Looking for the best trails around Rensselaer?

Explore the best rated trails in Rensselaer, IN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Thorn Creek Trail System and Erie Lackawanna Trail . With more than 35 trails covering 4520 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Calumet Trail

good parts and not so good parts

June, 2026 by snlvr

Trail was ok. Accessed by Beverly shores train station and headed toward Chesterton first. First section was Ricky but not bad. Beyond that there were many areas of pooling water that nearly spanned the trail in many places. Just be aware of that. From BS train station toward Mich city it was again initially rocky terrain but rideable. Beyond that it connected to the next trail. I don’t recall the name of that one. That one was paved and great. The rocky areas also have tall grass. (Think two track). All in all we enjoyed the ride but just be aware it can be a bit mushy in spots. have fairly tw grasshave.

Great American Rail-Trail

Airbnb right on trail in Burgettstown

June, 2026 by dowiakp

Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.

Prairie Duneland Trail

Pleasantly surprised

June, 2026 by lifeisgood6163

We just completed the trail. What a Gem!!! Extremely smooth!!!!

Accordion

Great American Rail-Trail

Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.

May, 2026 by sarahraekratz

Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.

Kankakee River Trail

Gorgeous river trail!

April, 2026 by scarletbegonias426

Kankakee is half gravel half asphalt. It’s a perfect 15 miles so back & forth you can get a nice 30. Adding miles through town isn’t hard just watch the areas you go through. It is a BEAUTIFUL trail! It travels through Kankakee State Parks & along the Kankakee River. Some rises & falls, nice little hills. Cute bridges one big suspension bridge over a creek where locals swim in the summer. The far (NW) side of the trail has a pit toilet & an archery setup with a big stand. You ride through campgrounds, suburb sections, fairgrounds, parks, make sure to stop at the Indian Cave. Lots of photos ops along the trail. I really highly recommend checking it out!

Thorn Creek Trail System

I live in the area, caution following map

April, 2026 by d9cjtq6qd8

I have been walking the woods around here for decades. The main bike trail is fine. Do not attempt to go in at jurgensen woods and try to head east though. Start at sweet woods across the street and stay on the main. Cook country forest preserve actively tries to only maintain the main paved bike trail. The very nice little jog which is shown here in jurgenson is not maintained at all and it’s a shame because it was a nice out of the way side quest 20 years ago.

Panhandle Pathway

love this trail

February, 2026 by rollin1219

We ride this trail a lot. I believe the patrons of this trail set the standard for great maintenance. 2 porta pottys along this trail are much appreciated.

Erie Trail

This is my home area trail. It's going to need some work soon but is great over all.

October, 2025 by hatchet.howard

This is my home area trail. It's going to need some work soon but is great over all.

Nickel Plate Trail

Good trail, liner than expected

October, 2025 by peterdevity

This trail was very good, highly recommend for people. The gap in between has lots of areas to eat, so you can’t get hungry. Some of the fast food places and grocery stores are McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Subway, Kroger, and ALDI. Just a note, this trail can reach around 10 miles farther than what the trail says, if you start at Fansler Park in Rochester. Very well paved, not many bumps. It would take about 25 miles to reach Peru, which is the middle town. The road section is pretty short, around 3-3.5 miles. From there, it will take you another 20-ish miles to reach the end. However, the end leads to another trail, which goes to a splash pad and some parks, great for the early summer and late spring. We visited in the fall, but you might have an even better experience in the warmer seasons.

Panhandle Pathway

Panhandle Update

September, 2025 by skasteve

The Panhandle Pathway is a beautiful and expanding trail--with the most recent addition being northward through Winamac. The Friends of the Panhandle Pathway are collaborating with the Prairie Trails Club, supporters of the Erie Trail (including the Great American Rail Trail and American Discovery Trail), on defining a backroads share-the-road asphalt connector between the two non-motorized and walker routes.

Gary Green Link Trail

I see the vision

September, 2025 by lesashea.feagin

I understand what this was meant to be. But it’s so overgrown that you end up walking in the street. That’s an issue for me because I wanted to have a trail the kids could walk.

Nickel Plate Trail

Gold plated

August, 2025 by malysaamy

Started at Lovers Lane Parking lot on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and went half way out and back. The trail is up all the way, but not so much as to dampen your spirits or your legs.
Beautiful countryside with a mix of shaded woods and open fields. An occasional small town as well. Little to no cars in the road crossings.
We did not experience the on road riding at Peru but will be back to ride the northern section.
Just a beautiful trail that we will ride again.

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