WABASH HERITAGE TRAIL - BURNETTS CREEK SECTION
The Wabash Heritage Trail consists of two sections in Tippecanoe County, the Wabash Corridor Section, and the Burnetts Creek Section. The Burnetts Creek Section runs from Davis Ferry Park - the location of a ferry that crossed the Wabash River operated by John Davis, up along Burnetts Creek to Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial. The trail connects with the Prophets Rock Trail.
LOCATION
County: Tippecanoe
City: Battle Ground
Mileage: 3.6
North Endpoint - Specific: Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial
Southwest Endpoint - Specific: Davis Ferry Park
Notable Trailhead: Davis Ferry Park, Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial
Near to US highways: US Highway 52, Interstate 65
TRAIL FEATURES
Type of Trail: River Trail,
Surface: natural
Uses allowed: walking, hiking, jogging
Which uses NOT allowed: Bicycling, motorized vehicles, equestrians
Attractive Features: Runs along Burnett Creek
AGENCY INFORMATION
Tippecanoe County Parks Department
20 North Third Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
765-567-6218
More Information
From the website:
This 13 mile trail begins at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park located in Battle Ground, Indiana and makes its way along Burnett's Creek to cross the Wabash River at Davis Ferry Park. The Trail follows the Wabash River to Riehle Plaza in downtown Lafayette, Indiana, crossing the Wabash River again, and heading southward towards Fort Ouiatenon.
The Tippecanoe County Park Department proudly maintains 10 miles of the 13, excluding those 3 miles within the city limits of Lafayette and West Lafayette.
Nature
The Heritage Trail offers opportunities for bird watching, wildlife observation, exercise and exploration. The Trail is mild to moderate as it winds past marshy areas, buckeye, cottonwood and sycamore trees, wildflowers, and Heron Island Wildlife Preserve.
History
The trail also steeps itself in the rich history of the area. The battle ground of William Henry Harrison is the starting point of the Trail. The creek is named for William Burnett, an early settler. John Davis operated a ferry at the current site of the Davis Ferry pedestrian bridge. The Trail is targeted to reach Fort Ouiatenon, the historic site which is home of the annual Feast of the Hunters' Moon.
Recommended Gear
Hiking the Wabash Heritage Trail does not call for expensive and cumbersome equipment. Comfortable shoes will complete any outfit with the exception of insect repellent in the warmer months. A canteen or bottle of water is recommended.
Access
The trail is a linear trail, it does not loop, so you will need to park a car at the end of your hike or turn around at some point, and head back in the direction from whence you came. Public access sites where hikers can park are located at:
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Davis Ferry Park
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Lafayette Municipal Golf Course
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Riehle Plaza
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Tapawingo Park in West Lafayette
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Tippecanoe Battlefield
Restroom facilities can be found at the Tippecanoe Battlefield, Lafayette Municipal Golf Course and Riehle Plaza.
Picnic
Picnic tables and benches are situated along the length of the Trail. Trail conditions and maps are located at the Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center at the Trailhead at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park in Battle Ground, or by calling the Trail Manager at 765-567-6218.
National Trails Day is held annually on the first Saturday in June.
Please, no bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles on the Heritage Trail. Be a considerate and safe trail user.