Located in Brown County, Whip-poor-will Woods' beauty is characterized by its rolling hills, deep ravines, narrow ridges and the charming song of its namesake. Ecologically, this large preserve is important because it provides a large area of unbroken forests that allows many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals that require such a space to thrive.
This preserve is owned and managed by the Indiana Division of Nature Preserves.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Parking is limited; please respect neighbors and do not trespass.
858 acres
From Nashville, go east on S.R. 46 for 2.2 miles and turn left (north) on Salt Creek Road (a gas/convenience store is on the corner). Travel approximately 6 miles to Gatesville and turn right at the "T" intersection. Continue 0.25 mile and turn left (north) on Sweetwater Trail. Continue for less than one mile and turn right on Persimmon Ridge Road (this is a dead end road). At the top of the hill the road curves. Look for the single-car pulloff on the right side of the road.
As parking is limited, please respect the neighbors and do not trespass on any property unassociated with Whip-poor-will Woods.
On the northern portion of Whip-poor-will Woods, there is an abundance of sumac, sassafras, red maple and broomsedge with some black oak and ash. At the north and east side, wildflowers showcased include showy orchids, whorled pogonia, trilliums, Mayapple, twinleaf, and white and purple violets. It is interesting to note the whorled pogonia is a rare and threatened orchid that only blooms every 10-20 years; its vegetative form may be found on this preserve. The southern portion of the woods is made of a mature climax forest that includes chestnut, hickories, beech, sugar maple, tulip, white ash and red, black and white oak.
Animal species that may be seen and heard at the woods are coyotes, gray and red foxes, eastern box turtles, deer, and wild turkey. Smaller mammals, snakes, skinks, and fence lizards have also been spotted. The large, unbroken forest area on the eastern boundary is critical habitat to Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Ovenbirds, and various species of warblers.
The terrain moves from moderate to rugged, and there are no established trails on the preserve at this time. Exercise caution and have fun!
