Wildcat Creek Canoe Guide - North Fork - Adams Mill to Knop Lake


	Wildcat Creek, North Fork: Adams Mill to Knop Lake
		elapsed time
1	Put in below the dam at Adams Mill public access site. (GPS: 40.2881, -86.3048)	0:00
2	The Adams Mill (CR 50 E) covered bridge. (GPS: 40.2902, -86.3071)	0:20
3	Railroad bridge. (GPS: 40.2890, -86.3134)	0:40
4	State Route 75 bridge. (GPS: 40.2891, -86.3181)	1:00
5	Prince William Road bridge. (GPS: 40.2840, -86.3525)	2:50
6	Lancaster Covered Bridge (CR 500 W.) (GPS: 40.2806, -86.3703)	4:00
7	Railroad bridge. (GPS: 40.2807, -86.3788)	4:25
8	State Route 421 bridge. (GPS: 40.2788, -86.3820)	4:35
9	Take out at Knop Lake public access site (on the left bank.) (GPS: 40.2759, -86.3985)	5:30
Trip Report Water level at 3.65 feet and 450 cubic feet per second per the Lafayette USGS gage and 2 feet and 65 CFS per the Kokomo USGS gage. Put in below the dam, easy access. Plenty of water, no scraping at this level. What I like about this segment is that there is a good variety of riffles, turns, still and straight water. They are spaced out perfectly for a good mix of easy to moderate paddling. There are a couple of cool old railroad and covered bridges. We saw plenty of turtles, fish, frogs, herons, and a very large owl. There are wood signs on the bridges indicating your location and distance to public access sites. This stretch is approximately 14 miles total. For the first seven or eight miles, the water is very clear and the bottom is sand and smooth glacial rocks. After the Prince William Road bridge, the forest gets thicker and the water becomes muddy and still. The takeout at Knop Lake is on your left about an hour after you pass the SR 421 bridge. The sign isn't very easy to see, but there is a distinctive, round, medium-sized rock in the middle of the creek that is a good landmark. With the exception of the last two or three miles, there is very little development with maybe one or two buildings every few miles. There is one unpleasant section that goes through a trailer court with some disgarded appliances, but this takes little away from what is otherwise a beautiful creek. According the DNR web site, the takeout at Knop Lake is closed but there is no sign or other indication that it isn't open. There are two fallen trees blocking the shore, and the trail to the parking lot follows a narrow, muddy ridge with a steep 50-75' incline. The trail was marked with orange flags tied on tree branches, otherwise it would have been very difficult to find and follow. [Update 5/9/04 Construction began on a road to the creek!] With the exception of the trailer park section and the takeout, this is a very scenic and fun segment to paddle that is highly recommended.One nice thing about Adams Mill is that you can put in at the dam, paddle for about a mile around the large bend, and then take out at the mill by the covered bridge: you'll end up right back by your car, so you don't need a shuttle! Trip reported by Michael Witt and Lou Wilkinson on 9/14/03.
Photo Gallery
	Adams Mill and Museum of Americana.
	Trailhead by parking for Adams Mill public access.
	Wildcat Creek between Adams Mill and Knop Lake.
	Somewhat obscured entrance to Knop Lake.
	Another photo of the Knop Lake takeout from the river.
Access Sites
	Adams Mill State Fishing Area: From State Road 29 in Burlington, turn right (west) on 8th Street which will become CR 475 S; this will turn into CR 500 S, follow it to CR 50 E and turn right until you see the sign for Adams Mill. This access site is operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
	Prince William Road: From Adams Mill take CR 50 E back to CR 500 S and turn right; continue through Culter and turn right (north) on SR 75; cross the creek and then turn left on CR 400 S; turn left (south) on Prince William Road. There is room for two or three cars alongside the road.
	State Route 421: From Adams Mill take CR 50 E back to CR 500 S and turn right; continue through Culter and turn right (north) on SR 75; cross the creek and then turn left on CR 400 S; turn left (south) on SR 421. There is room to park two or three cars along the road near the stop sign. The southwest (downstream/left) parcel of land is owned by The Wildcat Creek Foundation and can be used to access the creek.
	Knop Lake State Fishing Area: From Adams Mill take CR 50 E back to CR 500 S and turn right. Continue through Culter and turn right (north) on SR 75; cross the creek and then turn left on CR 400 S; turn left (south) on SR 421; go across the creek and then turn right on CR 550 W (this road is not marked very well); CR 550 W turns into CR 650 S. The entrance to Knop Lake will be a gravel road on your right that is obscured by trees. It is operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Wildcat Creek, North Fork: Adams Mill to Knop Lake

Trip Report

Photo Gallery

Access Sites