About 60 miles to the west of Indianapolis, you'll find the Turkey Run State Park, and in it Sugar Creek. Travel west along I-36, then north for 10 miles along I-41 to get to the park. Sugar Creek is one of the state's most picturesque rivers. There are a number of places to hire a kayak on Sugar Creek, and also a couple of launch points, one just upstream from the Narrows Covered Bridge and the other downstream from the Cox Ford Covered Bridge. Be advised that no swimming is permitted in Sugar Creek.
Hidden away in the Hoosier National Forest just over 50 miles to the south of Indianapolis is Indiana's largest lake, Lake Monroe, which is fed by Salt Creek. Whatever time of year you choose to kayak on the creek, you won't be disappointed. This is an area of stunning beauty that is home to plenty of wildlife, including the bald eagle, beaver, deer and turkey. Be wary if you plan to step ashore--the forest is also home to numerous rattlesnakes and copperheads. The kayak is the best place to be. You can best get to Salt Creek by heading west from Columbus along Route 46 and turning south on Route 135 for about 10 miles.
The Blue River flows into the Ohio River about 30 miles to the west of Louisville, and on its way passes through the scenic wooded hills and valleys of southern Indiana. The river has some fast challenging portions and some slower pools. Along the sides of the river, you'll see tall limestone cliffs scattered with caves. On average this river is about 5 feet deep, and is fed by many springs. Expect to see deer, otters, turtles and the odd great blue heron. Look out for submerged boulders, which can be quite dangerous.
In spite of its name, there is no real white water on this river, which lies about 30 miles to the northwest of Cincinnati and flows into the Miami River. There are rapids, though, and the river falls about 6 feet every mile and is said to be the fastest in the state. A good put-in site is in Cambridge City near to the intersection between I-40 and Route 1. For the most part the riverbed is either sand or gravel. The Whitewater River passes through picturesque farmland and is lined with natural forest vegetation where the banks are too steep to cultivate.
