A big spring in the far western end of Perry County has long been a popular place to visit. Stagecoaches traveling over the mountain in the 19th century stopped here to rest and water their horses. A Saturday picnic in 1903 was attended by 4,000 people. In 1915, the Department of Forestry walled in the spring and provided a fireplace, tables, benches, and toilets. It continued to improve the area and, in 1922, designated it Big Spring Public Camp. This area was officially designated a state park in 1969. This location also served as a trailhead for hiking to a grove of virgin hemlocks. During the 1920s and 1930s, John L. McCaskey worked through the State Hemlock Park Association to obtain protection for the old-growth grove. He organized numerous events at Big Spring and Blain to draw attention to the old trees and attract thousands of visitors. He worked with the Department of Forestry to give the area special designation and develop a larger park. The Hemlocks area is now a National Natural Landmark and a State Forest Natural Area. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corp, Camp S-111 was located 5 miles to the east. These CCC boys built many features of the park, including Pavilion 5, from local stone and chestnut logs.