Delphi Historic Trails-Wabash & Erie Canal Trail:
Indiana
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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, or Canal Park, 1030 W. Washington Street, 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 runs 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.
Happy Jack's Loop also branches off the Interurban Trail, a .8 mile stretch of the early 1900s electric trail line that ran through Delphi.
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 at Sunset Point.
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. Near the end of the trail is a historic stearn's truss iron bridge. 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 grass 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 a historic 1850s village, an excellent interpretive museum, bike and paddleboat livery and concession booth, as well as access to the town of Delphi and an array of restaurants, an opera house in the midst of rejuvenation, art gallery and other attractions. A ¾ size replica canal boat moored at Canal Park 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. Near the picnic area the second of three - Interurban, High Bridge, Belt Railroad - rail trails in the Delphi/Canal trail system splits off. The Belt Railroad Trail is only .3 mile and takes the hiker/biker out to Carrollton Road. 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.
The very newest trail is called the Monon High Bridge Trail. It goes east of Delphi two miles from City Park and then follows a section of the scenic old Monon railroad bed. The trail is groomed to the fabled High Bridge over Deer Creek. The trails group has not yet obtained the CSX land at the awe inspiring 63 feet high, 854 feet long bridge itself but there are spectacular views of the deep pristine Deer Creek valley with its high shear slate bluffs. The bridge is the second highest in Indiana and was constructed in 1881, and rebuilt in 1891.
Altogether there are about 10 miles of trails in the Delphi area including several short trails that wind through Delphi itself and highlight historic homes, several city parks and downtown shops.
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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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By kevinhow on March 21, 2010
The Delphi Historic Trail/Wabash & Erie Trail system in this small, north central Indiana community is truly a hidden gem for history buffs and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
The system consists of about 10 miles of moderate to easy trails of mostly crushed stone that are multi-purpose use for a pleasant afternoon hike or ride.
Canal Park at 1030 W. Washington Street has become the central jumping off place for the trails.
Plenty of parking is available and there are restroom facilities (always good to know!), an Interpretive Museum of canal history, tours of the historic Case House, Noble Bikes bicycle/paddleboat rentals, snacks and drinks, and park benches to rest the legs.
The Underhill Towpath Trail runs through the park between the mile-long section of watered canal and the historic canal-era village.
The Underhill trail is a link to a dozen other short trails that run past the Wabash River, Deer Creek, through two city parks and along downtown streets where a number of historic homes have been preserved and a late-1800s opera house is being renovated.
The downtown streets of Delphi can also be used as links from one section of trails to another, not to mention a handy spot with several quaint restaurants to take time for leisurely lunch (Stonehouse Restaurant is popular with tasty homestyle food).
Trekking the trails can be a bit confusing but maps are available at the Canal Park interpretive museum and the Noble Bikes in the historic village.
Noble Bikes, in addition to bicycle rentals and paddleboats, also offers family pedal surreys for trips around town or on the easier trails along the canal.
I've ridden or hiked most if not all of the trails a number of times and it's always a pleasant experience whether a solitary hiker/biker, in a group, or as a family.
I highly recommend anyone interested in a pleasant hike/bike along waterways, wooded trails and historic structures to try the Delphi Historic-Wabash & Erie Canal trails.
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