12 Indiana Canal Paths For Long Walks With Your Dog
Long before highways crossed Indiana, mule teams plodded along canal towpaths, pulling boats loaded with grain and goods. Those same flat, shady paths now make some of the best dog-walking routes in the state.
You will find iron bridges, old stone locks, covered aqueducts, and even a spot where a creek once let boats float right across. Some paths stretch for miles through busy cities, while others tuck into quiet river valleys.
Grab a leash, because history has never smelled this interesting to a curious nose.
1. Central Canal Towpath Trail, Indianapolis
Herons stand like statues in the shallows, and your pup will absolutely notice them. The Central Canal Towpath in Indianapolis runs roughly six miles from Broad Ripple toward Burdsal Parkway.
The packed stone surface is easy on paws. Two old iron bridges add charm, and turtles sun themselves on logs.
Park near Butler University on Bulldog Road. Then swing past Holcomb Gardens or Newfields.
Keep dogs leashed, since cyclists share the path.
2. Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Fort Wayne
Picture freight boats gliding through Fort Wayne nearly two centuries ago. Today, the old canal route hosts a smooth, paved path built for wagging tails.
The Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail stretches about 5.5 miles from Rockhill Park to the Lutheran Hospital campus. It winds past neighborhoods, marshes, and Junk Ditch.
Start at Rockhill Park for easy parking. Big walkers can link up with the Rivergreenway for even more miles.
Pack extra water on summer days.
3. Indianapolis Downtown Canal Walk
City sparkle meets puppy paws on the Indianapolis Downtown Canal Walk. The car-free path loops roughly between 11th Street and Vermont Street.
Bright lamps make evening strolls cozy. Look for swan pedal boats gliding by, and some even let dogs ride along.
Need a play break? The Pawp-Up Pup Park on the canal’s east side gives pups a safe spot to romp.
Bring a leash and plenty of treats for all the friendly hellos.
4. Whitewater Canal Trail, Metamora
Ever walked a dog across a bridge that carries water instead of cars? In Metamora, you can.
Begin near the historic grist mill downtown. About 0.4 miles east sits the Duck Creek Aqueduct, a covered wooden marvel.
The crushed stone trail then rolls 2.6 more miles to the Twin Locks. Farm fields and woods line the way.
Excursion trains chug nearby, so keep nervous pups close when whistles blow.
5. Feeder Dam Trail, Metamora to Laurel
Quiet woods, old stone locks, and the occasional train whistle set the mood here. The Feeder Dam Trail follows the historic Whitewater Canal between Metamora and Laurel.
About 2.5 miles are open now, with plans for four total. The southern end sits near US 52 and Pennington Road.
Shade makes it a lovely summer pick. Trains on the Whitewater Valley Railroad often roll past, so treats help keep focus.
6. Underhill Towpath Trail, Delphi
Delphi’s canal story starts right here, smack in the middle of Canal Park. The Underhill Towpath Trail runs 0.9 miles between US 421 and North Washington Street.
Your pup can sniff around a replica guard lock and an old railroad baggage depot. The Wabash and Erie Canal Interpretive Center sits close by.
Groomed paths keep walking easy. Stop inside the center for history, then rejoin your patient pal outside.
7. VanScoy Towpath Trail, Delphi
Sunset Point steals the show on this one-mile stroll. There, Deer Creek meets the Wabash River in a peaceful sweep of water.
Fun fact: canal boats once crossed Deer Creek right here, with no aqueduct needed.
Along the way, you will pass Canal Lock #33. You will also find an 1838 Irish canal workers’ camp site.
Both sit on the National Register. Time your walk for evening glow and bring a camera.
8. Draper North End Trail, Delphi
Limestone history and a cheerful red bridge make this short trail feel like a treasure hunt. Draper North End Trail links Founders Point with North Washington Street.
You will pass the Harley and Hubbard Lime Kiln site. Workers burned limestone there during the canal era.
A replica warehouse and boathouse add charm. Cross the restored 1873 Paint Creek iron bridge, then enjoy views of Pioneer Village.
Short legs will love the easy distance.
9. Obear Millrace Loop Trail, Delphi
Spare canal water once rushed through here to power paper mills. Now the only thing rushing is your excited pup.
Obear Millrace Loop Trail branches off the VanScoy Towpath Trail in Delphi. Together they form a tidy 0.6-mile loop.
Views over the Wabash River make every bend rewarding. Loops are handy because you end where you parked.
Add it on when your dog still has bounce left.
10. Founders Towpath Trail, Delphi
Listen closely and you will hear the tumble before you see it. At Founders Point, millions of gallons of fresh water pour into the canal daily.
The Founders Towpath Trail hugs the canal’s west side for half a mile. It connects North Washington Street with Founders Point.
That bright red 1873 iron bridge makes a great photo stop. Water-loving dogs will stare happily.
Keep leashes snug near the banks.
11. Yellow Bank Trail, Brookville
Old stones whisper stories along this one. Yellow Bank Trail sits east of Metamora off US Highway 52, near Brookville.
The path runs about one to 1.5 miles on an old railroad bed. It mostly traces the historic Whitewater Canal.
Watch for ruins of the Yellow Bank Lock. You will also pass a pond where folks once harvested ice.
Your dog may care more about squirrels, and that is fine.
12. Billy Jean Jobe Trail, Brookville
Small but mighty, this Brookville path packs big plans. The Billy Jean Jobe Trail starts on 7th Street, a couple blocks west of Main Street.
Only a short stretch is open today. Still, it belongs to the growing Whitewater Canal Trail system.
Planners hope to link Laurel Feeder Dam to Brookville, nearly 14 miles. Walk it now and say you were there early.
Then grab your leash again soon, because more canal miles are coming.
