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Indiana Trail Photos
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Northern INCOLUMBIA CITY PLYMOUTH  The reasons to fund, build and get out on trails continue to grow in urgency: gas prices, global warming, obesity, nature deficit disorder, urban sprawl, air pollution, traffic, economic renewal, greenspace preservation, family and community-strengthening, and as a mitigation for nearly every societal illness making headlines in recent years. More than ever, communities are demanding trails, not just as perks or parks, but as basic, essential infrastructure. The city of Plymouth laid visionary plans for their greenway long ago, and their recently-opened 2.2 mile loop on the east side of town includes several new bridges and connections to schools, parks, downtown, the Yellow River, a canoe launch and sledding hill. SOUTH WHITLEY  Dreaming Big There is nothing quite like a trail project to bring a community together for a common cause. An incredibly broad spectrum of volunteer skills is needed to make trails happen: marketing, public relations, business, law, politics, engineering, history, art, computers, construction, landscaping, natural science, and most importantly, leadership. Every major trail begins with a group such as the one promoting the Eel River Trail in Whitley County (northeast Indiana), along 8.5 miles of an historic former rail corridor (trestle shown above). With strong leadership, a tightly knit volunteer base and the buy-in of public officials, the project is off to a running start and will likely be added to DNR's Indiana Trails Plan, currently under draft. The goal of the plan is to have a trail within 7.5 miles of every Hoosier by 2016. SOUTH BEND  South Bend was an early early leader in urban trails and greenways, including Indiana's first off-road rail-trail, thanks in part to the efforts of the grassroots Michiana Watershed group. The Riverwalk (above), on the northeast bank of the St. Joseph River, and East Bank Trail highlight the city's scenic riverfront. Interest in longer, regional trail connections emerged in the 2005 Michiana Regional Greenways Charrette, a multi-county planning initiative. Priorities of the study included classic rail-trails extending northward into Michigan, southwest toward Potato Creek State Park, and an exciting rail-with-trail possibility along the famed, still-active South Shore electric interurban rail line heading westward toward Chicago. FORT WAYNE  One of the most successful grassroots trail groups in Indiana has been Aboite New Trails, based on the west side of Fort Wayne in Aboite Township. Founded just 4 years ago by ambitious residents wanting safer places to walk & bike, the group hired their own consultant to create a master trails plan and began partnering with local government and businesses. Their message was received loud and clear: the group has now received over $4 million in commitments for trail development, has hired an executive director and opened their own office. Several miles of trail are now open and in progress. The group recently garnered a Transportation Enhancements award, the most coveted public grant available in Indiana, that will fund another 4 miles of construction. It usually takes the dedication and persistence of a few individuals to kick off a local trail initiative, even in the face of skyrocketing fuel costs and expanding demand for trails. Photo courtesy of Aboite New Trails. PERU  The newly paved section of the Nickel Plate Trail on Peru's south side offers one of the best getaways into the bucolic quiet and surprising natural scenery of north central Indiana. The babbling Little Pipe Creek parallels the trail, traversing richly wooded and often deeply sloped banks. Wildflower and bird species are in abundance throughout the undulating terrain. It's one of those trails you wish would never end, and luckily there are many more miles planned between Kokomo, Peru and Rochester. As part of Indiana's future American Discovery Trail route, which is currently under study, the Nickel Plate will also become a part of a cross-state and cross-country trail. MIDDLEBURY  The Town of Middlebury constructed a section of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail near the downtown area which showcases the lavishly landscaped Krider World's Fair Garden and a trail-ized trestle over the Little Elkhart River. An unpaved spur path leads down to an overlook at the riverbank (at left). The Friends of the Pumpkinvine Trail labored for well over a decade to support the trail between Goshen and Shipshewana, which will provide a much-needed attraction for active families in an area known for small towns, antiquing and Amish tourism. MIAMI COUNTY  Nearly all of Indiana's major cities now offer some sort of multi-use path, and many are planning local and regional trail networks to connect people with nearby destinations as well as outlying communities. There is much work to be done, however, in tying our major cities together into a statewide network. Long, multi-county trails, which foster recreational tourism and bolster small town economies, are abundant in neighboring states but slow to develop here. Abandoned rail lines such as the former Chesapeake & Ohio (above, shown in Miami County) become more fragmented each year as sections are plowed or built upon. Indiana needs more funding, better policy, and special resources in rural areas to catch up to where we should be in rail-trail mileage. NEW HAVEN The Fort Wayne Rivergreenway recently gained a smooth 2-mile spoke toward the city of New Haven along the Maumee River. With over 100 miles of trails now planned in the region, the 19-mile greenway along the city's three major rivers will anchor the emerging network. Aboite New Trails, Inc., a volunteer-run west suburban grassroots trail group, has set the bar for fundraising with a staggering $750k committed in two years. The group recently received an important commitment from the city and Allen County to operate and maintain all trails the group builds. The Towpath Trail, a 4-mile spoke trail planned to connect Fort Wayne with Aboite Township, received a $150k grant this fall. GOSHEN  Goshen's beautiful 3-mile Mill Race Trail follows an historic canal towpath along the city's west side, passing several interesting bridges and natural areas. At the south