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 three miles within the city limits of Lafayette and West Lafayette.
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.
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.
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.
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 the Tippecanoe Battlefield, Davis Ferry Park, Lafayette Municipal Golf Course, Riehle Plaza, and Tapawingo Park in West Lafayette. Restroom facilities can be found at the Tippecanoe Battlefield, Lafayette Municipal Golf Course and Riehle Plaza.
