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  Cardinal Greenway - Muncie Section

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: IN
  Length: 27.55 miles
  Surface: Asphalt, Dirt

  The Cardinal Greenway in Muncie stretches through Indiana countryside that may well have inspired the lyrics to "America the Beautiful": Spacious skies, fruited plains, and amber waves of grain provide the backdrop to the rural parts of this trail.
  The rail-trail travels through the city of Muncie, but each end offers rich rural landscapes. Beginning in Gaston, population 1,010, the trail is flanked by wildflowers. Early risers will be rewarded with the sight of hundreds of spider webs thick with morning dew and glistening in the new day's sun.
  As you reach the 400 North trailhead, the urban fingers of Muncie start to reach out. An influx of runners, walkers and inline skaters—many of them students at nearby Ball State University—hit the trail. The McColloch Boulevard trailhead will introduce you to the true Cardinal Greenway experience. First is the connector at mile 10 to the White River Greenway, which follows the trail's eponymous river. Second, you will be faced with two bridges: to the right a historic trestle bridge, to the left the bicycle and pedestrian bridge that takes you across the White River. Another 0.3 mile along is the beautifully restored Wysor Street Depot and the office of Cardinal Greenway, Inc. The historic depot is a perfect place to stop for a picture, get a souvenir or look at the model train. You also can pick up a free loaner bike at the depot; simply leave a valid picture ID and borrow a bike to cruise the trail.
  Heading south from the depot, you will find yourself in the neighborhoods of Muncie. Passing under Route 35 you will re-enter to the sun-drenched Indiana countryside, where the trail meanders along the road like a fickle butterfly following the promise of pollen. Note that the rocks marking the mileage here show it decreasing; these numbers signify the mileage to Cincinnati, the original destination of the railroad.
  At the south

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  IWC Canal Greenway (Central Canal Towpath)

  

  State: IN
  Length: 5.3 miles
  Surface: Crushed Stone

  The IWC Canal Greenway, also known as the Central Canal Towpath, features two 19th-century iron bridges that cross the waterway, designated an American Water Landmark. As you follow the tree-lined, crushed limestone path, keep your eyes open for blue heron, ducks, geese and turtles. From the trail's northern endpoint, continue your journey on the Monon Trail, an 18-mile Hall of Fame rail-trail, or, from the trail's southern end, you can access the White River Wapahani Trail to travel into downtown Indianapolis.

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  Falling Waters Trail

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: MI
  Length: 10.41 miles
  Surface: Asphalt

  The Falling Waters Trail is a 10.5-mile asphalt rail-trail that links the town of Concord with the city of Jackson. The trail follows the old rail bed of the former Michigan Central Railroad, and connects Cascades, Ella Sharp, Lime Lake and Swains Lake parks. At its northeast terminus the trail carries on as the Jackson Intercity Trail to Belden Road.
  The trail is mostly rural, with only a few road crossings. It also crosses the Lime Lake causeway where you can drop a line for fish. There are plenty of places to stop along the way and admire the scenery, have a picnic and take a swim.
  

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  Hart-Montague Trail State Park

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: MI
  Length: 22.7 miles
  Surface: Asphalt

  The paved Hart-Montague Trail State Park is one of Michigan's great rural rail-trails. The trail is located in Oceana County, the "asparagus capital of the world," and the town of Hart hosts an annual asparagus festival complete with a parade, floats and an Asparagus Queen. Agriculture may have a hold on this area today, but Montague, Mears and Hart all have museums showcasing the time when the railroad and lumber industry reigned.
  The trail begins in Montague; from the trailhead a connecting trail—the 4-mile White Lake Pathway—heads south, crosses the White Lake River and continues through the city of White Hall. For the Hart Montague Trail, head north.
  Whichever way you go first, this is the spot to see the world's largest weathervane, a 48-foot structure depicting a Great Lakes schooner that went down in a 1901 storm. The southern segment of the trail is straight and flat. Christmas tree farms and orchards line the trail. Look for cherries, peaches, apples and even apricots and plums. Be on the lookout for deer milling around in the fields and orchards, especially in the morning and evening. Springtime features a colorful and fragrant trip past the blossoming fruit trees, while autumn brings the crunch of leaves of spectacular reds, oranges and gold.
  The trail moves north through the small towns of Rothbury, New Era, Shelby and Mears. Near Rothbury, a four-mile section between mile-markers 16 and 20 is available for horseback riders. Between Rothbury and Mears there are viewing platforms with picnic tables, offering scenic views of the wooded areas. The village of New Era is near the halfway point of the trail, and during the summer you can stop for homemade ice cream at the trailside dairy bar.
  In Mears, which has plenty of places to stop for food and water, you can spot remnant prairie grasses along the trail. The gently rolling terrain offers nice country vistas, w

