Panhandle Pathway:
Indiana
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Description:
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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Parking & Trail Access:
The Winamac (north) terminus is at the intersection of CR West 150 S. & CR South 50 E., off of US 35 just south of Winamac. The trailhead is visible from the intersection. Take County Road 150 E and turn west; the trailhead is on the south side of CR S 150 E and on the east side of S 50 E.

The Kenneth (south) terminus is at the intersection of CR West 50 N. & the Pathway. Turn north on CR 600 W. and go about 0.5 mile north; turn east on CR 50 N. and go about 0.5 mile to intersect the Pathway. The trailhead is on the northeast corner.

In Royal Center the trailhead is at the west end of Kramer Street on the south side of town.

In Star City the trailhead is on Key Street near Railroad Street.

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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A wonderful ride!
By TomHealey in July, 2011
I rode this trail from Winamac to end and back on July 27, 2011. A great ride. The surface is in pristine shape (a crew was out repairing a short stretch when I went southbound, and the repair was virtually unnoticable on my return trip) and the grade crossings are well marked. A small shelter at the south end for the picnic tabke would be a great addition.
Watch for the wild turkeys
By jamrpoi in June, 2011
We did this trail on two different occasions and as we discovered, if you look carefully you can view all kinds of wildlife including turkey, groundhog, chipmunks, swallows, orioles, deer and others.
The terrain in mostly flat or with slight grades and is easy enough for small children and the sedentary.
If you want to grab a bite or a drink I can recommend McGovern's in Royal Center. It is a bar/restaurant suitable for families. Hint: Try the thick and juicy breaded tenderloin sandwich, yum.
The trail offers what Indiana in known for, beautiful landscapes, corn, soybeans, wheat fields.
Great trail!!
By cmcleland in August, 2010
My niece and I did the loop this Saturday, almost 42 miles total. It was scenic and had several places to stop and rest. It is still in some stages of construction, some road crossings were not marked yet, but in all a very nice ride. We will definitely continue to use this trail!!!
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: E. 150 S. & S. 50 E. (Winamac) to Nr. US 24 (Kenneth)
Counties: Cass, Pulaski
Trail Length: 21 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6358495

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