By:
Submission
Due to safety concerns from recent flooding, the Hoosier National Forest’s Springs Valley Campground in Orange County is closed effective 05/11/2017. The vault restroom facilities and boat ramp at Springs Valley Recreation Area will remain open for public use. The 141-acre lake, once known as Tucker Lake, surrounded by scenic hardwood forests features primitive camping with vault toilets. No drinking water is available. A boat ramp and picnic facilities are also available. No fees are charged. Visitors to this area should be aware of a vandalism problem in this area and people are asked to report any suspicious activity or damage. For a downloadable flier with information and a map of this area click here.
From Hwy 37 south of Paoli turn right on Unionville Road, proceed for 1 mile, turn right at brown FS sign onto County Road 150 S. and proceed 1.1 miles to stop sign and turn left onto County Road 225 W, proceed 2.1 miles to brown FS sign and bear right on 325 S for 1.9 miles to stop sign, turn left on 500 W and go .8 miles to brown FS sign and turn Left on County Road 550 W. and follow this road back to Springs Valley Lake.
Nice well maintained path. It’s a long trail but it was decent walking. We only walked to the lake some and back. We didn’t take the whole loop around.
It's a 10 mile trail which is great for me. The hike is moderate. The trail is beautiful as your walking in the woods. You also get to a point you are walking around creeks and a lake which was great. This trail also offers a place for you to bring your horse if you own one to ride.
The trails are very well kept. There is only 1 picnic table at trail head. No restrooms available. The views around the lake are beautiful. There is another link to Springs Valley trail on Google maps and it is not correct. It marks a spot on private property that is miles from any public area.
Decently marked loop trail with a few steep hills. Well worn trail that allows horse and bicycle riders with paid permit, day hikers and backpackers are free. Large gravel parking lot with space for many horse trailers and cars. One good camping spot with a picnic table that I saw, but was another two miles down trail from where I stayed. Spent about 6-8 hours hiking at a 2-3 mph pace with pack to complete the full trail.
Nice double track trail with considerable climbing. Full loop including the out and back to the trailhead and all the way around the lake was about 11 miles and 1200 feet of climbing. Fall colors were beautiful and we met some super friendly people riding horses.
