Clifty Creek - My first view of Clifty Creek in Bartholomew County was provided by Rich Tekulve on the weekend of April 21-22, 2018 in which we had paddled the Hoosier Canoe Club sponsored Sand Creek paddle. Rich and I were on our way to paddle the Flatrock River on Sunday when he suddenly stopped on a county road bridge and showed me Clifty Creek flowing beneath us in a gorgeous spring setting. He said hardly anyone ever paddles this spectacular river. I was hooked.
I found a Hoosier Canoe Club Facebook posting from April 5, 2016 that provided a discussion by those interested in paddling Clifty Creek in the Hartsville to Petersville area. On my southern Indiana trip in June 2020 I scouted a few access locations on Clifty Creek in this area. Although the water level was too low at this time, I am preparing for a return in Spring of 2021.
I am hoping this FB Post will generate some interest in a trip next year, perhaps identify some additional access sites and generally promote this interesting river. I have listed the best accesses I found on my scouting trip.
Hartsville Access 1: Found a great put in on N CR1150E north of town on N CR1150E north of N Washington St., north side road side pull off for 4 vehicles, easy carry down on 10 ft. gentle slope at culvert. GPS Coord. 39.280114, -85.697231
Hartsville Access 2: On SR 46 south of Hartsville on north side, short paved road next to barricade, smally grassy parking area and turnaround, about 20 ft. steep climb down to river, medium difficulty, I prefer Hartsville Access 1. GPS Coord. 39.253456, -85.712008
2.3 miles to Fall Fork confluence (Anderson Falls located 1.6 miles upstream) from Hartsville Access 1
5.7 miles to Newbern Access 2 from Hartsville Access 1
Newbern Access 2: Good access at E CR225N off Newbern Road, road side parking at road curve, low bank. GPS Coord. 39.239549, -85.755671
5.1 miles to Petersville Access 2 from Newbern Access 2
Petersville Access 2: On CR N500E bridge, SW corner, DSRL, drive down steep dirt road to open parking area with loop turnaround, some walking (150 ft.) to low bank river access. GPS Coord. 39.217151, -85.819935 Probably best to go down to McCulloughs Run Park
3.2 miles to McCulloughs Run Park Access from Petersville Access 2 south of town on CR N500E bridge
McCulloughs Run Park Access: In Columbus has access to river (this is below Petersville. Did not look at this location).
Hartsville to McCulloughs Run Park: 13.5 miles
Clifty Park in Columbus is 2 ½ miles below McCulloughs Run Park and has river frontage.
