Sugar Creek

Sugar Creek is a clear running, unpolluted stream which travels in a generally northeast to southwest direction as it cuts across west-central Indiana. The source lies in Tipton County and the entire river length to the Wabash confluence is approximately 90 miles.

Early Indians named the stream after seeing the many sugar maple trees in the area. Because of its swift water, Sugar Creek was important to the early pioneers as a source of power. The Woolen and Yountsville Mills were located along the stream and their remains can still be seen today.

Sugar Creek is not Indiana's fastest nor is it out most challenging canoe water but it is generally conceded to be the most beautiful stream in the State. It runs either through or along a Girl Scout Camp, Pine Hills Nature Preserve, Shades State Park, Turkey Run State Park and Allee Memorial Forest. Mississippian and Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks have been exposed by the erosive action of the stream. An added attraction in the area is the many covered bridges over Sugar Creek and other streams in the area.

The dominant native vegetation along the stream is an upland beech-maple association. In places, unique relic species such as hemlock and white pine occur. These trees have a normal range 150 or more miles to the north but may be found on northwestern facing cliffs. The river generally ranges from 2-4 feet deep with a bottom of rubble or sand. Water quality is quite good and the stream runs clear except after rain when it tends to become muddy. Fishing is generally good in the stream; game fish species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish and catfish. Look for most fish to be in the pools lying just below rapids.

Sugar Creek is usually hospitable to its visitors, displaying a series of riffles, pools and gentle wide runs. During flood stage, however, the character changes drastically and the river becomes dangerous for all but the experienced whitewater canoeist.

Sugar Creek is great for canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing...contact an America Outdoors outfitter for recreational opportunities.