end of the trail is Shoup-Parsons Woods, which features a paved tree identification trail, and where biologists at Goshen College have catalogued 174 species of birds, a state record. The trail is part of an exceptionally well-developed city trail system called the Maple City Greenway, which makes use of park trails, roadside paths, streams, utility easements, widened sidewalks, and rail corridors. The system is well-signed and makes getting around the city on bike or foot an affable adventure. The Pumpkinvine Trail spokes outward from the system into Amish country. PORTAGE  The 10-mile Prairie-Duneland Trail in northwestern Indiana is one of the state's best-known trails, traversing the unique ecosystem which gives its name. A recent study by the Eppley Institute found that 82% of its users participated in more physical activity strictly because of the trail, and 100% surveyed said the trail improved the image of Portage, a city managing the trail. At its east end, the town of Porter is ready to construct a 3.5-mile urban trail which will connect the Calumet Trail and create a contiguous 20+ mile link between Hobart and the doorstep of Michigan City. COLUMBIA CITY  Like many of Indiana's county seats, Columbia City began planning a greenway system several years ago which is coming to fruition for the Whitley County city of about 7000. Residents can enjoy a scenic, rolling ride along the Blue River Trail to get from downtown to the YMCA, public library, outlying neighborhoods, or the city's primary park and festival grounds. Competition for the thinly-spread federal grant which paid for much of the trail, the Transportation Enhancements program, has become so fierce that one city even ran radio ads to give their project an edge. As public support and awareness of trails continues to grow, lack of funding stands as the chief obstacle for trail-building. DELPHI  Future Monon Trail? Delphi’s Historic Trails group opened Indiana’s newest rail-trail in December, a scenic one-mile path along the former Monon railroad just north of this massive trestle spanning the spectacular Deer Creek gorge. The land, labor and surfacing were donated, as with all of Delphi’s numerous trails. The trail opening preserved the Monon from permanent obstruction by a new state highway being planned in the area. Swift action by alert volunteers saved the trail. Your gift to the Indiana Trails Fund will also help us preserve these state gems for future generations. FORT WAYNE  Smart Investment The Fort Wayne area has proposals for over 100 miles of regional trails. Energized by several distinct, volunteer-driven support groups and community initiatives, the plans are being supported by public grants, private donations and corporate sponsors. Fort Wayne has invested in trails by hiring a full-time greenways coordinator and offering a specialized grant. Above: A winter commuter uses the Rivergreenway, which will be improved and extended as the backbone of the network. BLUFFTON Trail-goers on the 2.5-mile Bluffton River Greenway along the Wabash River in northeast Indiana's Wells County can spot river wildlife of many kinds - including several wood-carved species. A pedestrian-scaled covered bridge also graces the way from downtown Bluffton to Ouabache State Park, where the trail continues through park property. Bluffton Police Department's Bike Patrol regularly patrols the trail. LAKE COUNTY  The Erie Lackawanna Trail in Lake County anchors the west side of an extensive trail network emerging in Northwest Indiana. One important rail-trail project - the Pennsy Greenway from Crown Point to Lansing, Illinois - will link Indiana with trails in the Chicao area including the famous Lakefront Path. An $840,000 grant from the Transportation Enhancements program - a program which emphasizes connections - will go toward preserving the former rail corridor. The Erie-L and other trails in the area will eventually form a continuous off-road route around the lower tip of Lake Michigan. One of Indiana's most prolific trail and bicycle advocacy groups, the Calumet Citizens for Connecting Communities (C4), is based in Northwest Indiana and keeps detailed plans and user maps. ST. JOE  Trails bring communities together not just to enjoy them, but first to build them. Some of the more remarkable trails in Indiana were built by donors and volunteers. The St. Joseph Rivergreenway in the tiny northeastern Indiana town of St. Joe is a prime example, where thousands of dollars in donated resources have resulted in a world-class multi-use trail complete with outdoor classrooms, native plantings, bird houses, benches, bridges and mile markers. Local schools are closely involved in the and study and enhancement of the greenway, which hosts a significant diversity of wildlife in its bucolic rural surroundings . WARSAW  A young white-tailed deer makes its way along the Beyer Farm Trail in Warsaw, pausing to scrutinize a giddy photographer. The short boardwalk and asphalt path was honored with National Recreation Trail status on Trails Day '04. The trail begins at the Kosciusko Community hospital’s campus and runs to Pike Lake Park, taking visitors through a 60-acre urban wetland. The wetland supports a variety of flora and fauna and includes extensive interpretive trail signage. This trail is a piece of the larger Lake City Greenway project, which will serve as a key community connector throughout the City of Warsaw and the scenic tourist town of Winona Lake. Warsaw joins other similar cities as Goshen and West Lafayette in implementing a comprehensive urban trail network. GOSHEN  Getting around in the snow doesn't need to be a dangerous prospect. Rail-trails offer the perfect setting for a quiet cross-country ski glide in the muted daylight of mid-winter. Or a foggy-breathed trek by boot. Anything to get out of the house and get the blood moving! Goshen's Pumpkinvine Trail. DECATUR  Once spanning the state from Chicago to Ohio, the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad holds a significant place in transportation history. Several sections are now being preserved as trails including Lake County and Decatur, shown above at the dramatic crossing of the St. Mary's River. A 16-mile stretch between North Judson and Rochester will also be preserved for a trail by the non-profit Indiana Trails Fund in 2004. PORTAGE  Rail-trails are an ideal way