From Rochester down to Peru is relatively level . Lots of whining on here about dangerous road crossings but it isn't like they surprise you. Just slow down or stop especially if the vegetation is tall. No problem. The section from Peru to Kokomo is definitely much more shaded and isolated. Not much water supply on this trail so make sure to fill up in Peru. I had no issues with bugs in August.

So as a birthday gift to myself, I drove up to the north end starting point of the trail.
One noticeable difference from the part of the trail down by Kokomo is that the there are mile markers at the northern part.
Now as noted in another review, the afternoon that I ran the trail, the flies were terrible..
The portion in Kokomo is much more shaded.
As noted in my previous review, the northern part is paved, flat and level.

It would be a bit of a drive from Kokomo, I was staying in Wabash, but if in the area, and want to get in a couple miles, either spot will do.
Enjoy.

We are trying out our ebikes. A little concerned with signage stating no motorized units, except for wheelchairs. As we understand it now after some research, ebikes are OK as long as speed is below 20mph. No problem with us keeping it under! There is s small section that is not paved. A very small section. The signage directs you on to the county rd, but I was not comfortable to do that s yet, as we are still getting acquainted with our ebikes. The unpaved portion is just fine. Maybe a wee bit gravely, but I felt under control. If you go, take the slight detour to Gene Stratton Porter Historic Site. So pretty!

Today was my first jog on the south end of the trail which I enjoyed. The small amount of trail that I ran by was well-kept and even blacked out some graffiti. That showed me that the trail is maintained which I appreciate. I drive a semi for a living which sometimes brings me to Kokomo. The hours in a semi are often quite long, so I try to get in a run when I’m stuck at a stop. This trail fit me well.

This is the best bike trail I have ever ridden on¿¿ Beautifully paved and scenic. There could be better signs where it crosses Highway 20 in Meddlebury but thanks to other riders we found it¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿. Look for garden snakes on the trail.

Eaten alive by deer flies. Road crossings are EXTREMELY dangerous

This is another example of a 4.5 rating.
This is a very nice paved, flat, level path.
I parked near the bridge that crosses over route 35 and headed north.
The path runs through a rather rural/country area with a good bit of trees/shade.
So as always, if in the area and want to get a couple miles in, give this a run.
It looks like a good trail for an enjoyable and possible long bike ride as well.
Maybe if I'm ever back in the area....

What a great scenic ride. Well maintained. Connecting cities take pride. Can't wait to do Elkhart to Shipshewanna. Only did Goshen to Ship today.

A few hills, but for the most part, pretty easy trail. Well maintained. A few spots where you have to go on county roads.