Sugar Creek in Indiana

Trip Overview

I went with my dad, brother-in-law and 2 college friends on a day trip down Sugar Creek. We spent the night at the canyon campground near the Shades state park. It's a nice little campground and it is just on the other side of the creek from where we launched. If you would want a nicer place, the Shades is only about 3 or 4 miles away.

We were suppose to go Saturday and Sunday, but because we were going with an outfitter and the water was too high, we only got to go on Sunday. The plan was two 15-mile days, but was reduced to only one.

We started out about 8:30. My bother-in-law and I in sit-on-top kayaks and the other three in 2 aluminum canoes.

The creek is very calm, even with the high water. There were a couple of places with some fun rapids, but nothing serious.

This stretch goes through some beautiful exposed rocks and only gets better as you go along. You pass by both the Shades state park and Turkey Run state park. If you have the time, they both have great hiking.

It was a very easy ride and a lot of fun. Going right up by the rocks and even under them in spots is a very enjoyable and scenic trip.

There are several outfitters in the area and many public accesses as well.

Fees:

$30 per canoe or kayak, plus $10 deposit.

Camping was $8 per person, plus a security deposit.

Directions:

I-75 to HW231 S. Go to Crawfordsville and you can start there.