to enjoy autumn's color display, as they bring visitors deep into the countryside among trees of all sizes and species. Brilliant scarlet sumacs, burgundy oaks, orange maples and yellow mulberries adorn the popular Prairie Duneland Trail . Visit the recently organized Calumet Citizens for Connecting Communities' website for current info on trail happenings in Northwest Indiana. HIGHLAND  The nation's most livable places share a common thread: multi-use trails which connect people with places and with each other. It is possible to use trail mileage as a measure of an area's quality-of-life, strength of community, and local economic vitality. The issue of making our state a more attractive place to live is rising in popularity, right along with the trails themselves. The popular Erie-Lackawanna Trail links several NW IN towns. DELPHI  The city of Delphi, located in north central Indiana, offers one of the most interesting, scenic and well-marked local trail systems to be found anywhere in the Midwest. With the lead of the Wabash & Erie Canal Association, the city offers nearly 8 miles of diverse multi-use paths rich in historical significance, including an architectural tour and a restored portion of the canal and locks. ST. JOSEPH CO.  History beneath the lines: major power lines not only provide convenient corridors for carrying electricity and perhaps hikers, many once also carried electric interurban trains, which connected all major destinations. Most interurbans were gone by the 40's, but traces of their routes can still be found. Some are very much viable for trail adaptation, such as this one near South Bend. FORT WAYNE 
The all-season Rivergreenway in Fort Wayne traverses a multitude of interesting places including Johnny Appleseed's gravesite, a replica of the Old Fort, the downtown area, and three major rivers. SCHERERVILLE  The 10+ mile Oak Savannah Trail from Griffith to Hobart in northwest Indiana. The trail will provide a key link across the region, eventually connecting the Erie Lackawanna and Prairie-Duneland Trails. As its name implies, the trail traverses the border lands between the tallgrass prairie and woodland ecosystems. FORT WAYNE  An escape into nature, a path connecting neighborhoods, a long distance trail for touring - rail-trails are as diverse as the people on them. Many abandoned corridors like this one in northeast Indiana await conversion to public trails. SOUH BEND  South Bend's East Bank Trail winds quietly across old rail bridges on the city's northeast side, joining together neighborhoods separated by major roads, and providing residents a safe, scenic connection to downtown amenities. AUBURN  The Dekalb County Trail in Auburn. CULVER  A simple, inexpensive grassy strip is all that is needed to bring Culver Academy students safely into nature and into the town of Culver. Read more about the Marmont-Vandalia Trail. GRIFFITH 
Northwest Indiana's trail centerpiece is the Erie-Lackawanna Trail, running 11+ miles through diverse neighborhoods from Highland to Crown Point. An attractively designed trailhead welcomes users to Griffith's town limits. Future links will tie in Chicago, Gary, Hobart, and Portage. DELPHI  The 1874 Paint Creek Bridge, a highlight of Delphi's Historic Trail network, was moved from nearby Camden to its new home over the Wabash & Erie Canal in 1999. The city of Madison is also relocating an historic bridge for trail use. DENVER - MIAMI CO.  Volunteers from the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail working group constructed the flooring and railing features of this bridge in Denver, Indiana. GOSHEN  Towering trees form a shady canopy over the Pumpkinvine Trail in Goshen.
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Central INWESTFIELD CARMEL  The Greenways Foundation is proud to support IndianaTrails.org, Indiana's Multi-use trail resource center. The Foundation is on the move promoting greenways statewide and the Indiana State Trails Plan. Telling success stories such as in Carmel, where over $800 million has been invested adjacent to the city's Monon Greenway (shown above, through the newly opened Central Park and Aquatic Center), is part of our mission. The Greenways Foundation's Executive Director is Ron Carter, who as city councilman has been instrumental to Carmel's remarkable success. Stay tuned as we continue to expand our public outreach and membership program. INDIANAPOLIS  Many cities in Indiana are now developing richly detailed urban trails, built to revitalize aging streetscapes and comfortably direct both bicyclists and pedestrians through lively downtown environments. Construction of Indianapolis' Cultural Trail (above) and Bloomington's B-Line Trail will begin this year, both landmark urban designs with few precedents anywhere in the USA. Carmel's Monon Greenway will also serve as the main thoroughfare in its emerging, new urbanist City Center. Evansville's inviting Riverfront Esplanade is a finished product, part of the planned Pigeon Creek Greenway. BOONE COUNTY MARION  Plowed or not, rail-trails receive plenty of use in the winter. Daily walkers, occasional skiers, and roaming wildlife - many of whom depend on the quiet, uninterrupted miles of corridor - leave their telltale prints in the snow. Although rail-trails which connect multiple towns are still relatively rare in Indiana, the State Trails Plan calls for dozens of such long-distance connectors to span the countryside. As with any transportation network, the greatest hurdle is how to cross long stretches of rural areas with few local resources of their own. MUNCIE  The Cardinal Greenway added 7 miles in 2006, bringing its central section through Gaston, Muncie and Losantville to 27 total miles of unbroken rail-trail, the longest in Indiana. Anticipation had been running high for the opening of the new mileage. One enthusiastic bicyclist reportedly rode straight up to the paving machine through hot asphalt, ruining two tires in the process. Seven miles of horse trail were also added, making it Indiana's longest rail-trail for horseback riding at 11 miles. Advocates are busy investigating a connection between this 27-mile central section and the 8-mile northern section at Marion, which would eventually result in a continuous trail from Richmond to Marion as a portion of the cross-state American Discovery Trail. COVINGTON  Construction has begun on