Delphi Historic Trails-Wabash & Erie Canal Trail:
Indiana
Trail Map
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Description:
Tucked into rural north-central Indiana, the Delphi Historic Trails are jewels that should not be overlooked by outdoors enthusiasts and or history buffs alike. While access is convenient from Trailhead Park, visitors would be helping themselves greatly if they printed the map of the trail system (see website in "Contact" information). The route described below is composed of seven different named trails. These trails blend together fairly seamlessly, but without a map can be confusing. The entire system iruns along a crushed stone surface suitable for walking and off-road bicycles (road bikes are not recommended).
Upon leaving Trailhead Park, you cross Deer Creek on a stunning suspension bridge that provides an excellent view of the crystal-clear water below, as well as the healthy fish population that inhabits it.
Across the bridge, you reach a junction: To the right is the Robbins Trail, which travels along Deer Creek past some wonderful swimming and fishing holes. The Robbins Trail connects with the Happy Jacks Loop just beyond Highway 25, and from there it is only 1 mile to the end of this section of the trail.
Instead of taking the Robbins Trail, however, you should turn left after the bridge to access the Van Scoy Towpath Trail. At this intersection, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the Wabash River as well as the Wabash and Erie Canal.
Turn right onto the Van Scoy Towpath, and be sure to stop to read the interpretive panels along this stretch that provide interesting histocial information about the canal's history. This section of trail also crosses a historic stone arch bridge and then tunnels under Highway 39, where it becomes the Underhill Towpath Trail.
Shortly after that, the trail goes through another tunnel under the active rail line that still services the town. From this point on, the trail follows the restored section of the canal. At 468 miles, this was once the longest canal in the northern hemisphere, and second longest in the world. This trail section-just over a mile in length-is reminiscent of how the canal looked in its heyday in the 1850s. As you go by, keep a lookout for the occasional "explosions" in the clear water-many large carp call this stretch home. Anglers may want to cast a line for the bluegill, bass, and catfish that also live in the canal.
Other highlights of this stretch include the town of Delphi, which has an excellent interpretative center located right along the trail. A restored canal boat moored here offers canal rides on the weekends during the summer.
After 1 mile on the Underhill Towpath Trail, you pass another historic stone bridge, built in 1901 at Washington Street. At this point, you begin the Founders Towpath Trail. Although it's only a half mile long, this portion of trail takes you past the beautifully restored Paint Creek Bridge, an old iron highway bridge built in 1873. This section ends at Founder's Point, where you can see the water intake that feeds the restored section of the canal. The local limestone quarry pumps in more than 3 million gallons of water a day to keep the canal filled to capacity.
From Founder's Point, your path becomes the North End Trail, which passes between the canal and Canal Park Annex, a park setting with restrooms and picnic areas. A half mile from Founder's Point, the trail ends. Cross the stone arch bridge at Washington Street, and then return to the starting point.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the starting point at Trailhead Park, take Interstate 65 to State Route 25, and head north for 12 miles. Trailhead Park is on the left just a mile before the town of Delphi. This is the preferred access point a it offers public parking.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
Always Open
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