DISCOVER | White River
STORY BY SHERYL MYERS
White
MADISON COUNTY
River
’ S
The White River in Madison County is a remnant of the last ice age , when glacial melt water deposited sand and gravel as it carved a basin running the width of the county . The White River today offers quality outdoor recreation for visitors of all ages .
Paddlers kayaking down our stretch of the river may be surprised that many of the sights and sounds of civilization are absent . Massive cottonwoods lean over the river , turtles rest on logs and startled blue heron fly overhead . The river meanders and braids through the county , leaving sandbars and islands scattered along its length . The quality of the river has vastly improved since the close of the manufacturing era in Madison County . The river was restocked in 2000 with one million fish including channel catfish , largemouth and smallmouth bass , rock bass and bluegill . This section of the river , with its clean flowing water , sand and gravel bottom and plenty of boulders and other hiding places for fish , hosts a thriving smallmouth bass fishery . Edgewater Park is a great spot to don hip waders and cast a line . Edgewater also has a newly improved boat launch , while Derby Downs on Madison Avenue and Riverbend Park are also suitable for paddlers to launch their craft .
Cyclists , runners and pedestrians can find scenic views and varied landscapes on the White River Greenway . A 4 + mile paved trail that runs adjacent to the river from Raible Avenue through Anderson and continues unpaved another 2 miles to the Rangeline Nature Preserve . A half-mile connector joins the Greenway to the 2.75-mile Shadyside Park trail loop and Shadyside Lake . The trail passes Bobber ’ s Café , open 8 a . m . to 5 p . m . daily ) where trail users can enjoy a cold drink , a meal or ice cream on the patio overlooking the lake .
The White River is a living , thriving ecosystem that will delight residents and visitors alike .
Sheryl Myers is a founding member of the White River Watchers and the Heart of the River , contributor to the The Herald-Bulletin ’ s On Nature column .
10 | DISCOVER SUMMER 2023