors to this special place are asked to share responsibility in preserving this unique natural resource.

Ruthie, the Forest Service mule, and Rod Fahl maintain trails in the Wilderness with a sled, since Wilderness regulations forbid the use of wheeled vehicles. Mules and horses are used to pack gravel and other materials in to maintain trails in the Wilderness area.

All saddle, pack, or draft animals must be kept on trails posted or otherwise designated for horse use. Trails authorized for horse use are marked by brown plastic posts with a decal depicting a horseback rider. Other areas are closed to horse use, but hiking is allowed anywhere within the area.

Trail Use Permits are required for riding a horse on the Hoosier N. F. Permits may be purchased as annual permits ($25/year) or day-use tags ($3/day) from Hoosier N.F. offices and some local stores. A tag is required for each adult rider. Horseback riders 16 years of age and younger are exempt from the permit requirement. A permit tag is not required for foals without a rider or pack stock. Annual permits must be signed.

Camping is prohibited within 100 yards of Tower Ridge Road between Highway 446 and the junction of Hickory Ridge Road (1500 W) and Maumee Road (1150 N). Note: Camping is still permitted within Blackwell Horse Camp.

Camping within 100 feet of ponds, lakes, trails, or streams is allowed only on designated sites. Walk-in camping throughout the rest of the wilderness area is not restricted.

Parking is allowed along Tower Ridge Road in only three locations: Blackwell Horse Camp, Grubb Ridge Trailhead, and the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower.

Use of wheeled vehicles, including carts, wagons, or bicycles, is prohibited within the wilderness area.

Campsites must be occupied the first night, and may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours without permission. Camping is limited to 14 days.

The only food or beverage containers permitted within the Wilderness are those intended for reuse or burnable packaging. Spray paint is not allowed in the Wilderness. Cans and glass bottles are not allowed. If you packed it in, pack it back out. Never bury garbage.

Hunting is permitted in the Wilderness.

Target shooting or practicing is not allowed.

Stock may not be tied within reach of any living tree.

Group size is limited to 10 persons or less.

Please do your part to enhance Indiana's only wilderness, and be a good steward of your public land. Help preserve the values you come here to enjoy. Ensure that you leave no trace of your visit, and take with you only photographs and memories.