By Ron Hellmich, Division of Nature Preserves Director
Big Spring Nature Preserve is a smaller preserve, 10 acres in size, located in Washington County about 8 miles south of Salem.
Big Spring is situated at the base of steep spring alcove and represents an alluviated cave spring (one which has been previously covered by stream sediments) that flows into the South Fork of the Blue River. The rise pit, a well-like opening where hydrostatic water pressure forces water upwards to the surface, is about fifteen feet in diameter and an estimated six to eight feet deep. The water originates from the sinkhole plane 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 pawpaw, sugar maple and spice bush.
Big Spring was included in Alton Lindsey’s 1969 book Natural Areas of Indiana. It was listed as a geological site and a terrestrial biological area. He described the spring and noted about five acres of very old-growth forest as a backdrop to the spring.
To visit, from Salem, take SR 135 South about eight miles to Grandview Road (a T-junction). Take Grandview Road to Big Springs Road (about 0.8 mile), which will be on the left. Go to Big Springs Church and park in the parking lot (avoid on Sundays during worship). There is a trail sign at the edge of the woods.
First Nature Preserve Designated in Franklin County
In March, 2026, the Jack and Sue Ulrich Nature Preserve was accepted by the Indiana Natural Resources Commission as Indiana’s newest nature preserve. This preserve is over 39 acres in size protecting a dry-mesic upland forest with large white oak, shagbark hickory and sugar maple. Donated to the State by the Ulrich family, this area is the first state dedicated nature preserve in Franklin County. At this time, no trails have been opened for the preserve. More than 300 dedicated nature preserves now protect over 57,000 acres of unique natural habitats across the state.
