Trail Talk: Issue 33: In the Beginning
It was June 2005 when the idea of converting the old, out-of-service Pennsylvania Railroad track bed (the Panhandle) to a recreational trail was first discussed. The first public meeting attracted approximately 50 curious area residents. By June of the following year, and after many additional meetings, that interested group was down to about eight people. That small group included Doctor Rex Allman. Doc and the others began the informal trail committee and the start of the trail project.
In the beginning there were so many questions and so many unknowns. No one in the group had trail building experience, and trail construction was relatively new to the state of Indiana at that time with the existing trails around the state only being in operation for a few years. The team made trips to other trails, including the Pumpkinvine Trail in Goshen, the Nickel Plate Trail in Peru, and the Monon Trail in Indianapolis.
The main question—How did you do this? Much insight was gained from these meetings with the various trail people. The initial local team of committed volunteers contributed $400 each of their own money to hire an experienced trail building grant writer. The first grant application was submitted and accepted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
That first grant was used to design and construct a crushed limestone trail from Pulaski County Road 150 South to Key Street in Star City. This first grant was quickly followed up by two more grants, which then paved the trail and extended it south to Kenneth near France Park in Cass County. Since that time, the trail expansion work has continued to lengthen the trail out in both directions. More grants were pursued. Work on the final vision, “Park to Park,” Tippecanoe River State Park on the north to France Park in Cass County on the south continues on today, approximately 20 years later.
As the years go by, word of the Panhandle Pathway of Indiana (Yes. There is a Panhandle Pathway trail in West Virginia and Pennsylvania) continues to spread with visitors from many different parts of the country coming here to use and enjoy this trail. As many as 80 people a day visit the Panhandle. This community asset, available year round, is here to stay for current and future generations.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/
I remember when some of your founders came to the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana monthly meeting and shared the opportunity and vision. A huge thank you to all the “pioneer” visionaries, passionate volunteers and donors! Keep up the good work for the good of all!!
Our cycling group is The Bikin' Brothers from Goshen, and we plans rides on it a couple times a year. We love the Panhandle!
Thank you to the team that put forth their own time and money to get this started, it is appreciated
www.facebook.com/share/p/19Kk9NhLEp/Yes! The Flat Fifty Bicycle Tour of Adams County is ON! The Decatur Optimists Club, Decatur Lions Club and the Adams County Bicycle Club are pleased to host the 35th annual Flat 50 Plus bike ride on June 21, 2025. So, come ride routes of 20, 30, 50, 62 and 100 miles with well supported sag stops along the way. Registration is now open with an early bird pricing of $35 through April 30th. Sign up at www.bikesignup.com/Race/IN/Decatur/Flat50plus
This morning was a little chilly, but it was still a beautiful time on the pathway! Was anyone able to take advantage of the wonderful weather yesterday? Let us know!
Rode my bike ten miles on it & enjoyed every minute!
Walked with my dog near Tornhope. Great day to be out as the Sandhill Cranes were flying over.
Yes, walked my 2.5 mi , felt so good to be out on the pathway.
Trail Talk: Issue 32: IDNR Approves Trail Expansion
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recently came to Winamac, Indiana and conducted their final field check of the north Panhandle Pathway expansion. This is the new trail section that was added in Winamac between Indiana State Road 14 (11th St.) and 17th Street. With their recent approval, this part of the Panhandle Pathway is now officially open to the public.
We appreciate the town of Winamac, the supporting land owners and the many others who made financial and in-kind matching donations to the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway, Inc. This help was necessary in order to make the grant funding and this trail expansion possible.
This new section, north and west of Winamac is convenient for many north side residents and is receiving favorable reviews. The trail (including the Winamac Parkway) is complete now from 17th Street, through Winamac and south 23+ miles to Kenneth, near France Park in Cass County.
Every new section added helps bring the Panhandle closer to the long-term vision of “Park to Park”—Tippecanoe River State Park, Pulaski County (the north) to France Park, Cass County (the south).
So the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway press on—the work continues, obstacles are overcome and the trail grows. Thanks to you, expansion continues. As we move into 2025, we will keep you informed of more trail news as it happens. Happy Trails!
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/
Love this beautiful trail!
Great job team!!! 🚲😊
When is the next meeting ?
Timeline photosPanhandle Pathway (extension) - Winamac - Pulaski County
It looks as if this trail is heading south. Is this running to France Park?
The extension is in Winamac, going north from SR14 to 17th Street. I think this view is looking north.
When will they extending it further? It is great having this beautiful trail!
Yay!!! 😊
Found this last fall while at the winamac friday night feast ride with Breakaway Bike and Fitness ,was cool riding through the corn
Rode this late last summer. Hope it keeps going!
Crucial northward extension. Great job Friends of the Panhandle Pathway!
Trail Talk: Issue 33: In the Beginning
It was June 2005 when the idea of converting the old, out-of-service Pennsylvania Railroad track bed (the Panhandle) to a recreational trail was first discussed. The first public meeting attracted approximately 50 curious area residents. By June of the following year, and after many additional meetings, that interested group was down to about eight people. That small group included Doctor Rex Allman. Doc and the others began the informal trail committee and the start of the trail project.
In the beginning there were so many questions and so many unknowns. No one in the group had trail building experience, and trail construction was relatively new to the state of Indiana at that time with the existing trails around the state only being in operation for a few years. The team made trips to other trails, including the Pumpkinvine Trail in Goshen, the Nickel Plate Trail in Peru, and the Monon Trail in Indianapolis.
The main question—How did you do this? Much insight was gained from these meetings with the various trail people. The initial local team of committed volunteers contributed $400 each of their own money to hire an experienced trail building grant writer. The first grant application was submitted and accepted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
That first grant was used to design and construct a crushed limestone trail from Pulaski County Road 150 South to Key Street in Star City. This first grant was quickly followed up by two more grants, which then paved the trail and extended it south to Kenneth near France Park in Cass County. Since that time, the trail expansion work has continued to lengthen the trail out in both directions. More grants were pursued. Work on the final vision, “Park to Park,” Tippecanoe River State Park on the north to France Park in Cass County on the south continues on today, approximately 20 years later.
As the years go by, word of the Panhandle Pathway of Indiana (Yes. There is a Panhandle Pathway trail in West Virginia and Pennsylvania) continues to spread with visitors from many different parts of the country coming here to use and enjoy this trail. As many as 80 people a day visit the Panhandle. This community asset, available year round, is here to stay for current and future generations.
Have something to say about the Panhandle Pathway? Please share: www.panhandlepathway.org/contact-us/
I remember when some of your founders came to the Friends of the Nickel Plate Trail - Indiana monthly meeting and shared the opportunity and vision. A huge thank you to all the “pioneer” visionaries, passionate volunteers and donors! Keep up the good work for the good of all!!
Our cycling group is The Bikin' Brothers from Goshen, and we plans rides on it a couple times a year. We love the Panhandle!
Thank you to the team that put forth their own time and money to get this started, it is appreciated
