By dctrail in November, 2011
Rode the trail the first time this past week, starting in Carlisle at the North End. Trail passes through some pretty countryside including several wildlife preserves and a state park. A few miles outside of Indianola the grade does increase slightly as you climb into town. In downtown Indianola, there is a connecting trail that will take you to a city park and recreation facility on the south side of the community. Very enjoyable ride through the rolling hills of Warren County!
By opus30 in July, 2011
I agree this is a good trail for those getting into trail riding. The southern section is much more scenic than the northern section. I'm thankful that this ex-Rock Island branch line was saved and turned into a trail.
By mlbattani in June, 2011
I ride this trail often. It is a nice easy trail. I would agree start in Carlisle so the down hill is the second leg of your trip. There is an ice cream/sandwich shop call Fizz great place to stop after your ride. Indianola has lots of spots to grab a bite. On Tuesday evenings Indianola has free Blue Grass concerts on the town square.
By George & Marylyn Schaffer in October, 2006
"To make the ride as easy as possible, begin in Carlisle. It is uphill most of the way to the State Park, and then all the way from the State Park to Indianola. We always like to ride uphill first, making the ride back, after your legs begin to tire, the easiest part of the ride."
By Timothy Cain in June, 2003
"I live between the Summerset Trail and the Great Western Trail (about 13 miles apart), so I ride each frequently.
The Summerset Trail winds a mile or so through the industrial section of Indianola, but then you cross the highway and enter the timber.
The next five miles wind through timber, with occasional farms and pastures. Not long after crossing the Middle River Bridge the timber opens into a beautiful prairie. The last five miles are very flat and open. The trail ends at a Casey's in the town of Carlisle -- all trails should have a convenience store at the trailhead ;-)
This is a great 22-mile roundtrip. It's a perfect trail to introduce newbies to the fun of trail riding; it is easy riding, scenic, and with towns of 13,000 and 5,000 on each end there are plenty of amenities to be found, including the friendly Dog House Bikes conveniently located at the Indianola trailhead."