Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area

Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area is a sprawling 8,500-acre recreation area in Pike County, Indiana, featuring approximately 100 pits and lakes created from former strip-mining operations. The Ashby Pit access point provides boat ramp access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats looking to explore one of the area's many water features. This scenic location offers a quieter paddling experience away from flowing rivers, making it ideal for recreational paddling and fishing.

The site is located near Arthur, IN, and is part of a larger network of ramps available at most pits across Areas 1, 2, 3, and 6 of Sugar Ridge FWA. Paddlers should use designated parking areas and be aware that some pits within the property are restricted to foot traffic only. The area is known for good fishing opportunities, and the landscape features interesting topography with overburden ridges from the mining era. For accessibility information or details about specific pit conditions, contact the Sugar Ridge office. The nearby Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge offers additional paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities for those exploring the broader region.