Springs Valley
Key Features:
-Multiple marinas / put-ins
-Large section of lake is a no wake zone
-Back country camping limited to federal lands
-Some campsites are ranked among best in Indiana
-Short 1-2 mile paddles
-Multiple marinas / put-ins
-Large section of lake is a no wake zone
-Back country camping limited to federal lands
-Some campsites are ranked among best in Indiana
-Short 1-2 mile paddles
Springs Valley looking east to west
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Springs Valley looking west to east
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Springs Valley from the hiking trail
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Great lakeside camp sites on Springs Valley Lake
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Kayak Camping Springs Valley
This is a small little lake that would be well-suited for a late Friday paddle in or a cold weather paddle/camp when you aren't too certain what you can tolerate. The three fingers offer a little exploration, but this is not a top paddling destination as much as it is a hiking or caving trip. The best camp sites are directly across from the boat dock, but there are some other higher trafficked spots along the dam. These are not quite the secluded destination we look for, but if everything else is taken... wait...if everything else is taken those will be too. There are several add on activities including exploring a small cave on the north east finger of the dam. It is not huge, but safe enough for even the most hesitant of hikers. This trail is heavily utilized by horses, so be aware if you hike.
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Jackson Falls has been on our hiking list for quite a while, and today proved worthy of a return visit. Close to Camp Ondessonk, but well off the paved roads, this area takes a little white-knuckled driving traversing the washouts and potholes, but rewards hikers with a quite popular destination with many activities. Immediately off the parking area, you'll find campsite after campsite that clearly indicate this as a hot spot in peak season.
The beginning portion of the hike takes you along a small stream with rocky features, small waterfalls, and cool swimming holes. Be careful as you reach the top of the falls as the trail and creek take hikers right up to the top of the falls and the enormous drop to the turquoise pool below. This bright color is a real treat for the Midwest and gives Jackson Falls an almost tropical feel. From the top, hikers will continue on down the trail along a high rocky rim line with sweeping views over the valley floor below. Large high walled rock features make this area a climbers paradise and several areas are rigged for climbing and rappelling. It is clearly frequented and well-used by climbers.
The descent to the valley floor is a bit treacherous and may not be suitable for the young, old, or injured. There is a series of boulder scrambles that acts as a makeshift rock ladder to reach the bottom of the trail. Dogs or small children may not be able to safely be assisted through this area. Continuing on, hikers will be treated to some maze-like passages and squeezes very common in the Shawnee National Forest areas. Hikers will essentially "double-back" along the valley floor to the falls an equal distance. There hikers will revel in a picturesque waterfall with turquoise pool to spend some time enjoying. Swimming would be appropriate in warmer weather, thus making this a popular site for campers. We happened upon 5 horseback riders at the falls, so this is clearly a popular destination for all avid outdoor enthusiasts.
The beginning portion of the hike takes you along a small stream with rocky features, small waterfalls, and cool swimming holes. Be careful as you reach the top of the falls as the trail and creek take hikers right up to the top of the falls and the enormous drop to the turquoise pool below. This bright color is a real treat for the Midwest and gives Jackson Falls an almost tropical feel. From the top, hikers will continue on down the trail along a high rocky rim line with sweeping views over the valley floor below. Large high walled rock features make this area a climbers paradise and several areas are rigged for climbing and rappelling. It is clearly frequented and well-used by climbers.
The descent to the valley floor is a bit treacherous and may not be suitable for the young, old, or injured. There is a series of boulder scrambles that acts as a makeshift rock ladder to reach the bottom of the trail. Dogs or small children may not be able to safely be assisted through this area. Continuing on, hikers will be treated to some maze-like passages and squeezes very common in the Shawnee National Forest areas. Hikers will essentially "double-back" along the valley floor to the falls an equal distance. There hikers will revel in a picturesque waterfall with turquoise pool to spend some time enjoying. Swimming would be appropriate in warmer weather, thus making this a popular site for campers. We happened upon 5 horseback riders at the falls, so this is clearly a popular destination for all avid outdoor enthusiasts.
