Indian Springs State Park (Blog Hike #787)

Trail: Overland Nature Trail

Hike Location: Indian Springs State Park

Geographic Location: south of Jackson, GA (33.24757, -83.92199)

Length: 1.1 miles

Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy/Moderate)

Date Hiked: February 2020

Overview: A short but occasionally steep loop featuring a CCC-built stone spring house.

Park Information: https://gastateparks.org/IndianSprings

Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=941368

Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: Between Atlanta and Macon, take I-75 to SR 42 (exit 188).  Exit and go north on SR 42.  Drive SR 42 north 14.7 miles to the signed state park entrance on the left. Turn left to enter the park, pay the $5 entrance fee, and park in the perpendicular parking for the Spring Picnic Area on the right a few hundred feet inside the gatehouse.

The hike: Established in 1927, Indian Springs State Park is the oldest state park in Georgia, but the springs’ fame and significance date back much further.  Before white settlement, the Creek people came here seeking healing and refreshment from the springs’ mineral-laced sulphur-smelling waters.  In 1821, the State of Georgia and the Creek Nation signed the First Treaty of Indian Springs here.  In that treaty, the Creeks ceded thousands of acres of land to the state, including these springs.

            The construction of railroads brought visitors from all over the country, and from the mid-1800’s to the early 1900’s a cluster of resort hotels operated near the springs.  By the 1920’s, most of these hotels had burned down or fallen into disrepair.  Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 459 came here in the 1930’s and built the stone structures visitors use today.  These structures include the impressive spring house where visitors still collect water-cooler-sized jugs of the springs’ water.

            In terms of amenities, the 528 acre park features some picnic shelters, a 62-site campground, 10 cottages, a museum, and 2 trails totaling 4 miles.  Just over three miles of the park’s trails are a multi-use trail that connects the park to nearby Dauset Trails Nature Center.  This hike features the park’s other trail, the Overland Nature Trail, and it includes a quick side trip to the park’s famous CCC-built spring house.

Trailhead: Overland Nature Trail

            The signed trailhead for the Overland Nature Trail is located beside the park road at the west end of the Spring Picnic Area.  The rooty dirt trail heads uphill on a moderate grade through mixed Piedmont forest that contains some nice beech trees.  The trail had been cleared of leaf litter on my visit, so all obstacles in the treadway were easily visible.  Where a spur trail exits left to continue following the park road, angle right to continue climbing on the moderate grade.

            Soon the top of the ridge comes into view, and after a brief flat area the trail descends into a tight ravine on a rather steep grade using one switchback.  When you reach the small creek at the bottom of the ravine, the Nature Trail’s short loop exits right.  Turn left to hike the longer loop.

Hiking along the ridge

            The trail climbs moderately to once again approach the top of the ridge.  The difference between maximum and minimum elevations on this hike is only about 60 feet, but some sections of trail are rather steep.  A gradual to moderate descent brings you to the bank of Aboothlacoosta Creek at 0.5 miles.  An obvious path leads left onto private property, but the official trail turns right to begin following the creek south.

Hiking along the creek

            The remainder of the Overland Nature Trail stays within 100 feet of Aboothlacoosta Creek, but a couple of steep areas will still need to be negotiated.  The clear-flowing and sandy-bottomed creek makes a very pleasant companion.  After walking over an unexpected rock outcrop, a flat walk returns you to the Spring Picnic Area.

Rock outcrop on the trail

CCC-built spring house

            To see the springs that made this area famous, angle left to cross the park road, and then walk behind the Stone Pavilion to find the spring house.  These impressive stone structures were built by the CCC, and park staffers still help visitors collect water at the spring.  Some stone steps beyond the spring house lead uphill to a museum that is open from 2-4pm the first Saturday of each month.  See how much history you can see to conclude your visit to Indian Springs State Park.