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  Kal-Haven Trail Sesquicentennial State Park

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: MI
  Length: 34.5 miles
  Surface: Crushed Stone

  The nine towns that once stood between Kalamazoo and South Haven were connected by train traffic from 1870 to 1970. Some of those towns have faded into the past, but the old railroad corridor linking Kalamazoo and South Haven still hums with activity as the 34.5-mile Kal-Haven rail-trail, itself a state park.
  Begin your adventure at the eastern trailhead on 10th Street in Kalamazoo. A refurbished caboose serves as the trail office and information center. The beginning of the trail is paved—though the majority of the route is crushed slag and limestone—and slopes gently downward. Trees flanking the trail offer many miles of shade before you enter the open fields of Mentha. Almost nothing remains of the old Mentha Plantation that built this area's reputation for producing some of the world's finest peppermint oil.
  Continuing west you pass on the south edge of Kendall and Gobles. The restored Bloomingdale Depot stands as the halfway point of the trail and houses a museum filled with railroad and local history.
  In Grand Junction a pedestrian walkway will carry you over active train tracks. About 1 mile before reaching Grand Junction, the bridle trail starts and follows the trail until 1 mile beyond the town of Kibbie. Just 2 miles past Grand Junction you will cross the Camelback Bridge, name by its unique curved camelback style, over Barber Creek. In early spring the trail here is lined with a white carpet of wild trilliums.
  The covered bridge over the Black River signals that you are nearing the end of the trail, and you begin winding uphill to the South Haven staging area.
  

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  Panhandle Pathway

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: IN
  Length: 21 miles
  Surface: Asphalt

  Indiana's Panhandle Pathway links Winamac to Kenneth and communities in between, 21 miles of paved cycling, skating and walking. This spectacular rail-trail passes through bucolic Midwestern farmland, which seems to stretch across the horizon. Trail users will experience a unique and dramatic vista less than 1 mile south of the Winamac trailhead, where the trail crosses the Tippecanoe River.
  This rail-trail follows the old rail bed of the Pennsylvania Railroad line (aka, the Pennsylvania Panhandle Railroad) southward across other waterways, including Mill Creek, Indian Creek, Crooked Creek and other smaller brooks. The trail also passes through the Wabash valley, Star City, Thornhope and Royal Center.
  Trail users will find amenities in Winamac, Star City (no gasoline) and Royal Center, as well as picnic tables at the Royal Center trailhead and the end south of US24. Benches are provided all along the trail, and its terminus in Kenneth you'll find benches, picnic tables and a bike rack. As yet there are no restrooms or drinking fountains on the trail itself.
  The trail is managed and maintained by volunteers with the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway. Future plans include adding interpretive signs, connecting the rail-trail to France Park (east of the Kenneth trailhead), connecting to the old depot in downtown Winamac, connecting to the Tippecanoe River State park and possibly connecting with other Indiana trails.
  

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  Katy Trail State Park

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: MO
  Length: 237.7 miles
  Surface: Crushed Stone, Gravel

  The Katy Trail State Park is the nation's longest rail-trail project—nearly 238 miles of scenic trail built especially for walkers and cyclists and stretching from Clinton east to Machens, in St. Charles County. Equestrians are allowed to use the western section from the state fairgrounds in Sedalia to Calhoun only.
  The trail occupies a segment of rail corridor that once carried trains of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (a.k.a., the Katy). In 1986 the railroad ceased operations along this route, literally paving the way to creating the extraordinary recreational opportunity it is today.
  The Katy Trail passes through some of Missouri's most scenic areas. In particular, much of the trail follows the mighty Missouri River, which feature amazing bluffs. In fact, the segment that passes between St. Charles and Boonville is an official portion of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The trail includes other landscapes as well, such as forests, wetlands, valleys, remnant prairies and rolling farm fields. Despite the changes in landscape, the Katy Trail is relatively flat.
  The Katy Trail is part of the American Discovery Trail and is designated a Millennium Legacy Trail. The trail is open only during daylight hours only. Many of the towns along the way offer services to trail users, and you'll find many access points.
  