the Covington Circle Trail, which will offer a complete sampling of the Fountain County seat's downtown and surrounding areas. The 6.3-mile route loop employs a wide variety of rights-of-way including a 1.5-mile portion of former rail line. A double-span historic bridge will be relocated for two separate creek crossings. The trail will also highlight the area's natural beauty, including Wabash River vistas, lush woodland and wetland, and the pastoral rolling scenery of west central Indiana. The only thing missing is a trail plan to connect with the rest of the state. The Wabash River and a former rail line to Crawfordsville entail two possibilities, although both need coordinated support from multiple jurisdictions. RICHMOND  One of the most dramatic multi-use paths in Indiana is the Whitewater Gorge Trail, shown here beneath the towering G Street Bridge flanking downtown Richmond. The city plans to connect this trail to the Cardinal Greenway, offering a walk through the area's remarkable natural and cultural history at the end of Indiana's longest rail-trail. Sightseeing along this and the parallel hiking trail include a waterfall, bird sanctuary, vertical cliffs, an old flour mill and quarry, remains of the original National Road covered bridge, and the Starr-Gennett Piano Company and Recording Studio site. Louie Armstrong recorded his own music for the first time ever in the Gorge, as did Bix Beiderbeck, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver and Hoagy Carmichael, who recorded "Stardust" for the first time in the acoustics of this unique natural feature. CARMEL  Open Trail, Closed Road The city of Carmel puts top priority on keeping the wildly popular Monon Trail open despite multiple construction projects. Within three unrelated construction areas, a permanent, completely new asphalt trail detour was installed to route Monon users safely and comfortably around the closures. While adjacent collector streets have been closed, the trail has remained open, running quietly through cone zones and mounds of churned earth. The 5 miles of the Monon in Carmel has attracted an estimated $800 million (and still climbing) in adjacent development, including an entirely new city center and performing arts center, all attributable to the trail - no wonder it stays open at all costs. PLAINFIELD  A perfect spring day in Plainfield was the setting for Gov. Daniels' announcement that the state government would take a leading role in helping to plan Indiana's emerging state trail network. While many of Indiana's urban areas are now supporting trail development for recreation and transportation, the connections between them -- the longer, rural and small-town trails of tourism quality -- are largely absent compared with neighboring states. A master plan will identify major arterials such as the B&O Trail, National Road Heritage Trail and American Discovery Trail route -- all of which are currently lacking necessary resources and favorable conditions for completion in any reasonable timeframe. TERRE HAUTE  At least three modes of transportation parallel each other heading toward the Vigo County courthouse on the edge of Indiana State University's campus in Terre Haute. This unique urban trail design serves both as a portion of the east-west cross-city trail, as well as a future portion of a cross-state trail, both dubbed the National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT). A multi-volume development guide for the NRHT was recently published, leading the way for planning and development to begin on its 150-mile path across Indiana. About half of the trail route is either open or in planning stages. LOGANSPORT  Great Blue Herons pause in the Wabash River at the Little Turtle Waterway Plaza in Logansport. The riverside linear park is much more than just a trail - it represents a growing trend in highly designed, multi-purpose public spaces integrating greenways with public art, unique architectural features, interpretive exhibits, natural areas, and native species. The area's natural and cultural heritage are celebrated here and much can be learned on a casual visit. The popular Eel River Bluff Trail lies just to the north, and an historic-themed urban trail to connect the two via the downtown area is planned. The Wabash River is also a trail in its own right, promoted by the efforts of the Wabash Heritage Corridor Commission, and at 490 miles is the longest continuous free-flowing water trail in the nation east of the Mississippi River. MUNCIE  Indiana's longest rail-trail, the Cardinal Greenway, will offer 7 more miles of paved trail and 2 more miles of equestrian trail south of Muncie in 2006, bringing the total continuous paved length to 27 miles in the Muncie area and the unpaved, parallel horse trail to 9 miles. The Cardinal Greenways organization has been lauded as perhaps the most successful trail-building group in the state, having an impressive history of winning grants and forging strong partnerships with local government units. The Cardinal, when combined with connecting trails and a short on-road segment, is planned to eventually connect Richmond, Muncie, Marion, Sweetser and Converse, spanning 6 counties and over 80 miles, and is a portion of the proposed off-road route for the American Discovery Trail. BOONE COUNTY  Trail riders head off into the morning sun along the future Farm Heritage Trail near Thorntown, in Boone County. The preview ride on the corridor, not yet open to the public, was a fundraiser for the St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. The event brought together equestrians, the farmer who owns the land, trail supporters, the Frontier Co-op, and the local 4-H club to enjoy the crisp country air and late fall scenery. The 28-mile agricultural-themed trail, unique among the nation's rail-trails, is proposed between Lebanon and Lafayette, with an eventual 60-mile connection between downtown Indianapolis and Prophetstown State Park. A recently established grassroots trail group in Boone County is raising funds to purchase and develop the trail. CARMEL  Carmel adds several miles of trail each year to its inventory thanks to a strong master plan, dedicated city officials and a high growth rate. The Monon Trail, one of the most popular trails in the nation, acts as a second Main Street and is the anchor for an entirely rebuilt, pedestrian-oriented