Cave River Valley - Springmill (Indiana)

Canoeing, Hiking, Caveing, Primtive Camping, ATV Riding, Sight Seeing, History
Southern Indiana has been called the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is true that there are some rugged hills and wide valleys with beautiful rivers and creeks to enjoy. You don't have to journey a 1,000 miles cross country to see wild lands and enjoy the outdoors. Immerse yourself in woodland splendor and walk into Indiana's wild country. From Indianapolis, this is just a two hour journey and from Louisville it is only about an hour to get started.

This Tour takes in a unique geological feature called the Wesley Chapel Gulf near the Rise of the Lost River in western Orange County that is worth hiking. From there you can go to Hindostan Falls, to Springmill State Park and Pioneer Village and stay at the Spring Mill Inn. Then the adventure really begins. Head west on SR 60 to Campbellsburg for a caveing adventure in Cave River Valley. Then get you ATV ready for some wild trail riding at Backwoods Adventure Park. Salem has a couple of historic areas that are worth a look to wind up your trip to cave country including Beck's Mill and John Hay Historic Center complete with pioneer village.


Canoe Trip - Hindostan Falls to Portersville-
The twenty-mile section of White River between Hindostan Falls and Portersville is an enjoyable nine-hour float with two sections of rapids. The river flows slowly through farmland and wooded areas. Camping facilities are located at Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area southeast of Washington 12 miles on State Road 257, and in Martin State Forest east of shoals 2 miles on US 50. The fishing is good at Hindostan Falls for freshwater drum and in the river for trotline fishing. For the canoeist who also enjoys hiking, there are thousands of acres in the national forest near the river.
Orangeville (Rise of the Lost River) Wesley Chapel Gulf Geological Feature - Start your journey heading down SR 37 to Orleans and then 2.4 miles further and turn right (west) on CR 500 N.


Link to Pictures of Cave River Valley: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/548987141IThhov?vhost=outdoors

The put-in site is second ramp at Hindostan Falls State Fishing Area east of Loogootee. The take-out site is at the Portersville State Launch Ramp across the river northeast of Portersville. The car shuttle beginning at Hindostan Falls moves north on Hindostan Road then west on State Road 550 to Loogootee, then south on US 231. Turn right off US 231 at County Road 650 S and head west in Alfordsville. Turn left in town on County Road 1175 E. South of town stay on the blacktop jogging west on 700 S then south on 1125 E and proceed about 4 miles to the river near Portersville. The take-out site is on the northeast side of the bridge.

ATV Riding: There is Lawrence Country Recreational Park for ATV's and off road motorbikes located west of SR 37 head west on CR 750N, turn right and then left on CR 870. The park is at the dead end. 400 acres of separate trails for each sport.

ATV Riding: North of Salem, take SR 135 N to Kossuth. Turn left at signs that say Kossuth and follow signs that say "Backwoods" from that point. 140 acres of trails and primitive camping is available- no electric and no running water on site.