Wildcat Creek Natural Scenic River in Indiana

WILDCAT CREEK RIVER SEGMENTS
North Fork: Reservoir Spillway to Waterworks Park

Distance: At 4.5 miles this section takes about 2-3 hours to float.

River Features: The riverbanks appear more wooded and natural for much of this section, though you will pass more houses and other development as you approach Kokomo. About 1.7 miles after the put-in the creek passes under the CR 300 E bridge. A little more than 2 miles later the creek passes under the US 31 bridges. Just before the next bridge (Carter Street bridge) you will encounter the Waterworks Dam (see hazards below). After getting through the dam and passing under the Carter Street bridge Waterworks Park is on the right bank. Start looking river right for the concrete boat ramp that is the take-out at Waterworks Park.

Hazards: You may not even see Waterworks Dam coming, though you might notice a thin white pipe running along the right riverbank. From a distance the dam just looks like a thin line across the water before the bridge. However, you should be careful as it is more than it appears, and there is a dangerous undertow by the dam. At all water levels the dam may be portaged on river left. For experienced paddlers, the dam may be run during higher flows - there is a chute in the center of the dam. (We ran the chute at a good flow of about 200 cfs.)

reservoir spillway put-in
at the put-in looking upstream at the reservoir spillway
approaching Waterworks Dam
approaching Waterworks Dam
portage river left at Waterworks Dam
canoers portaging on river left
chute at Waterworks Dam
looking upstream at the chute in the dam
portage on river left at Waterworks Dam
looking upstream at the portage area
Waterworks Park boat ramp
take-out at Waterworks Park
 

Important: The river is constantly changing. Hazards like log jams and tree falls will come and go, so always be ready for them. Riffles will appear and disappear based on water flow levels. Do not attempt boating on this or any river during high water. Please be safe, respectful and responsible on the river.
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