city center. Property along the Monon has been compared with beach frontage. At its north end, the heavily-used 146th Street trail connects to Clay Terrace, a town-like shopping center. Other trails include the White River Greenway, a scenic trail through Meadowlark Park (above, which connects to the Monon), miles of path along several new boulevards, and a new trail in the works along Cool Creek. The Tour de Carmel, a free, all-ages community bike tour, attracted over 2000 riders in 2005 and featured numerous trails. GREENWOOD  $0.00 PER GALLON (Right Lane Only) The notion of cutting back on driving in favor of biking is getting serious consideration from more drivers as fuel costs continue to soar. The existence of bike paths and lanes often make a critical difference in the decision, especially in busy suburban areas, where these facilities can be easily added to developments and road improvements. Short trips along local paths such as Greenwood's Polk Hill Trail are fun, healthy, safe and free. The city's Trail Advisory Board is busy planning major connections along roadways and streams and this year received a $1 million Transportation Enhancements grant toward a new 2.5 mile project. PLAINFIELD  Trails in All Directions The Town of Plainfield must be doing something right if a roundabout is needed to manage trail traffic moving between the east-west Vandalia Rail-Trail and the Saratoga neighborhood on the northwest side of town. The town's extensive greenway system connects all major parks, including the skate park and the popular Splash Island water park, an outdoor amphitheater, and several new perimeter developments. Interesting bridges and other details lend a healthy sense of place and adventure. Many asphalt paths are found where concrete sidewalks might be expected. One segment uses a creatively striped parking lot surface to give trail users their own space. Since the greenways have opened, the town has seen a renaissance of bicycling and active lifestyles, a phenomenon repeated in all such places which make non-motorized access a priority in planning and policy. WESTFIELD  If you build it... A recent survey found that over 70% of people living close enough to bike to work would be more inclined to do so if there were bike paths or lanes provided. That's no-brainer for cyclists on pleasant roadside paths like the Natalie Wheeler Trail in Westfield along Union Street, where any motorless journey is an attractive option. Such paths can easily be built during road widening or frontage development. National Bike to Work Day is the thrid Friday in May. More information can be found on the Indiana Bicycle Coalition Bike-to-Work resource page. AMO  Spring Trailblazing Volunteers are busy this spring clearing the way for a new 1.5-mile section of the Vandalia Trail in the Hendricks County town of Amo, which is anticipated to be the first section of the National Road Heritage Trail to open directly inspired by the fledgling grassroots group NRHT, Inc. Work sessions are ongoing on the former rail corridor during weekends this spring. However, the group is badly in need of volunteers to work on the trail and maintain it once opened. Also needed are people interested in supporting the trail across all 8 counties in all capacities, whether as advocates or workers. Like most trails in Indiana, the success of the 150-mile cross-state effort currently depends on grassroots volunteers to be successful. MUNCIE  The Wysor Street Depot in Muncie serves as headquarters for the Cardinal Greenway and White River Greenway, and also features exhibits, a gift shop, local art, historical memorabilia, and a model train display. Other public uses for recently refurbished depots include civic centers, railroad museums, government offices, and shopping centers. The massive Pennsylvania Railroad Station in Richmond, the future junction city of the Cardinal Greenway and National Road Heritage Trail, is currently on the Most Endangered list for Indiana's Historic Landmarks Foundation. CARMEL  Many greenway trails such as the Monon Trail receive prompt snow removal, clearing the way for rejuvenating winter walks. Once discovered, local residents tend to make trails an essential, year-round part of exercise regimens or for getting around. Sidewalks, roadside paths and park trails often receive no attention after heavy snowfall, putting healthy outdoor habits unnecessarily at risk. On the bright side, a flat, straight, snowy rail-trail can make the perfect destination for cross-country skiing. LAFAYETTE  Lafayette's Riehle Plaza and Big Four (Amtrak) Depot offers an overlook of the Wabash River, Wabash Heritage Trail, and the nearby pedestrian-friendly downtown area. The multi-use section of this variable-surface trail crosses the river into West Lafayette using the Myers pedestrian bridge, where it links to Purdue and the city's extensive bike lane and trail system. Lafayette is planning a loop with the 9th Street sidepath and additional miles of multi-use trail. The proposed Farm Heritage Trail would link Lafayette to future agri-tourism destinations in the tranquil countryside and toward the Indianapolis area. ANDERSON  Anderson offers its motor-free residents over six miles of river and wetland trails, connecting plenty of interesting settings including the renovating downtown grid, numerous parks and boardwalks. The trails are especially perfect for walkers, runners and kids. The Madison County Council of Governments (MCCOG) keeps a master plan for the trail network and other bicycle facilities throughout the area. NOBLESVILLE  Noblesville's city trails have expanded into an impressive interconnected network of over 9 miles, including this path which traverses the city's largest park and then weaves between an adjacent golf course and neighborhood. Other trail sections follow the White River and run parallel to roads. A connection westward to the Monon Trail is also being planned. The master plan for the trail network was laid out in the mid-90's and built piece-by-piece using grants, road improvements, and residential developments to enable construction. As development progresses, the network continues to expand, where it then becomes critical to work with adjacent communities to tie the trails together. LOGANSPORT  Indiana's newest rail-trail: the Eel River Bluff Trail in Logansport. Usage of this 1.3 mile