Kayaking "The Great Traverse"

Three miles. Two road portages. One intense adventure. Clean your kayak, prep your paddles, and give those shoulders a good stretch, as this flat-water trek across all three lakes will test your grit and leave you with some seriously sore arms.

Unlike our lazy floats on the Wabash or casual meandering at Hovey, "The Great Traverse" is a full-blown commitment. We launch into the north end of Bluegrass Lake, paddle south to New Harmony Road where we portage across the highway. Then we put right back in and conquer Loon Pit, portage again, and push through pure willpower to finish on Otter Pit at the sourth end. Pack your Advil, leave the excuses at home, and get ready for a legendary day on the water.

Plan to meet at the main lot, and we'll sort out the shuttle logistics as a group before we start our adventure.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3 miles
• Water Conditions: flatwater with two portages

What to Bring

• Kayak, canoe, or SUP
  (post in event comments if you need to borrow one)
• PFD (personal flotation device, required)
• Paddles
• Dry bags for gear
• Water and snacks
• Sunscreen and hat
• Change of dry clothes (in a dry bag)
• Synthetic clothing is preferred (avoid cotton and denim)
• Water shoes or sandals with heel straps

Schedule

ALL TIMES LISTED IN CENTRAL TIME (CST/CDT)

• 9:00 AM: Meet at Main Parking Lot
  and Fill out daily permits at Check-In station, and shuttle a vehicle to Otter Pit
• 9:30 AM: Launch from Put-In
• 12:00 PM: Take-out and shuttle back.

Ground Rules

• All participants must have a PFD while on the water.
• Leave no trace, pack out all your trash.
• No alcohol on the water.
• Children permitted only with organizer approval.
• Dogs permitted at organizer's discretion (must have PFD).
• No swimming at FWA properties.

Cost

• Free!

Notes

• Check-in is required at the Check-In station. You'll need to visit on arrival and again before departure.
• No paddler will be left behind, but please make an effort to stay with the group, and make continuous progress toward our destination.

Maps / Information

• Meeting Location (Lot 16): [Google Maps]
• Put-in Location (Lot 1): [Google Maps]
• Take-out Location (Lot 12): [Google Maps]
• Property Map: [PDF]