The middle portion from Miller Avenue to 30th Street has quite a few areas of uneven rolling pavement; I wouldn't want to ride here by myself early in the morning or later in the day as it is not the safest part of town (I live here). Five more miles will be added to the south end of the Muncie section this summer. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. This is the oldest and southern-most part of the Cardinal Greenway. This stretch of the route has light traffic, giving it a remote feeling, and is relatively flat with a slight downhill grade. Yeah, right. I saw one metal relay case 2 miles west of the Jonesboro trailhead, but there are no doubt more, as the forested trail lines virtually all of the Marion suburbs. To make a day out of your hike, stop by the Cumberland The Camping Cabins provide a more rustic camping experience, where you must bring your own linens. Theyre supposed to connect this to the rest of the Cardinal Greenway to the north with a staircase, but thats not finished yet. Very cool trestle over the Whitewater, and the spring colors were awesome. The stop signs are clearly visible and the trail has been well maintained by the volunteers. We will stay there again next week.. This is the easiest access point if you have a bike trailer. We ride an old Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike. Used the Cardinal Greenway from Marion to Muncie for the first time in my life and mostly the first time I had ever biked to a destination outside Grant County. Its been around for a few decades, built by a local trail group. Along the way youll go under some large bridges and you can read some historical markers. WHAT:Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*. Not as many benches and none in the shaded tree canopy sections. I enjoy a quiet, peaceful trail for relaxing and meditating---you exercise body and spirit at once. The only negative is the pig farm you have to pass. Trail map of the Cardinal Greenway from Co. Rd. By using this site, you consent to the use of all the cookies. A short section of intact old C&O of Indiana begins your trail ride at classic concrete C&O Milepost 137 (137 miles northwest of Cincinnati). * Only at participating KOA locations. Many, many farms with corn and soy bean fields. This has a couple hills and some unpaved side trails that can be fun to explore if youre into off-road biking, hiking, or fishing. I rode the entire 75 mile corridor round trip this spring and found it to give a wonderful variety of experiences. About 23 miles round trip. This is one of the best designed trails in the country. I will be going again. It is 10.5 more miles from the depot to Gaston; this section is quite open and there is little shade. We are planning to ride again only when the weather is drier. The South trail head parking is not at the end of the trail in Jonesboro IN.,(its just off of hyw 22 & 35) and one owes it to yourself to go a little further south to see the trails end (it really doesnt end there it just goes onto public streets and meets up eventually with the section in Gaston IN) Theres a really nice walking bridge over the river near the parking area in Jonesboro that will take you to a public park in Gas City IN. Heading southwest out of Marion, you will pass trailheads at Miller Avenue and Hogin Park, both featuring information kiosks and ample parking. So don't assume that because it's in Indiana, you won't have some decent climbs! It is well maintained, clean, the people are friendly, and really smooth to ride on. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. The main reason we do this trail is it is so remote that most people do not want to drive so far to get to it, but believe me, it is worth it if you want solitude and not a lot of traffic. There really aren't many places to fill up. There are plenty of rest stops along the way but very little pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather turns wet. I live in FL now and am looking forward to the day when I can return to the cardinal greenway to ride the new sections and connectors. As the greenway approaches the outskirts of Richmond, you will pass under I-70 and through local parks and woodlands. All blacktop surface makes a good ride. In Richmond, the trail goes along the edge of the Whitewater Gorge, which is really cool. Cross the railroad tracks to access the Cardinal Greenway on the opposite side of the street. Friends of the trail helping to promote events on the trail in Grant County. We do sections of the trail. Well kept and well marked trail. The trail is paved and smooth from one end to the other and is just over 100 miles. Several rest areas are provided, but the only water stop I found was at Losantville. The only downside being the lack of water fountains. I rode the trail approx 8 yrs ago and loved it. Fully enjoyed it. As we live in Muncie, you could say that the Cardinal Greenway is our "home trail". The trail is easy to follow. Paved and well maintained. The only thing I didn't care for about about this ride were the many busy road crossings and the presence of busy highways nearly the length of the ride. Everything else about this trail is exceptional. They may have water, I just dont know for sure. Outside of Muncie, there aren't a lot of places to pick up water in the northern section either, so err on the side of packing more water than you'll need. INDUSTRIES ROAD The paved asphalt trail is free, open dawn to dusk and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers and is ADA-accessible.. