Nickel Plate Trail – The Nickel Plate Trail is the 40+mile railtrail corridor running from Kokomo in Howard County to Rochester in Fulton County. The trail currently goes through the communities of Cassville, Bennetts Switch, Miami, Bunker Hill, Peru, Denver, Deedsville, Birmingham, Macy and Rochester. It is ideal for walking, hiking, running, bicycling, skating, or even cross country skiing.
North Judson Erie Trail – The North Judson Erie Trail occupies the railbanked right-of-way of the former JK Line Railroad, running 9 miles from downtown North Judson southeast to US 35 near Bass Lake.
Pumpkinvine Nature Trail – The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail covers just over 17 miles between the towns of Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana.
Monon Rail Trail – The Monon Rail Trail stretches from the town of Sheridan in the north, extends south through Westfield, Carmel, Broad Ripple, and passes by the Indiana State Fairgrounds before intersecting with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail on the east end of Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave).
Other Indiana Trails – Explore the best rated trails in Indiana, whether you’re looking an easy walking trail or a bike trail, you can find it here.
Indiana Trails Community – The mission of Hoosier Rails to Trails Council (HRTC) is to advocate for trails and greenways in Indiana. Accordingly, HRTC advocates for trails generally, rail-trails specifically. As such we also promote and advocate for walking bicycling, and non-motorized pathways.
Greenways Foundation – The Greenways Foundation promotes Greenways, Blueways, and Multi-Use Trails in Indiana.
TrailLink.com – FREE trail information on the Web. Find detailed information on bike trails, walking trails, equestrian trails, and hiking and running trails including interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, pictures and more.
Bike Ride Indiana – Find the latest information about touring bicycle rides in and around Indiana.
Trail Talk: Issue 28
Trail Expansion to France Park
With the north end Phase 1 expansion in Winamac nearing completion, focus now turns to taking the Panhandle Pathway through to the entrance of France Park. The Panhandle team continues to work towards the vision of “Park to Park.” When completed, one should be able to follow the Panhandle Pathway from Tippecanoe River State Park on the north end to France Park on the south and never leave the trail. All of the Panhandle friends who continue to back these efforts are appreciated. This is not possible without your help.
The Guys Go Out for a Ride
Alan Nies, area resident and avid bicycle rider, had a recent memorable experience of riding the trail with his three grandchildren.
Fun time for all: Ages 3 to 64. As they discovered, bike riding on the Panhandle Pathway is more than a bike ride. There is so much to see and explore and no two trips are exactly alike. It is an adventure every time.
On this day’s ride they encountered a garter snake sunning on the asphalt. Riley, the 3-year-old, rode his bike right up to investigate. The older two wanted grandpa to check things out first. Next came a large trail side groundhog hole—all looked inside and discovered—no one was home! Just an empty hole.
Alan is no newcomer to bicycle riding and had to explain to the grandkids that a trip to Mud Creek is something that their mothers enjoyed doing when they were little. Back then, of course, it was railroad tracks and not a recreational trail.
As with any long trip out and back, everyone got a little thirsty, and Riley had to sample grandpa’s water bottle drink. He had to explain that grandpa’s drink tasted a little funny. Grandpa said the water was a sports drink and had electrolytes in it. “It gives you energy!” After that conversation, Riley was back out and leading the pack again.
The 7-year-old, Ezra, and the 5-year-old, Jonah, enjoyed wearing their new bicycle helmets. Riley and grandpa put new stickers on Riley’s helmet. By the end of the day, all were tired, ready to go home and agreed that they certainly had fun.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/.
Park to park will be terrific… can’t wait 😊🚴🏻
