Big Springs & Johnny Sack Cabin

Take the Lower Big Springs Loop Road off U. S. 20 at Mack’s Inn, travel five miles.

One hundred and twenty million gallons of pure water a day — enough to meet the water needs of a large city — surge out of the ground here. Walk the short distance from the parking lot to the bridge. Toss fish food available at the vending machine into the water, and watch the monster fish rise to eat it. You'll see the spring’s constant flow, at a year-round temperature of 52 degrees, and the clean gravel bottom —perfect trout habitat. Big Springs trout get BIG. Leave your fishing pole in the car: No fishing is allowed until below the outlet to Henry's Lake, several miles away.

Take the short walking trail around the pond to reach Johnny Sack's cabin, an historic building and museum that is on the National Register of Historic Places Johnny was a German immigrant who built his cozy cabin and its furnishings by hand out of local trees. He also built a water wheel turned by spring water tumbling out of the hillside. The wheel provided electricity and brought water uphill to the cabin. Johnny's old place is now a visitor center and an attraction in its own right.

Rent a canoe at Mack's Inn Resort on Hwy. 20 and float the gentle Henry's Fork's 5-mile-long National Water Trail. Staff will drive you back to your starting point.

This is part of the online edition of Henry's Fork Country.

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