Don’t have time to paddle distant rivers? Then join us for a trip down Fall Creek on the east side of Indy.
Fall Creek: 79th St. to Skiles Test Park Reach
Trip sponsor is Brent Saucerman 317-523-8417. Please call or text me if you have questions.
** Please check email around 8 am the morning of the paddle in case of inclement weather/high water/dangerous conditions**
Meet time: 10:00 AM, all gear unloaded and ready to shuttle by 10:30
Put In: 39.89828887782061, -85.99020590279198
This is a utility access drive catty corner across the creek from the Kroger at 9835 Fall Creek Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46256. We will drop boats and gear here, then move to an appropriate parking area across Fall Creek. Please use caution entering and exiting.
Take Out: Fall Creek Parkway Parking lot South of Skiles Test Park, 6846 E Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46220. If necessary, we can park overflow vehicles at Skiles Test Park, or Golden Burke Scout Center.
Expected trip duration: 3-3.5 hours with lunch/snack break
Trip Distance: Approximately 7 miles?
Required Skill level: Paddlers should have the ability to maneuver through turns in current with strainers and other obstacles (good basic maneuvering skills) as with most streams in Indiana. If the flow rate at the Millersville gauge is at or in excess of 400 CFS, intermediate paddling skills, including solid forward, back, draw, and pry/push-away strokes, the ability to eddy-in and peel out, and quickly and accurately maneuver to avoid dangerous obstacles will be required.
REQUIRED Equipment: Properly fitted USCG approved PFDs must be worn at all times while on the water. Paddlers should dress in layers for immersion in cold water or wear wetsuit, dry suit, or a combination of warm clothing and splash tops/bottoms or similar. Please do not wear cotton clothing due to likely temps. Long pants and fully enclosed water shoes or old athletic shoes are strongly recommended due to vegetation and Indiana streams’ wonderful assortment of man- made items that may pierce your tootsies (including a compact pickup and motorcycle along the route). If you have questions, please call Brent at 317-523-8417. At least 2 qt./L water in durable bottles and/or warm drink in a thermos. Paddlers wearing normal clothing must bring a dry change of clothes in a dry bag or bags that will keep them dry in a capsize and submersion. Personal first aid kit in waterproof containment is recommended. Rain jacket or poncho. Please bring any lunch or snack items that you may want while on the water.
Optional equipment: Bailer, bilge pump and/or sponge, throw bags/pin kits if you have them and know how to use them, Sunscreen/sun hat/glasses or sunglasses on a floating lanyard, floating dry box or bag for any electronics.
Boats: If weather and flow rate are appropriate, this paddle is suitable for all canoes and kayaks, including SOTs, and SUPs. recommend at least 8' in length, and 16' or less. IF the water flow is 400 CFS or greater, we will limit the trip to traditional kayaks and canoes with appropriate floatation. We will stay together as a group. Speed of the trip will depend on the mix of boats.
If conditions allow, we can play in the “rapids” or talk about and demonstrate basic moving water rescues, and discuss reading the water
Shuttle Route: Fall Creek Parkway, approximately 20 minutes round trip
