Sweetser Switch Trail:
Indiana
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Description:
It may be only 3 miles long, but the Sweetser Switch Trail is nearly bursting with unique features and small-town charm. Like many things in Sweetser, the main trailhead is located right in the middle of downtown and the route is often packed with users beyond what one would expect from a local population over just 900 people. Perhaps one of the draws it the larger-than-life statue of Garfield, the comic strip cat-a nod to Garfield creator and area native Jim Davis. The trailhead also has two restored railcars that provide a wonderful backdrop for pre-trip pictures. There are restrooms, water, and parking available at the trailhead.
The trail's midpoint is the town of Sweetser itself and, because of its parking and amenities, it also serves as the best starting point for your trip. Heading west out of town, wildflowers and evenly distributed solar lights line the trail. And pull that camera back out because at the trail's western and remote endpoint, you'll find a covered bridge. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the tables provided here for just such an outing.
The eastward journey from the trail's midpint toward the town of Marion follows a similar pattern-wildflowers and solar lights, but also bird boxes so ornothologists may enjoy a siting or two. The trail ends just outside of Sweetser. It will eventually be extended east to meet the Cardinal Greenway in Marion (page XX), and an extension northwest could bring it to the developing Nickel Plate Trail (page XX). For now, though, this robust 3-mile stretch of the Sweetser Switch is just plenty. And while the trail is popular nearly all year long, consider visiting around Halloween. The annual pumpkin walk, with a parade of jack-o'-lanterns lighting the rail-trail, is a popular event for all ages.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the start point at the Garfield statue in Sweetser, follow Interstate 69 to County Route 18 and travel west for 12 miles through the town of Marion to Sweetser. Turn left (south) on N. Main Street and drive a quarter mile. The trailhead is before the railroad tracks. Look for the Garfield statue on the left by the retired rail cars.
To access the County Road 700 West from downtown Sweetser, take Main Street north to State Road 18. Turn left and follow State Road 18 west for 2 miles. Turn left onto County Road 700. The trailhead is on the left just before the railroad tracks.
To access the County Road 400 West from downtown Sweetser, take Main Street north to State Road 18. Turn right and follow State Road 18 east for 1 mile. Turn right onto County Road 400. The trailhead is on the right just before the railroad tracks.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Great fun and exercise
By trenbarg in February, 2009
I am one of the regular users of this fine trail. As a hobby I ride trails throughout the country and I find this trail to be one of the finer trails that I have ridden. One mile of this linear trail is also a park. (Run by the Sweetser Switch Park Board) This part of the trail is manicured with lots of trees on it. You can memorialize a loved one here by purchasing one of the trees on the trail. For about $150 you can memorialize one of your friends or family on the trail and receive a plague as well as a planted tree. This fine trail has a tree nursery that is growing small trees that will later be planted on the trail. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the trail. Volunteers abound from this small town that make this one of the neater trails in the midwest. In 2009 this trail will connect to the Cardinal Greenway and that is causing lots of excitement in this area. Please stop and visit this trail.
Review for the Sweetser Switch Trail
By weconrad in December, 2007
My wife and I rode this trail several times last summer (2007). We found the trail to be quite relaxing, if not a bit on the short side. One of our favorite spots is at the West end of the trail… it is a covered bridge with a picnic area going over a small stream. We plan on packing a picnic lunch next season and spending some time at the bridge. I would highly recommend this trail to anyone that is in search of just a pleasant little get away. It will be much better when it is joined with the cardinal greenway to the East, and there are plans in the works to extend it to the West to the town of Converse IN.
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