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Why Explore Indiana's Rivers....
Most
of the rivers and streams in
Indiana are not what I would call "fancy" rivers. Fancy rivers are
those with
plenty of marinas, outfitters, check-in points and personnel to look
after the
multitudes of visitors. Fancy rivers may also have plenty of thrills in
the
form of rapids, which also attracts many people. With the exception of
the Ohio
River, there are few marinas along Indiana rivers. Most of the lengths
of the
rivers are not park-like along the banks. There are few designated
camping
sites and places to purchase supplies. Even the 500-mile long Wabash
River
offers little in the way of facilities. To some people that may be a
deterrent,
but not so for me and many others who like to truly explore a
river.
I prefer a river in it's natural
state and the rivers of Indiana provide it. Of course while going through
towns, there are manicured parks and they are very nice. But most of the way,
the rivers look like they did to the early explorers. Even through agricultural
areas there is usually a corridor of trees, that provides a remote feeling.
Some Indiana rivers, like other states, have their share of low head dams that
are not exactly natural obstructions and must be portaged. There are, however,
long sections of free flowing river to enjoy. Some rivers have control dams and
back up into lakes, so for the explorer it wise to do a little research
regarding these obstacles. The Wabash River has the longest section of free
flowing river east of the Mississippi River, with over 400 miles of
unobstructed flow.
If you are looking for an adrenalin
rush, you may want to go to those fancy rivers. With a few exceptions, any
rapids are mild or non-existent. It does get exciting when your canoe is pulled
into one of the many natural drift piles or you get too close to a spillway
dam, but I don't recommend that kind of excitement. Thrills are to be found in
the form of the ever-growing number of eagles and other wildlife, the many
remote islands to explore and the many natural changes that the rivers have.
You can take a break and drift down most rivers without worrying about being
ran over by a commercial vessel or tipped over by the wake of a speed boat. I
have spent entire days floating down the Wabash River without even seeing
another person on the river. You will find that "Hoosier Hospitality" is alive
and well, so where powerboats are present, the boaters will usually stay clear of paddlers.
If you are looking for remote beauty and can fend for yourself, then I invite
you to join the relatively few of us who know what Indiana is like Beyond the Bridges. Come to Indiana to
enjoy our rivers, and remember...LEAVE NO TRACE THAT YOU WERE THERE!
 Jerry Hay
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