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Springs Valley Trail and Boat Launch
Surrounded by scenic hardwood forests, the 141-acre Springs Valley Lake, once known as Tucker Lake, is the centerpiece for this recreation site. The boat launch area has trailer parking and vault toilets.
The trailhead for the 12 mile multiple-use trail has horse trailer parking, and there are picnic tables and hitching rails along the trail. The trail is for use by hikers, mountain bike riders, and horse back ridersand offers scenic views of Springs Valley Lake and includes remnants of the historic Buffalo Trace. This trail has several short, steep climbs, a wide tread and is quite scenic. For a longer ride it can be connected via county roads to Youngs Creek Trail.
At a Glance
| Permit Info: |
|
|---|---|
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Paoli, IN |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets near boat launch |
| Information Center: | Tell City Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From French Lick: Ind. 145 south 6.4 miles, turn left on Liberty Church Road. Turn left on County Road 475. In 1/4 mile bear right onto County Road 625. Go 1.5 miles to the trailhead on the left.
From Paoli: Ind. 37 south 1 mile, turn right on South Paoli Unionville Road. Go 1 mile, turn right onto County Road 150 S. Go 1.1 miles, turn left on County Rd 225 W. Go 2.5 miles, turn left on County Road 325 W. Go 3 miles to the trailhead on the right.
To the boat launch from French Lick: Ind. 145 south. Left on Old State Road 145. Left on County Road 375 S. Right on S County Road 550 W.
General Notes:
Additional Resources
Swimming at Springs Valley Lake
There is no designated swimming beach provided at Springs Valley Lake. Indiana state law mandates a person must not swim or allow a child or other person in their care to swim at a location other than a designated beach during designated hours.
State law does allow swimmers to swim from a watercraft between sunrise and sunset in an embayment on a reservoir property but not within 300 feet of a designated lauching ramp. Please use caution.
Activities
Mountain Biking
The Springs Valley Trail is a 12 mile trail designated for use by horseback riders, mountain bike riders, and hikers/backpackers. The trail has moderate to high aerobic demands with several short, steep climbs. Low skill level is required with wide tread and no technical sections. It is scenic with frequent lake views. Recommend riding main loop counter-clockwise. A rider can connect with the Youngs Creek Trail (12.6 miles) via county roads for an epic ride!
Lake and Pond Fishing
The 141-acre Springs Valley Lake is a scenic lake surrounded by hardwood forests and an excellent place to fish for pan fish in southern Indiana. The lake offers many wooded shoreline hide-aways and tranquil coves for fishing. The lake has clear water, abundant weed beds, and a forested watershed.
| Fish Species | Bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. |
| Fishing Platform | None |
Day Hiking
The Springs Valley Trail is a 12 mile trail designated for use by horseback riders, mountain bike riders, and hikers/backpackers. The trail has moderate to high aerobic demands with several short, steep climbs. It is scenic with frequent lake views. There are interesting places along the trail where hikers can view remnants of the historic Buffalo Trace.
| Elevation desc | Several hilly sections |
Backpacking
The Springs Valley Trail is a 12 mile trail designated for use by horseback riders, mountain bike riders, and hikers/backpackers. The trail has moderate to high aerobic demands with several short, steep climbs. It is scenic with frequent lake views. Though the trail is not excessively long, a back-packer can connect with the Youngs Creek Trail (12.6 miles) via county roads for a longer backpacking adventure!
| Fire Information | you may see old fire scars, no camp fire areas along the trails are provided. |
Horse Riding
The Springs Valley Trail is a 12 mile trail designated for use by horseback riders, mountain bike riders, and hikers/backpackers. The trail is moderately to highly aerobically demanding with several short, steep climbs. It is scenic with frequent lake views. Though the trail is not excessively long, a rider could also connect with the Youngs Creek Trail (area is unavailable) (12.6 miles) via county roads for a longer ride!
There is a nearby horse camp at Youngs Creek.
No corrals, but loading ramp and hitching posts are available at trailhead.
Water is available along the trail at streams and lake but horses are prohibited at boat launch area.
Picnicking
The picnic area is along the Springs Valley Trail and has hitching posts for horse-back riders on the trail to stop and enjoy a meal by the lake before continuing their ride.
| No. of Sites | several |
| Reservation Info | not reservable |
| No. of Accessible Sites | none |
Boating - Motorized
The 141-acre Springs Valley Lake provides fishing opportunities for pan fish, bass, and channel catfish. Biologists recommend fishing in water less than 15 feet. Dissolved oxygen levels in deeper water won't allow fish to survive during summer months. Launch ramp is open year-round
| Type of Craft | small boats |
| Motor Type | electric trolling motors only |
| Water/Flow Level | varies |
Boating - Non-Motorized
The 141-acre Springs Valley Lake is a scenic water area for paddling and fishing for pan fish, bass, and channel catfish. Biologists recommend fishing in water less than 15 feet. Dissolved oxygen levels in deeper water won't allow fish to survive during summer months. Launch ramp available year round.
| Type of Craft | kayak, canoe, row boat |
Location