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  Chicago Lakefront Bike Path

  

  State: IL
  Length: 18.5 miles
  Surface: Asphalt, Concrete

  Located east of Lakeshore Drive, the Chicago Lakefront Bike Path is an 18.5 mile linear park along Lake Michigan that includes beaches, volleyball courts, playgrounds, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and soccer fields. The path system unites a variety of neighborhoods, including Southshore, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park and Lakeview, and serves as both a recreational and transportation resource. For more information contact the Chicago Park District (312-292-2273), Friends of the Parks (312-922-3307) or the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation (312-427-3325).

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  Great Miami River Recreation Trail

  

  State: OH
  Length: 80.7 miles
  Surface: Asphalt

  The Great Miami River Recreation Trail runs from Piqua all the way south to Fairfield, Ohio, linking numerous towns and cities throughout four Ohio counties. As the name suggests, the trail follows the banks of the Miami River for much of its route and is completely paved. The idea for the trail was conceived in 1965 by Horace Huffman Jr., of Dayton, OH, and president of the Huffy Corporation, makers of bicycles.
  The trail provides access to neighborhoods and downtown shopping and business districts, as well as linking parks, museums and historical features. Along the way the trail offers river views and rural scenery intermixed with urban parks.
  

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  Nickel Plate Trail (Peru to Cassville)

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: IN
  Length: 13.6 miles
  Surface: Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel

  Although the southern portion of the Nickel Plate Trail is 12.7 miles long, it represents the first step toward a 40+-mile rail-trail through north-central Indiana. This segment promises a bounty of dense forests, water views and wildlife.
  The path starts in Peru at Walnut Street on the south side of the railroad tracks. Heading south, it crosses the mighty Wabash River (at 1.5 miles). From here you get an excellent view of the rock formations that comprise the bed of Little Pipe Creek. You will soon find yourself in a forest thick with willows and maple trees. Summer foliage creates a canopy over the trail that, in many sections, shields you from the withering sun. If you're cross-country skiing here in winter, this trail is nothing short of a snowy wonderland.
  It may seem quiet here in the forest, but you are not alone: deer, rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks are likely to cross your path. A wide variety of bird species make their homes in these trees.
  The view on the east side of the trail opens up about 1.5 miles into your trip. Near here, look for an old concrete dam that sits low in the creek bed; it has a lookout platform along the edge of the creek. The dam was originally built to supply water for the steam boilers on the locomotives pulling trains along the tracks. In spring and summer, a lovely flower bed next to the viewing platform flaunts cheerful blooms.
  The trail continues through the forest canopy, passing small farms and rural homesteads that periodically pop into view. This segment ends in the small farming community of Cassville. On the Peru end, you can pick up the Peru to Rochester segment of the Nickel Plate Trail at Lover's Lane. There is a 3.6-mile gap through Peru between the two segments.
  One day, the Nickel Plate Trail will be a part of the 6,800-mile, cross-country American Discovery Trail.
  

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  Nickel Plate Trail (Peru to Rochester)

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: IN
  Length: 20 miles
  Surface: Asphalt

  The northern segment of the Nickel Plate Trail runs for 20 miles between Peru in the south and Rochester in the north. When complete, the trail will be 40+ miles long, following the former rail corridor of the old Norfolk and Southern Railroad from Kokomo to Rochester. The trail is nearly complete, with 3.6-mile gap through the town of Peru; plans call for extending it south into Kokomo and north into Rochester. Pick up the Peru to Cassville section at Wallick Road, south of Peru and Wabash River.
  The trail courses through the Indiana countryside, passing through the communities of Denver, Deedsville, Birmingham, and Macy. Part of the trail is shaded in summer and the landscape is a mix of trees, cultivated fields and small-town neighborhoods. Amenities are available in the towns.
  

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  Lima Rotary Riverwalk

  

  State: OH
  Length: 13.3 miles
  Surface: Asphalt

  The Lima Rotary Riverwalk trail follows the southeast bank of the meandering Ottowa River between Heritage Park southwest of Lima and Schoonover Park northeast of city center. At its north end, the scenic trail circles the lake at Schoonover Park; at its midpoint, the trail makes a loop around Hoover and Collett Street parks; and at its southern end, a loop around Heritage Park's woodlands.
  Along the route, you'll find access to more city parks, neighborhoods and downtown Lima.
  

