Any novice should consult books or an expert before eating any mushrooms they collect since many types look similiar to mushrooms which can be toxic. Anyone collecting and eating mushrooms should be extremely cautious and ensure the mushrooms they've gotten are safe. The only areas currently open for firewood collection are in the northern section of the Forest in the area where a tornado earlier damaged several hundred acres of trees. Contact one of our offices for information on purchasing a firewood permit for these areas. There are several unique rocks on the Hoosier National Forest.
Geodes are especially unusual and popular for visitors to collect.
Small quantities of rocks for personal use may be collected on the Forest. Geodes are generally found only in the northern part of the forest in streambeds. These rocks may not be resold and there should be no earth disturbed in the process of collecting. Recreational gold panning or panning for sapphires and garnets is allowed so long as no commercial equipment such as dredges or sluices are used and no earth is disturbed. Panning is not likely to yield more than very small amounts of any precious mineral however it has long been a fun activities for families.