Greencastle - Fillmore Trail (NRHT):
Indiana
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The Greencastle–Fillmore Trail connects the two towns it names along a stretch of the Indiana state-wide National Road Heritage Trail. This segment of trail is sometimes also know locally as the Vandalia Trail and will one day link to its neighboring trails to the east: sister Vandalia segments in Coatesville–Amo and in Plainfield. The trail is part of a Greencastle trail initiative by People Pathways, and links to other trails in town (coming soon to TrailLink.com).

The Greencastle–Fillmore Trail is a quiet route through rural Midwest farmland and follows the old Vandalia–Pennsy corridor that was the main rail line between St. Louis and Indianapolis. The National Road Heritage Trail of which it forms a part is slated to run 150 miles across the state from east to west.

From the gazebo and parking lot that serve as the trailhead in Greencastle, the path follows the paved shoulder of Veterans Memorial Highway, a quiet road with a wide should for trail use. After a mile, the trail leaves the roadway on a crushed limestone surface and sets off into the countryside. Farm fields stretch out to the south, and the old Vandalia corridor—a bed of ballast with the old train tracks—runs along to the north.

The fact that you are on one of Indiana's most rural rail-trails becomes evident rather quickly. The route is uninterrupted by road crossings or even neighborhoods. This makes for some excellent birding opportunities. As locals know, the resident bluebird population frequent this corridor, so expect to see birders with binoculars in tow. As of 2012 the trail ends in a simple gravel parking lot just west of Fillmore.

... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
To access the trailhead in Greencastle, take Interstate 70 to US Route 231, and continue north for just over 8.5 miles. Turn right on Washington Street, drive 0.5 mile, and turn left on Indianapolis Road. After 1.5 miles, turn left on Veterans Memorial Highway and look for the trailhead on the left.

To reach the Fillmore trailhead, take I-70 to US Route 231, and continue north for just over 8.5 miles. Turn right on Washington Street, drive 0.5 mile, and turn right on Indianapolis Road. After 2.7 miles, turn left on County Road 50 south (S. Fillmore Street) and drive for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto South County Road 475 east. The trailhead is on the left after just over 1 mile, at the end of Country Road 475.

... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
People's Pathways, a nice shortcut from Greencastle Indiana to Greencastle, Indiana
By chado2423 in July, 2011

If you are a semi-long distance (and no, I'm not talking cross country, egads!) rider like me (avg 54 to 70 miles round-trip), or even above my level, you love shortcuts when they are available. I'm not trying to say that anyone reading this is lazy, but every cyclists needs to take their breaks and at their level of riding. The People's Pathways is a great shortcut between Coatsville and Fillmore, Indiana. And in Fillmore, there is a mom-and-pop diner, which is a word-of-mouth "great place to stop" called Bert and Betty's; apparently infamous, for their kind service, relaxing atmosphere, and laid back small town charm. Sometimes they don't even charge you for low-cost items if you are low on cash, but don't try to get a stack of pancakes for free... I'm talking like a cup of coffee or a soda, here, guys. But be polite, let them offer it to you... don't just think that because I said that, that you'r on freebies with them. They are a business, after all. Also as a note of caution, and correction from the previous review, there is one intersection of path and road, between Greencastle and Fillmore on the People's Pathways.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: County Road 475 East (Fillmore) to Calbert Way Park (Greencastle)
Counties: Putnam
Trail Length: 3.4 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6201046

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