During my college years at Purdue University, I came to know the abundance of outdoor opportunities in Indiana’s Covered Bridge Country. The bridges themselves are enough to draw visitors from across the country, but the creeks and campgrounds are what keep many coming back.
Sugar Creek is a crown jewel of Indiana waterways. Top notch camping opportunities abound in the area. Turkey Run and Shades are both beautiful state parks which provide access to the creek for campers, paddlers, and day users alike. Many private establishments also provide wonderful campsites right on the banks of Sugar Creek, making them convenient for paddlers.
Big Raccoon Creek is another great fishing and floating creek in the region. It follows through the heart of the area’s annual Covered Bridge Festival. Not nearly as well known as Sugar Creek, it’s a delight to experience the scenery and smallmouth bass this navigable water delivers in the heart of Covered Bridge Country.
For some, canoeing the same sections of Sugar Creek over and over, can leave a longing to explore new water. Back in my broke college days, I had been looking for a new adventure which my limited college student budget could afford. Raccoon Creek became the answer. Originating in Hendricks County, Big Raccoon Creek follows through Montgomery, Putnam, and Parke Counties before dumping into the Wabash River north of Clinton. The creek is most known as the source of Cecil M. Harden Reservoir, otherwise know as Raccoon Lake.
Below the dam of Cecil M. Harden, Raccoon Creek takes beautiful form. This is the only part of the creek I have explored, but I am told by locals this section is where you want to spend your time. The creek is far from what would be considered large in width or depth but contains plenty of water for enjoyable paddling, especially by kayak. The scenery and solitude make this trip a great experience. Most importantly, the crowd does not exist on Raccoon Creek.
This section of the creek I am familiar with begins at the dam and flows to the town of Bridgeton. This section is home to three covered bridges: Mansfield Bridge, Conley’s Ford Bridge, and Bridgeton Bridge. An eager peddler can easily complete this entire 13-mile stretch in one day if they so desired. Personally, I would divide the trip into two sections to be covered in two days to fully appreciate the experience.
Launching below the dam of Raccoon Lake and canoeing down to Mansfield Village is easy paddling. There is ample water and good fishing all year long. Mansfield Village is a quaint little dot on the map that is home to numerous shops and the Mansfield Roller Mill, which is an Indiana Historic Landmark. Lodging is available in Mansfield for those not looking to camp locally.
Continuing your trip from Mansfield down to Bridgeton is an equally enjoyable experience. The wooded banks and clear water, matched with the solitude and privacy of this creek will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Passing under Conley’s Covered Bridge is a bonus on this section.
Indiana’s Covered Bridge Country is a destination worth the drive for any visitor. The multiple creeks proving fishing and paddling experiences, mixed with the tourism opportunities should delight all paddling enthusiasts. If you are looking for an escape into the wild, where the chances of seeing a deer or a turkey are greater than seeing another canoe, give Big Raccoon Creek a try.
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler
bbutler@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Pic: Indiana’s Covered Bridge Offers excellent tourism and paddling opportunities.
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