FEEDER DAM TRAIL
The Feeder Dam Trail is a trail that follows the Whitewater Canal from Metamora towards Laurel and the feeder dam was built to provide water for the Whitewater Canal. The trail also follows the path of the Whitewater Valley Railroad right-of-way, and when the railroad runs an excursion, the train can be seen from the trail. This trail links with the Whitewater Canal Trail in Metamora.
LOCATION
County: Franklin
City: Metamora
Mileage: 2.5
North Endpoint - General: Dam Road
South Endpoint - Specific: US Highway 52 near Pennington Road
Notable Trailheads: Pennington Road and US Highway 52
Near to US highways: US Highway 52
TRAIL FEATURES
Type of Trail: River Trail, Rail with Trail
Surface: crushed stone
Uses allowed: walking, biking, running
Which uses NOT allowed: Motorized
Attractive Features: Follows excursion rail line, follow canal
AGENCY INFORMATION
Whitewater Canal Trail, Inc.
PO Box 126
Brookville, IN 47012
513-295-4820
More Information
One of the newest trails in Indiana, opened October 13, 2019, the Feeder Dam Trail intends to create a link between Metamora and Laurel. This is part of a greater vision put forth by Whitewater Canal Trail, Inc. to connect Brookville and Connorsville by following the remains of the Whitewater Canal.
The Whitewater Canal once opened up commerce, trade, and access to resources that fueled industrial development. Unfortunately, by the time the canal was completed, railroads were proving to be much more effective at the movement of goods and people. A railroad was built along the towpath as that already provided a smooth grade with broad curves, lessening the cost of building the rail bed. Today, much of the canal has disappeared and only part of the railroad still exists. A trail celebrating the canal will give visitors to the trail appreciation for the hard work that was put into developing and using the canal, as well as developments that have come since.
The current trail ends at Dam Road - a 2.5 mile journey from the trailhead. If you continue to travel along Dam Road, the feeder dam is 4 miles away from the trailhead.