Bell Smith Springs

Join the Co-op for a day hike at Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area in the Shawnee National Forest. Bell Smith Springs offers a scenic hike around and within a small sandstone canyon and stream.

We'll hike around 8 miles along the three main trails: Hill Branch, Sentry Bluff, and Natural Bridge Trails.

• Distance: up to 8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

We'll carpool from Lowe's (Oak Grove Rd) in Evansville. It's about 2hr each direction.

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:

ALL TIMES ARE LISTED IN CENTRAL DAYLIGHT (CDT)

• 8:00a - Carpool meets (optional)
• 8:10a - Carpool departs from Evansville
• 10:00a - Arrive at Bell Smith Springs
• 12:00p - Lunch on the trail
• 5:30p - Depart for Evansville

WHAT TO BRING:

• sturdy shoes for hiking
• water (1L minimum, for drinking) and snacks
• Packed lunch (in your day bag)
• Sunscreen and Bug spray
• walking stick (recommended) or hiking poles
• towel (to dry your feet after crossing stream)
• extra socks (recommended)
• water shoes (for crossing creek)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• AGILITY: There are also some narrow trails along ledges. Good footing will be required in some sections of this trail.
• HEIGHTS: The natural bridge trail offers a shortcut where you scale a rock wall about 30ft in height using a 'ladder' of metal rebar in the stone wall. (See event photos.) If you have a fear of heights, this segment of trail may not be for you.
• POISON IVY: Poison ivy is prevalent along the trails; I recommend wearing long pants or socks.
• STREAM CROSSING: There is at least one stream crossing. It will be ankle or calf-deep. You may want to remove your hiking shoes when crossing.

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:

• Trails are rated as Moderate to Difficult.
• The park has restrooms at the parking lot.

COST:

No cost to use this trail system.

GROUND RULES:

• No children
• Pets on leash in rec areas

MAPS / INFORMATION:

• Bell Smith Springs Information (USDA)
• Bell Smith Springs Map (USDA)
• Parking (Google Maps)