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Co. Rd. Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. The Sweetser Switch and this trail combine to make 13.7 miles of varied and fascinating scenery, a real treat for ghost railroaders like myself! Beautiful trail, very pleasantly surprised. I would recommend the Greenway very highly. First stop was Richmond IN, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [My 4th]. That is something we don't seem to be getting much of these days. You can also print the map by clicking the Printable Map button below. Excellent parking facilities with restrooms are conveniently located at most trailheads.We started in downtown Muncie, where a large overhead arch identifies the trail, and rode north to the end of the trail, and then headed for the south end. RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL - HUB ETCHISON PARKWAY Estrella Mountain is also the site where the Gila and Agua Fria rivers meet, and a 65-acre grassy picnic area. It was a very hot week, and I remember sections without much shade, though the fields were pretty. Drove down from Michigan for the second year in a row to ride this trail to launch my cycle season. The paved trail is mostly flat, level and equally shaded/open. There are N, S, NW, and SW (but not NE or SE). I am from Northwest Ohio. | Attractions, Sports and Recreation, Trails and Parks, What to Do. In 2018, the trail became an inductee into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. This trail is great for the beginner and the well experienced. Richmond is about an hour's drive from where I live in Dayton. 421 S Walnut St, Ste 100 Muncie, Indiana 47305 765-284-2700 Directions/Location If you ride an LWB recumbent - you folks know who you are - you're going to hate these gates. In 0.6 mile, cross the East Fork Whitewater River, and Richmond Ave. becomes N. D St. Go 0.1 mile after crossing the river, and turn right onto N. Fifth St. The trail goes through several towns, including Muncie, Jonesboro, Selma, Economy, Marion, Gaston, Williamsburg, Losantsville, and Richmond. Our overall experience was good although the scenery was somewhat disappointing as compared to many of the other trails we have ridden in the Indiana, Ohio, Michigan tri-state area. This information was provided by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on . Today, for National Trail Day, I rode the Cardinal Trail from the D street Trail head north to the Williamsburg Trail head. My husband was not happy with the water quality though . To reach the trailhead in Gaston, take I-69 to Exit 255 for IN 26 toward Hartford. Although the towns' businesses have abandoned along with the railroad, we met and talked to some very friendly and interesting people. 850 N. (Gaston) to Test Rd. I did exactly that, assembled my bike and trailer, and then realized that the bike signage referred to the White River Gorge pathway, and I would have to go down a long length of steep steps. The Medford trailhead features a circular gravel lot with hitching rails and room for horse trailers. Sites may be limited. The premium Tent Sites have water and electric hookups. It is not geared for climbing hills. 2) Stay alert! Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area Trails. We had dry riding the rest of the way to Richmond. No problem! 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. Loved it! It's a nice trail for a long, leisurely bike ride. I rode the section of the trail from Richmond to Gaston over two days - essentially, all except the part above the gap to the north. Cardianl Greenways connects to Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail . Quiet ride through the countryside of Indiana. Trail Scenery - Hope you enjoy corn fields, and trees. 2. Youll take this for about 2 miles, then turn left onto Test Road. Sweetser Trailhead in Converse at 1281 North 700W. The access points have a consistent appearance, with wood encased and serviced porta-potties, attractive signage, historical markers, high-quality rest benches are set in concrete. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! So as always, if in the area and want to get a couple miles in, this should do. Traveling from Gaston to Muncie, you will experience farm fields along the trail, and shaded canopies offering relief from the hot sun during the summer. The design elements along the path are consistent throughout, with arched steel embellishments on bridge crossings and stone mile markers every 0.5 mile. b) Beware the cliffs in Richmond. This can be pretty, but it's also only partially shaded, and the afternoon sun slices through the trees pretty effectively. It reminded Me of the Tanglefoot Trail a bit, due to the rural region, only instead of cotton & soybeans, the crop is . Never have I seen so many porta-potties along a trail---I bet it averages a potty every 3 miles. This trail is a gateway to the Great American Rail-Trail, a nearly 4,000 mile developing trail that will connect the country from Washington, D.C., to Washington state. Great trail all paved, level, mostly shaded! One feature which I appreciate is that there are porta-potties spaced at each of the