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Indiana | Northeast Indiana
Wabash RiverVera Cruz Paddlesports Launch to Kehoe Park
Mid-length Wells County Wabash route from Vera Cruz Paddlesports Launch into Bluffton at Kehoe Park. Use the Bluffton stage gauge and stay inside the same local 1.5 to 3 ft kayaking band.
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
Launch at Vera Cruz Paddlesports Launch and take out at Kehoe Park for a medium-length Wells County Wabash route into Bluffton. Use USGS 03323000 at Bluffton as the direct stage check and stay conservative outside the local 1.5 to 3 ft kayaking band.
Access map
Put-in
Vera Cruz Paddlesports LaunchThe NEI Water Trails Wabash River Challenge page explicitly lists Vera Cruz to Kehoe Park as a 6-mile route, and the NEI map exposes both endpoint coordinates.
Take-out
Kehoe ParkWells County Trails confirms Vera Cruz as a public improved concrete launch. Bluffton describes Kehoe Park as a public riverfront park with direct access to the River Greenway trail system, matching the NEI Wabash access marker.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- The NEI Water Trails Wabash River Challenge page explicitly lists Vera Cruz to Kehoe Park as a 6-mile route, and the NEI map exposes both endpoint coordinates.
- Wells County Trails confirms Vera Cruz as a public improved concrete launch. Bluffton describes Kehoe Park as a public riverfront park with direct access to the River Greenway trail system, matching the NEI Wabash access marker.
- Wells County Trails links the Wabash river-level check to the Bluffton gauge and warns never to enter during Action or Flood Stages.
- Follow current signs and local conditions on arrival rather than assuming the mapped park edge is the exact best carry path on every day.
- Use only public access points. Indiana river-rights context still requires caution around private banks and land above the ordinary high-water mark.
Watch for
- Stage below 1.5 ft, when Wells County Trails says low water can require getting out of the kayak to pass shallow sections.
- Stage above 3 ft, rising water, Action Stage, Flood Stage, or recent heavy rain, when stronger flow, debris, and obstacle hazards increase.
- Floating wood, log jams, bridge debris, strainers, submerged snags, and shallow gravel or sand bars.
- Wind, thunderstorms, cold water, poor visibility, and town-side take-out activity near Kehoe Park.
- Private banks between launches; plan the 6-mile trip without assuming legal intermediate take-outs.
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Wabash River at Bluffton, IN. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Wabash River at Bluffton, IN |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| Discharge | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 1.50 ft to 3.00 ft |
| Low threshold | 1.50 ft |
| High threshold | 3.00 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official and local sources |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Wells County Trails Wabash River kayaking stage guidance |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Local stage band1.5 to 3 ft
Wells County Trails says this is the ideal river height for kayaking and warns never to enter during Action or Flood Stages.
- Public route shape6 mi
The Northeast Indiana Water Trails Wabash River Challenge page lists Vera Cruz to Kehoe Park as a 6-mile segment.
- Endpoint coordinatesNEI Water Trails map
The Northeast Indiana Water Trails map lists Vera Cruz - Wabash River at 40.69890779, -85.0828222 and Wabash ~ Kehoe Park at 40.74237, -85.171271.
- Gauge check during route review · 2026-07-1631.3 cfs / 1.39 ft
This reading was saved when we checked the guide. It is not today’s water level. Check the current gauge and local conditions before paddling.
- Take-out legitimacyKehoe Park riverfront access
Bluffton describes Kehoe Park as a public riverfront park with direct access to the River Greenway trail system, matching the NEI Water Trails mapped Wabash access.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
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Quick answers
Wabash River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Vera Cruz Paddlesports Launch to Kehoe Park route on the Wabash River?
Paddle Today watches Wabash River at Bluffton, IN and treats 1.50 ft to 3.00 ft as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Vera Cruz Paddlesports Launch to Kehoe Park route on the Wabash River start and end?
This route starts at Vera Cruz Paddlesports Launch and ends at Kehoe Park, about 6 mi on the water.
Is the Vera Cruz Paddlesports Launch to Kehoe Park route on the Wabash River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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