trail quadrupled to 2000 weekly users in the five weeks prior to its official opening in August. Nearby Logansport Memorial Hospital set a remarkable example to follow by contributing $100,000 to the project, which was doubled by physicians and hospital employees with an equal match. The health benefits of trails are virtually guaranteed - a recent study of six Indiana trails indicated that between 70% and 87% of trail users were exercising more simply because the trail was there, and between 56% and 79% were on the trail solely for exercise. Logansport's Little Turtle Waterway along the Wabash, trails in France Park, and a new 21-mile rail-trail project also complement Cass County's evolving trail network. PLAINFIELD  The Vandalia Rail-Trail in Plainfield brings trail users to the front door of Splash Island water park, a popular new offering from Plainfield Parks & Recreation. The trail connects vast new neighborhoods on the west side of town, across White Lick Creek, to the White Lick Creek Trail, to major parks and the downtown area. With the advent of kid trailers, trailer bikes and other family-oriented cycling gear, a day at the park here can include a peaceful, relaxing bike ride from home. The Vandalia Rail-Trail is a completed portion of the proposed National Road Heritage Trail, a 150-mile cross-state project from Terre Haute to Richmond. NOBLESVILLE  Beautiful Behemoth Among the many benefits of rail-trails is the guarantee of historic preservation. Occasionally the fortunate opportunity arises to reuse historic structures, such as this massive double-span iron truss bridge. Hidden in the heart of fast-developing Hamilton County near Noblesville, this jewel was left for demolition and salvage in the 80's. Luckily the bridge still stands and is now a highlight of the proposed Midland Trace from Westfield to Noblesville. Westfield has taken the lead in development of the trail's west half. Like all trail projects, completion of this 7-mile trail will rely on the support of residents and public officials. Be sure to frequently voice your support for local trail projects. INDIANAPOLIS The Canal Walk, a multi-use brick and concrete trail in downtown Indianapolis along both sides of the Central Canal, provides a picturesque urban setting with enough room for walkers, bikers, and 'bladers. (not to mention gondolas). A palette of styles and landscape features decorate the walk, which passes several museums and historic sites. Whereas any mode of travel quicker than walking can be awkward on typical city sidewalks, the Canal Walk and other such urban greenways are designed for a variety of modern uses. The walk connects to the Zoo and Indy Greenways network at White River State Park. The proposed Cultural Trail will also accommodate multiple users and is envisioned as a hub in Central Indiana's trail network. CARMEL  A Trail of Two Cities Central Indiana is the fortunate home of perhaps the most popular and successful rail-trail in the Midwest, the Monon Trail and Greenway in Indy and Carmel. With annual usage at well over a million, the Monon provides countless opportunities for non-motorized trips to restaurants, parks, retail (including a unique recumbent bike shop), farmer's markets, even downtown Indy. Frequent recreational visitors are beginning to realize the potential of the trail to go far beyond recreational usage. The Monon also acts as a perfectly pleasant way to commute, shop, and visit friends, especially as surrounding communities forge access to the trail and beyond. Carmel residents had to elect officials specifically to get their portion built, now the city's second Main Street, which would have been lost otherwise. MUNCIE  Multi-use asphalt paths can be designed to suit urban, suburban or rural settings. The smooth, wide surfaces accommodate a variety of users and make getting outside and traveling appreciable distances a safe, pleasant experience. The White River Greenway in Muncie connects the Cardinal Greenway to nearby city landmarks such as the Minnetrista Cultural Center and the Delaware County Fairgrounds. LAFAYETTE  Rail-with-Trail This new trail near 9th Street in Lafayette uses a fomer railbed which runs beside an active railroad, separated by a simple chain-link fence. All cities of even moderate size will have both active and abandoned rail corridors which can be utilized for trails. The National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has studied dozens of successful trails which parallel active rail lines (click here to find the study), but they are still comparitively rare. The peace and safety of a trail away from roads, offered by either rail-trails or rails-with trails, is just what most trailgoers are seeking. GREENFIELD  Offering a quiet means to become immersed in your surroundings, rail-trails can reveal and enhance a place's unique identity. Taking a walk along the Pennsy Trail in Greenfield brings you amidst James Whitcomb Riley's "ol swimmin hole" at Brandywine Creek, the remnants of the former world-class Pennsylvania Railroad, the 1898 Hancock County courthouse, and the historic National Road traveled by early westward settlers. The same cross-state Pennsy line has also been trail-ized in Plainfield, Greencastle, and Terre Haute, with future plans for a Monon-like trail across Indy's east side. THORNTOWN Anywhere you go in Indiana there are people who need a nearby place to get out for a walk, to enjoy nature, to safely bike with their children, to experience their communities even in the quiet winter months. A few residents of Thorntown did something about it and are creating just such a place for their small, rural Boone County town, a rail-trail shown above crossing Sugar Creek. There are still dozens of much larger cities in Indiana, including the nearby Boone County seat, which lack any such multi-use community trails. WEST LAFAYETTE 
