Becks Mill includes three miles of trails at this site, built by the Hoosier Hikers Council in collaboration with the Friend’s of Beck’s Mill. This trail system winds over the property’s hills, passing three more springs, until finally skirting the edge of the high, sheer bluff of Mill Creek below. Springtime visitors are rewarded with thick blankets of wildflowers along the trails, including Wild Geranium, Violets, pink and purple Spring Larkspur, Columbine, and Trillium.

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 chur ...

The Blue River originates in Washington County northeast of Salem Indiana and flows south to form the natural boundary between Crawford County and Harrison County, Indiana. The Blue River continues south to the Ohio River. The Blue River was designated as Indiana's First State Natural and Scenic River System and is a favorite outdoor recreation destination in Indiana.

Cave River Valley became part of Spring Mill State Park in 2009 through an agreement with The Nature Conservancy. The park includes a 3.3-mile loop trail and is generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 22 min to complete. This trail is great for birding and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.

Delaney Park is a 326 acre park with an 88 acre lake with unlimited recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, boat rentals, nature hikes, basketball, volleyball, horseshoe pits, playground, modern and primitive camping, cabin and lodge rentals, shelter house rentals and the new Delaney Park Restaurant. Access to the Knobstone Trail is available from the Delaney Creek Park Trailhead located in the rear parking area of the park.

Elk Creek Lake is an approximate 48 acre lake located in Washington County between Salem and Scottsburg. Go east on SR 56 from Salem to the sign for Elk Creek or Ratts Rd Turn left (south) and go 2.3 miles to Elk Creek entrance road to the Elk Creek Lake. This site also contains the Elk Creek Lake trailhead for Knobstone Trail.

The Jackson - Washington County State Forest encompasses 18,000 acres in Jackson and Washington counties. The State Forest provides scenic views, old growth forest and breathtaking hiking opportunities. Within Washington County the following lakes are in the Jackson-Washington State Forest. A valid Indiana Fishing License is required to fish at these lakes. Spurgeon Hollow Lake (12 acres) Potter Lake (10 acres) Plattsburg Pond (8 acres) Backcountry Hiking Trail at Spurgeon Hollow Lake The hiking trail at Spurgeon Hollow Lake runs a loop and is marked with blue blazes on the trees, and passes vistas, valleys and ridgetops. Sturdy hiking boo ...

The Knobstone Trail is the longest hiking trail in Indiana. Its southern terminus is located in the Deam Lake State Recreation Area. It currently ends at Delaney Creek Park near Salem, Indiana, however there are plans to eventually extend the trail another 80 miles north to Martinsville, Indiana. As it lies along the Knobstone Escarpment, it is a difficult hike, which is why many use the Knobstone Trail to prepare for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Lake John Hay Lake is a 210-acre surface area impoundment located, in the Rush Creek Valley, 6 miles northwest of Salem. The lake offers tournament fishing or just a day of leisurely angling. This primitive area is also great for observing birds and animals in their natural habitat. Lake access includes one boat ramp. A City of Salem boat launch permit is effective for one (1) calendar year, January 1 to December 31. The permits are issued at Salem’s Clerk-Treasurer’s office and the Salem Police Department office. The launch permit is good for both Lake Salinda and Lake John Hay. A valid Indiana fishing license is also required. Please Note: The ...

Lake Salinda is an 88 acre surface lake, owned by the City of Salem, located 2 miles south of Salem on S.R. 135. Salinda was once the primary drinking water source for Salem residents and is now the back-up source. Lake Salinda offers tournament fishing and serves as a popular fishing spot for area anglers. Lake access includes one boat ramp. A City of Salem boat launch permit is effective for one (1) calendar year, January 1 to December 31. The permits are issued at Salem’s Clerk-Treasurer’s office and the Salem Police Department office. The launch permit is good for both Lake Salinda and John Hay Lake. A valid Indiana fishing license is also requ ...

The Blue River is a 57-mile-long stream that runs through Harrison, Crawford and Washington counties in Indiana. It arises near Salem in Washington County and flows south into the Ohio River just upstream from Leavenworth. The river is divided into four segments, designating the river as scenic, recreational and natural, and is managed by the Blue River Commission. The Blue consists of bends, rapids, chutes, limestone bluffs, half canyons, islands, springs, caves, hollows, and bottoms. The Blue River is the first Indiana Stream to be protected by the Natural Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act of 1973.

The hiking trail at Spurgeon Hollow Lake runs a loop and is marked with blue blazes on the trees, and passes vistas, valleys and ridgetops. Sturdy hiking boots and drinking water are recommended. Creeks are usually high in the spring. This trail requires about 5+ hours to hike. It is a rugged and challenging 8 miles hike. For a complete topographic map of this backcountry trail and backcountry area, purchase the Little York and Kossuth quads from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Publication sales.

Twin Creek Valley (624 Acres) is a mesic oak forest peppered with limestone glades, rock outcrops, scenic cove waterfalls, and numerous caves. This valley is a beautiful habitat for special cave animals, gorgeous spring wildflowers and for anyone who loves nature. Henderson Park is just a portion of Twin Creek Valley but is the only area developed for visitation. Henderson Park (400 acres) is owned by the City of Salem and is managed by The Nature Conservancy through a conservation easement designed to protect the forest, glades and caves at the site. Henderson Park is open to visitors for hiking and nature study. The park has a road system, albeit ...

The Veteran's Trail at Lake Salinda is a 4 mile hiking trail around Lake Salinda. The trailhead for the park is located in the back of the Lake Salinda parking area. The trail is dedicated to those who served in the military.