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  Monon Trail

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: IN
  Length: 18.5 miles
  Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone

  The Monon Trail is a colossus in the world of Midwest rail-trails. The trail is attractive and well designed, with an astonishing practicality as an urban transportation corridor. The trail stitches together neighborhoods, recreational facilities, cultural centers and schools between Indianapolis and the northern suburb of Westfield.
  Beginning in Indianapolis, at the trail's south end, the Monon is undeniably an urban trail. You will travel beneath the ramps that comprise the intersection of Interstates 70 and 65, passing a mixture of residential areas and light industrial zones. At 10th Street, you can connect to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail that spans five cultural districts in downtown Indianapolis, offering a wealth of museums, theaters, shops, and restaurants.
  After 2.7 miles, you come upon the first of this trail's bridges; the fire-engine red, transformed railroad trestle is a true marvel. After crossing a bridge and a couple overpasses, you will arrive at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, an enormous complex with a popular annual fair that many people bike to via the Monon Trail.
  Beyond the fairgrounds, the trail travels along the backyards of suburban Indianapolis through a corridor lined with a ribbon of trees and green space. Local artwork placed randomly along this stretch add a unique flavor to this trail, with pieces ranging from bright community murals to a network of pipes painted on the sides of a utility storage building.
  At Broad Ripple Avenue (mile 11), you reach the gateway to Broad Ripple, a beautiful village with a bright red bridge. This town practically vibrates with culture, offering many eateries, galleries, breweries and shops—a must-stop destination on your Monon trip.
  After crossing two more impressive red bridges, the trail meanders through quiet neighborhoods for another 2.5 miles before crossing busy 86th Street. From here, it

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  Pere Marquette Rail-Trail

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: MI
  Length: 87.3 miles
  Surface: Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone, Gravel, Sand

  If a trip on the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail leaves you in love with this route, you are not alone. The Pere Marquette is one of the most heavily used trails in Michigan (the section between Midland and Clare), according to a 2002 Michigan State University study. The serene, paved corridor welcomes all non-motorized users, including equestrians on an adjacent path for approximately 5 miles between State Route 18 and Coleman Road. There are numerous access points along the trail, as well as benches for trail users to rest and take in the beautiful scenery of maple and pine trees.
  Officially, the 30-mile section between Midland Tridge and Clare is known as the Pere Marquette Rail Trail (a Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame Trail), while the section between Baldwin and Clare is known as the Pere Marquette State Trail. The latter is not entirely paved but the two trails can be joined into one via a 2-mile-or-so on-road portion (using bike lanes) in Clare.
  For the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail portion, kick off your trip in downtown Midland at the Tridge, a unique three-way bridge located at the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa rivers. Stay straight to follow the rail-trail all the way to Clare. One section leads to the Chippewassee Park.
  The trail is a haven for deer, chipmunks and an assortment of bird species. There are cultural attractions to be had from the very start. Just off the trail in Midland is the Dow Historical Museum, where you can find information and displays concerning the pioneering chemical experiments of Herbert H. Dow. Another interesting cultural attraction, located just off the trail, is the Bradley House. This restored 1874 home offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of an early Midland family.
  The town of Sanford is at mile 8.4 and is a good spot for a lunch break. It has shops and restaurants as well as Sanford V

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  White Lake Pathway

  Rail-Trail

  

  State: MI
  Length: 3.2 miles
  Surface: Asphalt

  The White Lake Pathway provides an important connection between two neighboring towns that face each other across the beautiful White Lake. The trail traces a former railroad bed for just over 3 miles, offering picturesque views of the water and natural woodland and wetland settings along the way.
  The trail begins in Montague, where those interested in quirky and unique attractions can visit Ellenwood Park to check out the world's largest weathervane, which sits 48 feet tall and weighs 3,500 pounds.
  From Montague, trail-goers will cross a bridge over the White River and come to Covell Park, a favorite fishing spot with a boat launch and grassy picnic areas. History buffs may take interest in the park's World War I memorial and an interpretive marker describing the old saw mill on which the park was built. A little further south and you will reach Goodrich Park, the site of the White Lake marina and local events such as the Maritime Festival and Boat Show. The trail continues to its end in downtown Whitehall, with plenty of places to stop to eat or enjoy the sights.
  To extend your journey, pick up the Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail State Park in Montague to travel another 28 miles north through scenic rural landscapes. Or, in Whitehall, you can take the tree-lined Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail nearly 7 miles south to the town of Dalton.