Cardinal Greenway - Muncie Section:
Indiana
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Description:
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 (naturally) the White River. Second, you will be faced with two bridges-to the right a historic trestle bridge, and to the left the bicycle and pedestrian bridge that takes you across the White River. Another third of a 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 a trail 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.
The trail ends just beyond the tiny town of Losantville, population 280. When you arrive at the trail end, you'll see that the corridor continues on into the horizon. Soon, the trail will continue to Richmond, extending this beautiful, American experience by almost another 20 miles.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the Gaston trailhead, from Interstate 69 take Route 35 east to N. 600 West which becomes S. Sycamore Street in the town of Gaston. Follow S. Sycamore Street to West Elm Street, turn left on W. Elm Street and left again on Broad Street. At the end of Broad Street you will dead-end into the parking area for the trail.
To get to the Muncie depot, follow Interstate 70 to Route 35 north. Follow Route 35 to Muncie and exit at Route 32. Follow Route 32 west until it turns into E. Main Street. Stay on E. Main Street, the turn north onto Vine Street. Follow N. Vine Street across E. Wysor Street and into the Depot parking lot.

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Nice Ride
By mlwberg on July 06, 2009
Rode it on 7/3/09, Very nice ride, see other reviews of other sections of the Cardinal Greenway. As of this date, everything has been maintained very well. If you ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, a good portion of the trail is shaded by trees along the side, which will provide some blocking of any wind.

If you ride a long wheel base recumbant, or a tandem, the gates blocking access at many of the road crossings are a real pain. You really have to slow down and watch what you are doing. but I suppose that is a good idea, so you don't accidedentally going zipping onto a busy road.

There are very few places to stop along the way to purchase supplies. The day I rode, the station in Muncie was closed. There is a gas station in Losantville, that was open, and lots of bikers using it.
Great Trail
By BianchiRider on March 08, 2009
Great trail. Paved and well maintained. Trail south of Muncie the best.
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Gaston to Losantville
Counties: Delaware
Trail Length: 27.55 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Dirt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015710

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Guidebook: Learn more about other Midwestern rail-trails in RTC's Midwestern Guidebook.
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