About kayaking in Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area

 

 

If you’ve never paddled through a flooded forest where giant trees rise straight out of the water, you’re missing one of the most unique kayaking experiences in the Midwest.

 

Just outside Mount Vernon, Indiana sits a hidden natural treasure: Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area.

 

Locals simply call it Hovey, and once you paddle here, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.

 

This lake feels completely different from most places in Indiana. Instead of wide open water and busy boat traffic, you’ll find quiet channels, wildlife everywhere, and towering bald cypress trees growing right out of the water.

 

At Splashy Paddle Co., this is one of our favorite places to kayak—and we love sharing it with others.

 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about kayaking Hovey Lake, from what makes it so special to the best time of year to paddle.

 

 

 

What Makes Hovey Lake So Unique

 

 

Hovey Lake isn’t just another lake—it’s actually an oxbow lake, which means it was once part of the nearby Ohio River before the river changed course and left the lake behind.

 

Today, the lake sits inside the larger Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area, which protects more than 7,000 acres of wetlands, forests, marshes, and floodplain habitat.

 

Because of its connection to the river system, the landscape feels much more like the southern United States than what most people expect in Indiana.

 

The real stars of the show are the bald cypress trees.

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​​These massive trees grow directly out of the water and create a

maze of natural paddling paths. Their roots form “knees” that stick

up around the trunks, giving the lake a mysterious swamp-like

appearance.

 

Paddling through them is peaceful, quiet, and honestly a little magical.

 

 

 

Kayaking Through the Cypress Trees

 

 

One of the most unforgettable parts of paddling here is weaving through the cypress groves.

 

When you paddle out from the launch area and into the trees, everything changes:

 

• The wind disappears

• The water becomes calm

• The sounds of wildlife take over

 

 

Sunlight filters through the branches and reflects off the water while you glide between trees that may be over a hundred years old.

 

It’s the kind of place where you slow down naturally. Instead of rushing across the lake, most people end up drifting quietly and exploring the winding pockets of water hidden between the trees.

 

For photographers and nature lovers, it’s an incredible experience.

 

And because much of the lake is shallow and protected from wind, it’s also a great place for first-time kayakers.

 

 

 

Wildlife You Might See While Paddling

 

 

Hovey Lake is one of the most wildlife-rich areas in southwest Indiana.

 

Since it sits near the meeting point of the Wabash River and the Ohio River, the wetlands attract an incredible variety of animals.

 

While kayaking, you may see:

 

• Bald eagles

• Great blue herons

• Egrets

• Turtles sunning on logs

• Beavers

• Jumping fish

• Migrating waterfowl

 

 

Birdwatchers especially love this area because the wetlands provide habitat for hundreds of bird species throughout the year.

 

Sometimes the best approach is simply to stop paddling and float quietly—you’ll be surprised how much wildlife appears when the water gets still.

 

 

 

When Is the Best Time to Kayak Hovey Lake?

 

 

The main paddling season at Hovey Lake runs from mid-February through late October.

 

Spring and early summer are especially beautiful because:

 

• Wildlife is very active

• The wetlands are full of life

• Temperatures are comfortable

 

 

Fall is another amazing time to paddle. The changing leaves reflect off the water and the lake becomes incredibly scenic.

 

 

 

Hunting and Kayaking: Is It Safe?

 

 

A lot of visitors ask about this since the lake is inside a Fish & Wildlife Area.

 

The good news is paddling and hunting seasons are separated.

 

Recreational paddling is closed from late October through mid-February, which overlaps with the primary waterfowl hunting season.

 

That means during the spring, summer, and early fall paddling months, you don’t have to worry about hunting activity while kayaking.

 

 

 

Other Things to Do Near Hovey Lake

 

Many visitors make a full day out of their trip to Hovey. Here are a few other great things to explore nearby.

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Fishing

Hovey Lake is well known among anglers for species like:

• Catfish

• Crappie

• Bass

The shallow waters and flooded timber provide excellent habitat for fish.

 

 

 

Explore Historic New Harmony

Just a short drive away is New Harmony, Indiana, one of the most charming small towns in the Midwest.

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You’ll find:

• Historic architecture

• Walking paths and gardens

• Art galleries

• Local restaurants

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Visit Harmonie State Park

 

Another nearby outdoor destination is Harmonie State Park, located along the Wabash River.

 

Here you can:

• Hike wooded trails

• Picnic along the river

• Watch river barges pass by

 

 

 

 

Why We Love Kayaking Hovey Lake

 

 

There are a lot of places to kayak, but Hovey Lake always stands out.

It’s quiet.

It’s wild.

And it feels like discovering a hidden corner of Indiana that most people don’t know exists.

Where else can you paddle through a flooded forest of cypress trees while eagles soar overhead?

Every time we bring someone here for the first time, their reaction is the same:

“I had no idea a place like this existed in Indiana.”

That’s exactly why we started Splashy Paddle.

 

 

 

Ready to Experience Hovey Lake?

 

If you’re looking for a peaceful paddle surrounded by wildlife and towering cypress trees, Hovey Lake is one of the best kayaking destinations in the Midwest.

 

At Splashy Paddle Co., we make it easy to explore this incredible place.

 

Whether you’re brand new to kayaking or an experienced paddler, we’d love to help you experience the beauty of Hovey Lake for yourself.

 

Come paddle the cypress trees with us.