Big Spring Nature Preserve
Big Spring is situated at the base of a steep spring alcove and represents an alluviated cave
spring (one which has been previously covered by stream sediments). The rise pit is about 15 feet in diameter
and an estimated 6-8 feet deep. The water originates from the sinkhole plain to the northeast. The minimum
flow has been recorded to be 450 gallons per minute (or 650,000 gallons/day). The adjacent hillside contains
a small, but high-quality old-growth forest. Large white, red, black and chinquapin oak dominate the forest.
The understory is dominated by Indiana natives including pawpaw, sugar maple, and spicebush.
Parking and trail. Use of church parking lot for visiting the preserve should be avoided on Sundays. From Salem, take SR 135 South about 8 miles to Grandview Road (a T-junction). Take Grandview Rd. to Big Springs Rd. (about 0.8 mile), which will be on the left. Go to Big Springs Church and park in the parking lot. There is a nature preserve and trail sign at the edge of the woods.
spring (one which has been previously covered by stream sediments). The rise pit is about 15 feet in diameter
and an estimated 6-8 feet deep. The water originates from the sinkhole plain to the northeast. The minimum
flow has been recorded to be 450 gallons per minute (or 650,000 gallons/day). The adjacent hillside contains
a small, but high-quality old-growth forest. Large white, red, black and chinquapin oak dominate the forest.
The understory is dominated by Indiana natives including pawpaw, sugar maple, and spicebush.
Parking and trail. Use of church parking lot for visiting the preserve should be avoided on Sundays. From Salem, take SR 135 South about 8 miles to Grandview Road (a T-junction). Take Grandview Rd. to Big Springs Rd. (about 0.8 mile), which will be on the left. Go to Big Springs Church and park in the parking lot. There is a nature preserve and trail sign at the edge of the woods.
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