Hot On The Trails: Indy’s Central Canal Towpath
CENTRAL CANAL TOWPATH
Length: 5.2 miles / Surface: crushed stone / Location: Indianapolis / Connects to: Monon Trail, White River Wapahani Trail
A BIG CRUSH
Unlike most of the greenways in Indy, the Towpath isn’t paved—it’s covered in crushed limestone. The surface means less joint impact for runners, and experienced cyclists should be fine on standard skinny road tires, but beginning bikers might prefer wider rubber.
ON THE EDGE
The Towpath gets almost dangerously close to the banks of the canal in spots. Careful not to slip in.
CAR!
Yes, that’s a vehicle on the trail. Autos typically aren’t allowed on greenways, but in the Rocky Ripple neighborhood—bounded by the Central Canal, White River, and Butler University—the Towpath acts as an ancillary road for residents.
PHOTO OPS
Iron bridges cross the canal—including two dating back to the 1800s—and make for pretty backdrops. The gorgeous red Waller Bridge behind the Indianapolis Museum of Art—which has a new seasonal beer garden, FYI—is especially popular for wedding and engagement shots. From there, trail users can venture onto the wooded, installation-lined trails of the IMA’s Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. A little ways north, Holcomb Gardens on Butler University’s campus offer another photogenic—and free—respite.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
Wildlife is everywhere along the trail. Look for turtles sunning themselves on fallen logs and blue herons stretching their legs in the shallow water. Deer can be found roaming around the woods and sculptures behind the IMA.
STOP SHORT
Although the Towpath goes all the way up to Broad Ripple, the desire for refreshment need take you no farther northeast than the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood around 56th and Illinois streets. Near the trail, you’ll find Illinois Street Food Emporium, The Flying Cupcake bakery, Graeter’s ice cream parlor, and, yes, a Starbucks.
TRAIL GUIDE
“The soft surface is a welcome deviation from pounding the pavement,” says Fox 59’s Larra Overton, a former college track athlete. “Especially when training for longer distances like the Monumental Marathon, extended trails with a variety of terrain and scenery are crucial.”
This article is part of “Hot on the Trails,” IM’s road-free guide to exploring Central Indiana. Additional reporting by Jennifer Burnham
