Trip Sponsor: Jim Sprandel (merlin-3d@sbcglobal.net)
This trip is one of my favorites because Cagles Mill Lake has a different feel when we paddle it at the higher lake stages that we have in the spring. At this writing, the water level is XX feet over the lake’s summer stage. It’s fun to paddle areas that are normally only hike-able. In 2017, we actually paddled over the Lower Falls all of the way up to and under the Upper Falls. Pretty cool.
We will launch from Lieber State Recreation Area. We will then paddle down the lake past Cunot PAS and up to the Falls. The trip from the Lieber SRA Ramp up to the Falls is about 6.5 miles each way and the first 3 miles crosses open portions of Cagles Mills Lake which can get choppy and windy. We will probably have lunch at the Lower Falls.
Meeting Place: Meet in Lieber SRA. If the lake stage is below 629, we will meet at the East end of the Swimming Beach at Lieber SRA. If the lake is above 630, we will either have to unload our boats on the road down to the beach or we may be able to use the ramp’s parking area at the west end of the beach which is a few feet higher than the beach. I’ll scout during the week before the trip and let people know where we will be able to park.
Directions: From I-70 and I-465 on the west side of Indianapolis, drive west on I-70 to the SR 243 exit (Exit 37). Drive about 3 miles south on SR 243 to the Lieber SRA Entrance and follow the signs to the beach within the park. (The SRA is approximately 45 minutes from I-465 and I-70 on the Indy West Side.) Note: There is a $7 fee for Indiana residents to enter the park and you must have a DNR Sticker for your boat—these stickers are available at the SRA gate.
What to Bring: Be sure to bring your boat, paddling gear, water, your lunch, sunscreen, and insect repellent. I require a spray skirt since we may be dealing with wind and boat chop in the first 3 miles. Due to the mileage and possible lake conditions, sea kayaks or touring kayaks with fore/aft flotation - spray skirts are required
Paddling Distance: 13-15 miles.
Schedule: Saturday, May 4, 2020 –
Plan on being ready to launch at 10:00 am—we should get off the water around 3:30 pm.
Contact Information: Please e-mail me at merlin-3d@sbcglobal.net by 6:00 pm on the Friday before the trip if you plan to attend so I can get latest conditions and launch location to you.
