Big Springs

By Dena Nechkash

With no signs along the highway or any clues to its existence, it’s no wonder that Big Springs has remained a hidden gem for so long! Tucked away in a rural valley in Iowa County, near Highland, Wis., is a small recreational area with a few water features worth stopping to see.

The roads to get to Big Springs follow the ridge past many farms before plunging down a meandering hillside, leading to a bridge and small parking area. After I parked, I checked out the brilliant blue water at the bridge and was rewarded with many active brown trout swimming in the clear waters. Big Springs is a fishery area, where the Wisconsin DNR is monitoring the fish population in association with a beaver dam built nearby. The area is designated as Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs), or “surface waters that provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality and are not significantly impacted by human activities.” Hint, hint… don’t mess it up!

Start hiking along the trail into the woods at the parking area and you’ll pass an oak grove, see the beaver dam, find some beautiful scenes of the river valley and eventually end at Big Springs. It isn’t a long walk. You’ll be there in just a few short minutes. A path up the hillside (be careful, it is steep) leads you to the headwater spring, where the water gushes out of the ground. It’s pretty amazing to see how much water comes from that opening in the earth.

Remember that this recreation area has many uses, including hunting. Make sure to dress appropriately and don’t impact others who may be hunting for deer, turkey, small game or waterfowl. Other recreational opportunities include bird watching, fishing, wildlife viewing, berry picking and hiking.

It really is a neat little detour. The roads to get there are fun to drive and once you arrive, there’s plenty to see and do. Fun Fact: you’ll find Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery just down the road! Take a trip and get out and explore Southwest Wisconsin!

Directions: From Hwy. 80 in Highland, WI, take Cty. Q. Several miles on that road, turn right onto Big Spring Road. Follow that to the DNR sign where there is a small parking area and trailhead.