A growing trend in cross-community trail networks is to build sections along the margins of large, established properties, such as golf courses and farms, then to connect them with sections of trail around new developments. Careful planning can yield a product with the same quality and feel as a rail-trail and provide long, uninterrupted stretches of non-motorized path. Keeping the now ever-present asphalt paths which are built around new neighborhoods open to the public is a critical detail which can vastly expand an area's trail network at little or no taxpayer cost. Above: Purdue students enjoy an escape along the Cattail Trail. Similar well-designed cross-community trails with the "faux rail-trail" feel can be found in Franklin and Columbus. MIAMI COUNTY  Along north central Indiana's Nickel Plate Trail in Miami, volunteer leader Dennis Shirley stands on a recently opened former rail bridge overlooking Deer Creek. The Indiana Trails Fund and local volunteers have worked to open several bridges and miles of trail, which eventually may become a new link in the American Discovery Trail and provide a major connection between central and northern Indiana. INDIANAPOLIS  Making Connections The famous Monon Trail took a giant step southward as the mammoth iron truss bridge over Fall Creek opened for business. The 2-mile extension provides a connection to Indy's Northeast Quad and the revitalizing Massachusetts Ave. area. Indy's downtown is relatively walkable and bikeable, full of extra-wide sidewalks conducive to urban exploration. The 15-mile trail covers a fascinating variety of surroundings, and the round-trip makes an excellent day outing, with plenty of tourist-oriented trailside services. LOGANSPORT  Rails with Trails: The Little Turtle Waterway in Logansport winds among natural vegetation and parallels the Norfolk Southern rail line along the Wabsh River. Abundant examples of rails-with-trails are to be found throughout the country, with varying degrees of safety measures in place, such as the simple green buffer shown here. Cooperation with active railroads is tricky but certainly achievable. Read more about the nation's rails-with-trails and other trail issues. LAFAYETTE  Trails to Rails: The restored Lafayette Depot, background left, provides a stop along the Chicago Amtrak route as well as the 13-mile Wabash Heritage Trail. The historic John Myers pedestrian bridge over the railroad and Wabash River joins downtown Lafayette, the vibrant Riehle Plaza, the west bank's Tapawingo Park, and Purdue University. Also joined at the distant ends of the trail are Tippecanoe Battlefield County Park and Fort Ouiatenon. CARMEL  Roads to Trails: A trail-friendly developer in Carmel spared this abandoned section of Hoover Road, bisecting the pavement to create a multi-use path which connects existing and developing neighborhoods. Even the stop signs were re-used, placed at pedestrian height where the road-trail intersects another new neighborhood trail. Like most rail-trails, these types of paths do not parallel vehicle traffic and are in high demand from active communities. Anyone who experiences a rail-trail understands the freedom and intimacy of the cross-country experience they offer. RICHMOND  Richmond's Whitewater Gorge Valley trail system includes over 6 miles of asphalt and natural trails. The trails' proximity to downtown combined with the dramatic natural and historic setting of the river gorge provides a well-rounded outing for locals or visitors. Above: an active Norfolk Southern rail bridge crosses the Cardinal Greenway just north of downtown. See Waynet's trail guide. CARMEL  One of the Midwest's most beloved trails - the Monon. PENDLETON  Community trail systems are the perfect way to enjoy Spring and explore both natural and man-made curiosities, like this historic railroad bridge in Pendleton within the extensive Falls Creek Trail system. With enough support, this area may be connected to Indy's trail network in the future. Read more. PLAINFIELD  Some of the most inspiring trail projects involve the relocation of historic, out-of-service road bridges to carry people and bicycles. Plainfield's White Lick Creek Trail employs an 1886 Warren Truss structure which was moved from a nearby county road. See a list of available bridges (mostly free) from INDOT's site. TERRE HAUTE  The Backroads of Indiana, greenway-style. A common border between farm field and wooded area provides an unobtrusive route for a multi-use trail. This segment of the new National Road Heritage Trail, ,just east of Terre Haute, brings the trail between city neighborhoods and a former rail line amid a more rural setting. MIAMI COUNTY  The striking autumn beauty of beech-maple forest in the fertile central plain is visible from Miami County's rustic Nickel Plate Trail. Further north, the trail will cross into a rare protected native prairie ecosystem. Nature has covered all the aesthetic design expenses here. Volunteers and minimal cost can open trails along many former rail lines. NOBLESVILLE  Trails to Trains...Ghost train? No, Pumpkin Train! The Indiana Transportation Museum is a stop along the White River Greenway in Noblesville, which connects downtown to Forest Park, ties in neighborhoods separated by the river and a major highway, and will eventually link Potters (covered) Bridge Park. The greenway is just visible above where it crosses the active Nickel Plate line (be sure to look both ways.) |
Southern IN/VariousAURORA PERRY/PULASKI COUNTY Many trails need new bridges. Many bridges need new homes. The costs of moving and restoring historic bridges are being offset by grants such as the Transportation Enhancements program. Several Indiana trails are now using or plan to use these structures - see our bridge page. Volunteers from Delphi Historic Trails are taking steps to rescue and relocate what may be the nation's last Stearns Truss bridge (top photo) to their VanScoy Towpath Trail. Another handsome bridge perfectly sized for trail use - a single-lane, 100' Pratt through Truss structure in Perry County (bottom photo) - remains available and awaits an heroic rescue. See INDOT's Historic Bridge Marketing Program page for a complete listing. METAMORA  Fall Trailblazing Volunteers worked to add a major attraction to the southeastern Indiana town of Metamora in the Fall of 2005 -- a 2.6 mile rustic hiking & biking trail along the historic Whitewater Canal, carrying locals and tourists out into the lush scenery of the Whitewater River Valley. Some of the sights along the trail include a working canal boat, the nation's only wooden aqueduct, and several 160-year old canal locks. Providing trails can open up an entirely new demographic of active-lifestyle visitors to tourist-oriented areas and encourage more overnight stays. And there is no better way to experience a place than to get out and soak it up on the