Explore the best rated trails in Marion, IN. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Sweetser Switch Trail and Shirley Heritage Trail . With more than 39 trails covering 4041 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Started in Rochester and went 10 miles out and back for a 20 miler. A beautiful ride! The crossings can be hard to see because of the angle of the road crossings. Other than that, there is a beautiful creek just after Birmingham heading south. I live in Michigan but would love to do this trail in its entirety in the future! I appreciate the friendly people of Rochester, IN, for giving me insight on the trail, etc!
I note that the reviews tend to focus on the Richmond end of the trail. My wife and I decided to check out the northwest segment of the Cardinal Greenway beyond the gap north of Muncie—Jonesboro through Marion. The CG ends just west of Marion but flows seemlessly into the Sweetser Switch Trail and then into the Converse Junction for a total of almost of 18 miles each way.
We decided to stay the night in Marion as a home base and found a B&B called Beatrice The Villa run by a charming Italian couple who also have a superb Italian restaraunt on premises. Marion itself has a rustbelt vibe, but we felt safe and were just 4-5 blocks from the trail with entrances on 9th or 10th street. The trail itself is beautiful and wooded in Marion thru Jonesboro—that was our evening trip—south to the Jonesboro Trailhead and back. There was really only one bad crossing at US 35. The rest either have trestles over roads or are lightly traveled. I dinged the trail one start because at 24 years of age, there are quite a few cracks and bumps that need work in Marion. On Day 2 we did Marion to Converse and back, about a 24 mile round trip. That's more varied with both woods and fields (corn & beans) with lots of wildflowers and birds and a couple of covered bridges. It's worth noting that the Converse Junction now extends into Converse to the main district where you can get ice cream, burgers, beer, BBQ, Pizza from various establishments (fewer options on Sunday).
As you may be aware, The Great American Rail Trail uses the Cardinal Greenway for a major chunk of its route through eastern Indiana. According to a local rider, the trail supporters lost a Supreme Court case with farmers over trail, so they are looking at going through Gas City and Upland to get to the southern segment of the CG. From Converse, a tiny but cute Indiana town with a nice BBQ restaurant, plans are to connect up with the Nickleplate Trail over near US 31 about 16 miles west.
Overall we had a really nice time and would consider doing it again. The B&B was a highlight and perfect for easy access to the trail. Trail condition in Marion needs some work and there's a surprising lack of toilet facilities west of Marion and the Sweetser public toilet was locked. Otherwise it's a 5 star ride.
Rode segment between Bunker Hill and Denver. Riding thru Peru is very easy with more trail recently added along the Wabash River ( then Canal Street NE, left on Water Street, left on Harrison Avenue, left on Lovers Lane to the trail). Trail has a nice tree canopy. Several ice cream shops to choose from in Peru (East side Double Dip and South Side Scoops both very good). Good pizza at DeAngelos in Denver.
Other than having issues finding the trailhead parking (more of a Waze issue than anything to do with the tail) it was a lovely little hike. Well maintained pavement made for a nice leisurely stroll. The only down side is that the views are mostly chain-link fencing and the backside of commercial/industrial sites. That being said, it was still a wonderful way to get the daysday’s steps in.
Nice enough little trail that’s very well-maintained. There’s a beautiful wooden walkway that crosses some lovely marshlands & fields. unfortunately, it sits right by a busy highway. Would’ve given this trail four stars but had to demote one star because it stinks. Literally. There was a lingering smell the whole time and once I got towards the end of the trail, I found the culprit. A giant sewage treatment plant. I had to turn around and ride back upwind of that nasty mofo and by the time I finally passed it I felt like I like I inhaled all of Fort Wayne‘s butt fumes. Most unpleasant. ¿
Went 38 miles round trip from Tingler Road trail head near Chester to Losantville. Road on a beautiful mid-August weekday, mostly in the shade of the trees lining the route. Asphalt surface was in great condition with no tree root issues. The trail was lightly used that day. During the ride we encountered 24 cyclists (4 on e-bikes), 4 walkers, and 2 squirrels. The lack of wildlife was a little surprising but the trail runs in a narrow strip of trees with cornfields and highways bordering it
Connecting the Monon and 146th street near MCAlister’s Deli the HBT is a wonderful ride. I try to use it at least twice a week. Really a pleasant cruise.
The trail now goes does Close to 96th street. So the length is 96th to 146th street. Now the distance is just short of 6 miles
Covers a variety of scenic areas from marshland to open areas to residential To crossing busy streets. Very well maintained
It’s easy to see why the Cardinal is in the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame. The trail is wide and smooth, well-maintained, and has lots of beautiful Midwestern scenery.
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