News

Panhandle Pathway

April 9th, 11:27 am

Trail Talk: Issue 34: Mile Markers
White numbers are painted directly onto the asphalt surface every one tenth of a mile along the west side of the trail. These white markers begin with 00.0 at the south side of the intersection of the Panhandle Pathway and Main, Street, Winamac, Indiana (Pulaski County). These markers continue south all the way to the present trail’s end at mile marker 21.6, near Kenneth, Indiana (Cass County).
When visitors from outside our area, come to use the trail, these numbers may provide additional help in locating someone. These markers can also be helpful for volunteer trail maintenance personnel in the event of a downed tree or other similar situation. Those out on an exercise routine may find these helpful too in measuring distances covered.
Please locate and familiarize yourself with these numbers as you start out along the trail. Identify and remember your starting point as you begin. In an emergency situation, you may be asked to relay the nearest marker to emergency personnel. This step may help locate you and save valuable time. Finally, please let someone know your location and travel plans before you start out on the trail. Tell/text them your starting point and which direction you are heading.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable time when visiting the Panhandle Pathway. Be safe…Happy Trails!
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Panhandle Pathway

March 21st, 10:48 am

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.
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Panhandle Pathway

March 12th, 6:46 pm

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 ... See MoreSee Less