unhurried, intimate pace of a trail. BLOOMINGTON  Bloomington is emerging as one of the state's most bike and trail-friendly cities. The Indiana University campus, a vibrant, walkable downtown area and numerous bike lanes contribute to a strong non-motorized culture. The city also maintains a Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Commission, publishes a detailed city bicycle map, and is a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly City. Two popular rail-trails (Clear Creek Trail shown above) grace the south side, including a relocated historic bridge, and will eventually connect to/thru the downtown area via a state-of-the-art urban trail project. A new trail along Jackson Creek is also planned. Fortunately, the surrounding county of Monroe is supportive of future trail linkages beyond the city limits and is currently drafting a county-wide trails master plan. COLUMBUS  Highways for People Columbus, Indiana is renowned for its world-class, forward-thinking architecture and is likewise building a forward-thinking urban trail system. The People Trail system links together parks, schools, downtown, the airport, as well as many of its unique buildings. One remarkable link of the trail system (shown above) runs behind businesses associated with the I-65 interchange, passing beneath the expressway and its cloverleaf. Bike and pedestrian accommodations are extremely rare in such typically motor-dominated outlying areas. MADISON  Although only the first mile is open, the Heritage Trail of Madison is close to making a milestone connection: linking the historic downtown area on the Ohio River with the rest of the city located far above on the hilltop, opening up a new world of mobility for non-motorized travelers. A rescued iron-truss road bridge will soon provide the riverfront connection, while the next phase will connect a section to Clifty Falls State Park and a major sports complex. Scenic vistas are a dime-a-dozen along the trail and throughout the entire area. A private group of citizens conceived the project and garnered a $1 million grant in 2002 for its continued expansion. CLARKSVILLE  The Clarksville Heritage Trail uses multiple corridors to connect important features in this riverside community, across from Louisville along the Ohio River. The rail-trail section (above) employs a stretch of former Pennsylvania railbed. Other sections under development will follow the river, the tops of river levees, sidewalks, quiet sidestreets, and park trails. Falls of the Ohio State Park, a community pool, historic sites, schools and residential areas will be connected in the 5-mile loop. Park planners are working to tie in far-flung neighborhoods with future connecting paths, creating not only a community-wide recreational amenity but also a usable non-motorized transportation network. NEAR BLOOMFIELD  Looking Ahead Indiana is home to allegedly the third longest viaduct in the world, the "Tulip Trestle" located near Bloomfield. The aging structure (above) may someday present the possibility for trail conversion, and southwest Indiana's bucolic landscape would provide an ideal rail-trail experience. However, the project cost would likely beckon timely assistance from the state government, currently an unlikely prospect. Whereas neighboring states such as Ohio and Michigan enable their state DNR's to be proactive in statewide trail projects, Indiana virtually prohibits it, leaving the burden to volunteers, non-profits and local officials in sparsely populated areas. Needless to say, Indiana is far behind in rail-trail mileage (145) compared with Ohio (>500) and Michigan (>1300). BLOOMINGTON  The 1887 Harris Ford Bridge serves the Clear Creek Trail south of Bloomington, where it was relocated last year from Warren County and restored for bike & pedestrian usage. There are many such examples of former road bridges employed for trails - see our historic bridge page for more. Bloomington has adopted an ambitious greenways plan which includes development of a former switchyard and three additional miles of urban rail corridor, linking existing trails to the downtown area. Read more from their website. BLOOMINGTON  Linear parks often attract more fall visitors than do "box" parks, yet the per-acre cost of developing trails is usually fractional in comparison. The city of Bloomington is receiving acclaim for their leadership and design of an extensive rail-trail and greenway system, including the serene, leafy path shown above. EVANSVILLE  Urban trails are gaining popularity as interest in walkable, livable downtown areas also grows. Pedestrians and cyclists have their own separated space along the Pigeon Creek Greenway's Esplanade in Evansville, similar to the proposed Cultural Trail in downtown Indy. Interpretive plaques adorn the route. BLOOMINGTON  Preserving rail corridors can provide safe, peaceful means to cross the countryside, get to town, or visit neighbors. The Bloomington Rail-Traill accomplishes this with a simple grass strip. BLOOMINGTON  This is where we come in. Hundreds of viable trail miles, like this portion in Bloomington, await local action to restore the corridors to transportation usage. COLUMBUS  Biking to work doesn't have to be an intimidating experience. Along a heavily congested suburban road outside Columbus, Indiana, is a quiet, simple strip of asphalt leading cyclists to dozens of businesses in an area which would otherwise be hostile to non-motorists. The recently built path connects to the architecturally famous downtown area and many nearby neighborhoods POSEY CO.  The subdued colors of winter in rural Indiana, as seen from the future Posey Trail. POSEY CO.  A wooden bridge along the planned Posey Trail COPENHAGEN, DENMARK  One beautiful parking lot! While Copenhagen, Denmark's Central Station (shown) may be a long way from Indy, efforts are underway toward promoting a trail infrastructure which might someday result in some closer-resembling commuter choices. The choice above, even in Denmark's frequently disagreeable weather, is overwhelmingly in favor of the bicycle. See Storrow Kinsella's recently published rough draft map potential trail corridors in central Indiana (look for the Central Indiana Regional Greenways Report link). Also read about a new effort underway to create a commuter bike station in Indy. |
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