Indy’s only premier trail that uses compacted stone rather than asphalt, the 6.1 mile waterside Towpath takes you from Broad Ripple, past Butler University and the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, and into Riverside Park before linking up with the Fall Creek Greenway. It’s a blend of city energy and quiet nature, with ducks and geese often sharing the view. Whether you’re on two feet, two wheels, or just looking for a peaceful lunch break, the Canal trails are Indy’s go-to for urban beauty.

Length:
6.1 miles
Surface Type:
Compacted Stone
End Points:
Westfield Blvd. and College Ave. (Broad Ripple) and Burdsal Pkwy and Aqueduct St. (Riverside)
Open Hours:
24 hours
Suited For:
  • Bike-Friendly
  • Pedestrian-Friendly
Amenities:
  • Water Station
  • Bike Rental
  • Benches
  • Mountain Bike Trail
  • Fishing

Along the Central Canal Towpath

Local Highlights

  • Broad Ripple Cultural District

    Website
    Positioned alongside Indy’s main waterway, the White River, the neighborhood is nestled between the Monon Trail and the northern portion of the Indiana Central Canal. Broad Ripple Village consists of local eateries, galleries, shops, and attractions.
    • Water Station
    • Bike Rental
    • Benches
    • Mountain Bike Trail
    • Fishing

  • Butler University

    Website
    Located along the Central Tow Path, Butler University is a vibrant cultural and entertainment center, Butler's campus is home to Clowes Memorial Hall, one of the Midwest's premier performing arts facilities; Hinkle Fieldhouse, home of the Butler Bulldogs; and Holcomb Gardens, 20 acres of historic, formal gardens open to the public year-round.
    • Water Station
    • Bike Rental
    • Benches
    • Mountain Bike Trail
    • Fishing

  • Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University

    Website
    Since the 1960s, Clowes Memorial Hall has been one of the state's most versatile performing arts venues. As the cornerstone of the Butler Arts & Events Center, the space seats over 2,000 for wide-ranging professional theater, comedy, concerts, and more.
    • Water Station
    • Bike Rental
    • Benches
    • Mountain Bike Trail
    • Fishing

    • Water Station
    • Bike Rental
    • Benches
    • Mountain Bike Trail
    • Fishing

  • Hinkle Fieldhouse at Bulter University

    Website
    Once the largest basketball arena in the country, Hinkle Fieldhouse is the home of the Butler Bulldogs. The brick fieldhouse has hosted thousands of fans for Butler University men's and women's basketball and volleyball programs for nearly a century.
    • Water Station
    • Bike Rental
    • Benches
    • Mountain Bike Trail
    • Fishing

  • Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

    Website
    The Indianapolis Museum of Art is one of the oldest and eighth largest encyclopedic art museum in the United States. The permanent collection comprises over 54,000 works, including Robert Indiana's signature Love statue, and comprises African, American, Asian, and European pieces. Admission fees do apply.
    • Water Station
    • Bike Rental
    • Benches
    • Mountain Bike Trail
    • Fishing

  • Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park

    Website
    Adjacent to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and located on 100 acres that includes untamed woodlands, wetlands, meadows and 35-acre lake, the free park is one of the largest museum art parks in the country. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park presents art projects, exhibitions and discussions.
    • Water Station
    • Bike Rental
    • Benches
    • Mountain Bike Trail
    • Fishing
Explore more on trail map
A jogger running on the crushed-stone Towpath trail, adjacent the the water-filled canal and autumn tree colors.
The entire length of the Towpath follows the Central Canal.
Central Canal Towpath bridge
Bridge on the Central Canal Towpath near Holcomb Gardens at Butler University.
Central Canal Towpath bridge
Deer on Butler Bridge on the Central Canal Towpath.

About the Central Canal Towpath

The Towpath is a favorite for runners, walkers, and cyclists thanks to its crushed stone surface that’s gentle on the knees and perfect for an easygoing pace. Winding alongside the historic Central Canal, the path offers a natural escape in the heart of the city with frequent wildlife sightings—deer, blue herons, ducks, geese, and even turtles sunning on rocks during warm days. Several side paths lead down to the scenic White River, while Pacers Bikeshare stations make it easy to hop on and explore. The Towpath also connects you to some of Indy’s top destinations, including Broad Ripple, Newfields, Butler University, and Riverside Park. To the north, it seamlessly links to the Monon Trail; to the south, it connects to the White River Greenway and flows into the Fall Creek Greenway.

The portion of the trail from Broad Ripple to Newfields is also co-branded as the “Art 2 Art” Trail because it links the Broad Ripple Cultural District (including the Indy Art Center through a short jog up the Monon Trail) to Newfields.

Helpful to know

  • The Central Canal Towpath is affectionately known as the Towpath.
  • Limited Free Parking can be found at Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields, as well at Holcomb Gardens at Butler University.

Intersecting trails

Travel Monon Trail Monon Trail logo

Monon Trail

A scenic trail that spans through lush landscapes, charming neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural districts, offering a world-class outdoor experience for explorers of all kinds.

Total Distance:
28.5 miles
Region:
Central, North
bird's view of Fall Creek Greenway Fall Creek Greenway logo

Fall Creek Greenway

A winding trail that takes you along parkways, river views, and major parks. The path follows the waterway and passes beautiful bridges and established neighborhoods.

Total Distance:
13.2 miles
Region:
Central, East
Cyclists on the Central White River Greenway in White River State Park. White River Greenway logo

White River Greenway (Central)

The White River Greenway follows the scenic White River through the heart of Indianapolis, connecting Riverside Park to White River State Park.

Total Distance:
9.3 miles
Region:
Central