The White River is the longest "greenway" in Marion County, and it makes a winding path through the city from the northeast corner to the southwest.  Wapahani is its native name, and it is home to dozens of species of fish, small mammals, and invertebrates, as well as some red fox, coyote and deer.  Blue heron, wood ducks, osprey, golden eagles and varieties of hawks nest along its wooded shore, and a pair of bald eagles have hatched young near the river in Southwestway Park. 

Greenway Description

The White River Wapahani Trail is approximately 4.75 miles that starts at Riverside Regional Park at 38th Street and follows the White River south to White River State Park.  Currently, it links with the Central Canal Towpath and passes by several Indianapolis cultural and educational attractions including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Marian College, IUPUI, the Downtown Canal Walk and the Indianapolis Zoo.  Trail users can also get to the Monon Trail via the Central Canal Towpath or a cross-town connection on St. Clair Street. 

The White River canoe route is 16 miles long, with launch areas in Town Run Trail Park at 96th Street, Broad Ripple Park, Cornell Avenue next to the Monon Trail and at Riverside Regional Park below 30th Street.  This route passes through dense woods and residential sections, and has become a favorite of canoeists and kayakers. 

With approximately 18 more miles planned, it will eventually connect to the southern segment of the Fall Creek Trail, the Eagle Creek Trail and possibly the Pleasant Run Trail. 

White River Greenway Guide/Map [PDF]