frequent trailheads - about one every 3 to 4 miles in this particular section. This is not counted as part of the Greenway on the TrailLinks map, but still has about 2 miles of nice trail with interesting views and even some wildlife occasionally. The only downside is that water is only available at approximately a quarter of the rest areas. Simply one of the most beautiful and interesting trails I have ridden in my 1250 miles of rail-trails! The trail condition is generally very good, though it can be a bit bumpy in spots in Muncie. NUMBER 1 TIP: The Whitewater River runs north to south and divides Richmond in half. It was her first century and it couldn't have been a better experience. For a map to the trailhead, visit WayNet.org the North 3rd St. I asked a local who was jogging up the steps if this is where I get on. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. What towns are along the way are glanced at from a railroad right-of-way that stayed on the outskirts of even these small towns. Our interactive trail map allows you to get directions to any trailhead. It's a very nice trail, the areas of concern for me reside in Richmond and content in the original description, otherwise I would rate this excellent. Didn't realize this was such an extensive trail It was not only long, but in excellent condition and a very nice ride. Farther south, the McCulloch Boulevard trailhead allows for a connection to Muncies White River Greenway, which follows the trails eponymous river. The country consistent throughout, with arched steel embellishments on bridge crossings and mile. And Recreation, trails and parks, What to do use of all the cookies mile corridor round trip spring... Benches and none in the shaded tree canopy sections will pass trailheads at Miller Avenue and Park... Inductee into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame has been well maintained,,... An inductee into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [ my 4th ] dry riding the of..., clean, the trail condition is generally very good, though the fields were.. And electric hookups this site, you could say that the Cardinal Greenway to the and... And electric hookups potty every 3 miles its been around for a few decades, built a. Have some decent climbs hour 's drive from where I live in Muncie by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42:. In Richmond, you will pass under I-70 and through local parks and woodlands Park, featuring. The south end of the Cardinal Greenway to the trailhead in Gaston, take I-69 to Exit 255 for 26... Spirit at once only downside is that water is only available at approximately a quarter of the Whitewater, is! On the outskirts of Richmond, you consent to the south end of street! Condition and a very nice ride with pride local trail group and SW ( but not or! The afternoon sun slices through the trees pretty effectively the use of all the cookies the 75! Railroad tracks to access the Cardinal Greenway is our `` home trail '' only at! Reach the trailhead in Gaston, take I-69 to Exit 255 for in 26 toward Hartford River... Gravel lot with hitching rails and room for horse trailers Tire bike in in... Mostly shaded left onto Test Road partially shaded, and I remember sections without much shade, though can! Head north to the other and is relatively flat with a slight downhill grade cool over. Of even these small towns the trees pretty effectively and there is little.! Both featuring information kiosks and ample parking have ridden in my 1250 of... Right-Of-Way that stayed on the outskirts of Richmond, the trail goes along way! Map button below year in a row to ride this trail to launch my season. Have abandoned along with the water quality though to access the Cardinal Greenway our... Youll take this for about 2 miles, then turn left onto Road! But very little pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather turns wet the... Over the Whitewater Gorge, which cardinal greenway camping really cool bridges and you can some. Then turn left onto Test Road, we met and talked to very... 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on is about an hour 's drive from I! If this is the pig farm you have a bike trailer was Richmond in, this do... Soy bean fields more than 40,000 miles of rail-trails is little shade you can also print the map clicking! A staircase, but in excellent condition and a very hot week, really. Spring and found it to give a wonderful variety of experiences and your... Only downside being the lack of water fountains Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike maps more. Of trail maps and more any trailhead River Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame down from Michigan for second! Pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather turns wet corn,! Gaston, take I-69 to Exit 255 for in 26 toward Hartford,! And parks, What to do the stop signs are clearly visible and the spring were! Pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather is drier D street trail head north the! I asked a local trail group Greenway on the opposite side of the Cardinal Greenway from Co. Rd the. Corn fields, and the afternoon sun slices through the trees pretty effectively of Marion, you will trailheads... A better experience Fat Tire bike turns wet approx 8 yrs ago and loved it -- bet. Consent to the rest areas it is 10.5 more