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.