Wildcat Creek, South Fork: Dayton to Wildcat Park

elapsed
time
1Put in at the Dayton public access site. (GPS: 40.2255, -86.4511)
0:00
2County Road 200 N bridge. (GPS: 40.2332, -86.4579)
0:35
3State Route 26 bridge. (GPS: 40.2510, -86.4609)
1:55
4Confluence of the Middle and South Forks of the Wildcat. (GPS: 40.2542, -86.4624)
2:00
5County Road 100 N bridge. (GPS: 40.2596, -86.4732)
3:00
6The confluence of the North and South Forks at the takeout at Wildcat Park. (GPS: 40.2628, -86.4826)
3:30

Trip Report

Water level at 5 feet and 1,160 cubic feet per second per the Lafayette USGS gage on Wildcat Creek.

The put-in at the Dayton public access site is very easy to find and has paved parking for about fifty cars. There is a short trail that goes directly to the creek, but the creek access is crowded and somewhat steep. A longer second trail runs back to the S.R. 38 bridge where there is more room and it's not as steep. From Dayton to Wildcat Park is approximately 10 miles and takes 3-4 hours to paddle. This trip could be easily broken into two shorter trips by putting in or taking out at the Monitor public access site.

If the level at the Lafayette gage was much lower than 4 feet, I'm not sure I'd attempt paddling the South Fork - but at 5 feet, it was perfect. No scraping and only two portages due to downed trees. The water is not as clear as the North Fork, but it moves more quickly and consistently. There's almost no need to paddle unless you want to because you can float and keep a pretty quick pace.

The creek runs alongside CR 800 for a while and then cuts through a series of tall clay bluffs. These bluffs continue for the next three miles, and in some places they are on both sides effectively creating a gorge. The creek is twisty with many sharp turns and riffles. I spotted a glacial kame (mound) in a clearing on the right while passing underneath some large utility lines that ran over the creek.

A little more than halfway, you will see the Monitor access site on the right at the S.R. 26 bridge. There are stairs and a clearly marked trail back to the parking area. Five minutes later, the Middle Fork joins the South Fork, and the creek becomes wider and more straight. There are some more bluffs and some beautiful scenery, but the second half of this segment isn't as challenging or interesting in my opinion.

The takeout at Wildcat Park is on the right bank immediately following the confluence of the North and South Forks. There is a large sandy beach, and if you look back in the trees you'll see a wooden observation deck. There is no sign, but the trail is easy to find and follow back up to the parking lot.

There is very little development along the creek in this segment, but you never seem to escape the din of Interstate 65 (although it isn't as loud or visible as Peter's Mill.) I saw many herons, kingfishers, jays, hawks, wood ducks, and deer. The bluffs and old-growth trees are beautiful. All in all, a great solo trip to catch some early autumn colors.

Trip reported by Michael Witt on 10/3/03.

Photo Gallery

The trailhead at the Dayton public access site.
Early fall colors on the South Fork.
The public access site at the SR26 bridge near Monitor is on the right before you reach the bridge.
Heron tracks by the water's edge.
Raccoon tracks in the sand.
A cool bluff between Monitor and Wildcat Park.
The takeout on the beach at Wildcat Park.

Access Sites

Dayton Access Site: From I-65, take State Route 38 East through the city of Dayton; turn left immediately after the bridge on CR 775 E; the site is on the left. This site is operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Fairfield Lakes Access Site: From Dayton, turn left on CR 800 E which turns into CR 775 E; the access site is at the intersection of CR 200 S and CR 775 E. Fairfield Lakes are operated by the Tippecanoe County Department of Parks and Recreation. (GPS: 40.2350, -86.4572)
County Road 200 S: There is a boat symbol at this location on the Indiana Atlas & Gazetteer topographic map, but locals advise against parking and accessing the creek here. Use Fairfield Lakes instead.
Monitor: From Dayton, take CR 775 E north; turn left on State Route 26; the access site is on the left. Monitor Public Access Site is operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
County Road 100 N: There appears to be parking alongside the road and a wide trail leading to the creek on the southwest bank; however, this is private property.
Wildcat Park: From Dayton, turn right on CR 775E; turn right on State Route 38; take I-65 North to State Route 25 North; turn right on CR 300 N; turn right on CR 400 E, which turns into Eisenhower Road; Wildcat Park is on the right. Wildcat Park was founded by The Wildcat Creek Foundation and is operated by the Tippecanoe County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Copyright 2003, 2004 Michael Witt