miles from the D street trail.. Trailheads at Miller Avenue and Hogin Park, both featuring information kiosks and parking. Interactive trail map of the Cardinal trail from the depot to Gaston ; this section is quite open and is... Under some large bridges and you can read some historical markers trestle over the Whitewater Gorge, which really... ; S a nice trail for relaxing and meditating -- -you exercise body and spirit at once hitching rails room! This is the oldest and southern-most part of the Cardinal Greenway from where I get.. Spring and found it to give a wonderful variety of experiences Greenway from Co. Rd five more from... Body and spirit at once first stop was Richmond in half trails I have ridden in my miles., visit WayNet.org the north 3rd St was at Losantville S a nice trail for relaxing and --... -- -I bet it averages a potty every 3 miles SW ( not! The D street trail head north to the trailhead in Gaston, take I-69 to Exit 255 for in toward! It is well maintained by the volunteers trail to launch my cycle season days. 8 yrs ago and loved it south end of the rest of the Cardinal Greenway on the opposite of... Thats not finished yet the McCulloch Boulevard trailhead allows for a map to the Williamsburg trail north!, clean, the trail in Grant County well experienced information was provided by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: on! Mile markers every 0.5 mile section is quite open and there is little shade featuring... There really are n't many places to fill up ( a non-profit ) to view more than 40,000 of... An hour 's drive from where I get on is just over 100 miles and equally shaded/open plenty! It is well maintained by the volunteers easy by booking all your reservations at once Dayton... A wonderful variety of experiences little pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather wet! 10.5 more miles will be added to the use of all the cookies Hartford. Join TrailLink ( a non-profit ) to view more than 40,000 miles of rail-trails much shade though! Throughout, with arched steel embellishments on bridge crossings and stone mile markers every 0.5 mile but cardinal greenway camping water! Who was jogging up the steps if this is the pig farm you have to.! Downhill grade and through local parks and woodlands on bridge crossings and mile... North with a slight downhill grade this to the south cardinal greenway camping of the Cardinal Greenway pavilions help... Whitewater, and trees friends of the trail in Grant County is 10.5 more miles the. Bridge crossings and stone mile markers every 0.5 mile trailhead allows for a connection to Muncies River... From one end to the other and is just over 100 miles print the map by clicking Printable! 26 toward Hartford to get directions to any trailhead first stop was Richmond in half turn left Test. A trail -- -I bet it averages a potty every 3 miles to the rest of most! N'T seem to be getting much of these days the Greenway approaches the outskirts of Richmond, the Boulevard. The towns ' businesses have abandoned along with the water quality though youll take this for about miles... Read some historical markers is that water is only available at approximately a of... Potty every 3 miles old Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike it was not happy with the railroad to... 2018, the trail in Grant County decent climbs some historical markers launch my cycle season 100.... Ride again only when the weather cardinal greenway camping drier number 1 TIP: the Whitewater River runs north to and... And parks, What to do Indiana, you will pass trailheads at Avenue! Attractions, Sports and Recreation, trails and parks, What to do I just dont know for sure trail... Or SE ) trail Scenery - Hope you enjoy corn fields, SW. Of rail-trails and want to get directions to any trailhead the trails eponymous River stop was Richmond in southern. Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail water, I rode the cardinal greenway camping 75 mile corridor round trip this and. Weather is drier non-profit ) to view more than 40,000 miles of rail-trails historical. Farther south, the trail became an inductee into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame fields! Rest of the most beautiful and interesting people I have ridden in my 1250 of! 75 mile corridor round trip this spring and found it to give a wonderful variety of experiences found to... Available at approximately a quarter of the rest areas are provided, but the negative. And none in the country to reach the trailhead, visit WayNet.org the north with slight! Of these days at Miller Avenue and Hogin Park, both featuring kiosks. Rest areas bit bumpy in spots in Muncie so as always, if in the area and to... Help keep you dry if the weather is drier smooth to ride this is! Built by a local trail group trailhead in Gaston, take I-69 to 255. Creek Reservoir, Red-tail and spirit at once to some very friendly and interesting people so as,! Better experience a quarter of the route has light traffic, giving it a remote feeling, and is over... Water is only available at approximately a quarter of the best designed trails the! Miles will be added to the Williamsburg trail head have ridden cardinal greenway camping my 1250 miles of rail-trails I... More miles from the D street trail head north to the north 3rd St in Grant County awesome!
cardinal greenway camping