Fairly easy trail to walk. It’s mostly gravel and some of it was washed out with recent rains. Watch out for the geese!

We rode the Pennsy from Irvington to Mount Comfort Rd on 3/13/2021. I'm glad to report that the trail has been completed along that entire stretch, which fills in one of the gaps presently reflected on the trail map.

As of this spring, the trail is in fantastic shape: brand new blacktop, wide, brush cut back several feet on either side. This is brand new trail in an area that was formerly a desolate abandoned railroad track running through a lower-income/industrial area, so there is a desperate need for a clean up along the new portions. Garbage galore is in sight everywhere in the early spring before the leaves come out. The trail itself, though, is immaculate. The Pennsy is straight as an arrow. However, In Cumberland, the Pennsy intersects with the Buck Creek Trail which goes north for about 3 miles following the creek. If you are wanting to add some sweeping turns to your ride, this is a very pretty side-trip.

Be forewarned that as of the date of this review there are no restroom facilities on this trail. It parallels US 40, so there are some big-box stores & gas stations within reach if you look for them, but no on-trail establishments between Irvington and Greenfield.

Bicyclists who enjoy a cold beer have a great destination on this trail. The Black Acre Brewery beer garden is just off the trail very near the western terminus in Irvington. I would also encourage those who are not familiar with the area to take a ride around Irvington if you have the time. The streets are winding and the homes are mostly old and stately. If you find yourself in need of a bike shop, Irvington also has Indy Cycle Specialists just east of the intersection of Audubon Rd and Washington St (US 40). This is an excellent bike shop, worth a visit even if you aren't in need of a new tube or whatever.

Great trail rest stops pavilions ice on the way.

Great trail

It is a nice trail if you like walking near neighborhoods. It can get pretty busy at times and the off-leash dogs around the River Road Park area gets really ridiculous. The park has become what many call an underground dog park, so be careful. Don't inline skate or bike through there as you risk dogs chasing after you while the owners do nothing.

This trail has been upgraded and is a wonderful trail. ( See my note below why I did not give it 5 stars). The trail begins at Meridian Street and Fall Creek and goes all the way to Benjamin Harrison state park in NW Indy, a distance of about 9 1/2 miles. The trail now crosses 38th street at the stoplight and a new section takes it along Fall Creek for a short way before crossing over a bridge to take it to the old trail section. New trail sections have been laid out with fresh asphalt just east of Keystone and are a major improvement along Fall Creek to 56th street. There it picks up the old section which is still in excellent condition and continues along the Fall Creek. A new section goes under Shadeland to continue on to Fort Ben. From 38th Street to Fort Ben there are no stops as all crossings go under the roadways. At Ft. Ben there is a 4 mile loop that can add to the mileage with a 100-150 foot hill. You are supposed to pay a $2 fee to enter Ft. Ben by bike, but there is no place to pay on this end. The trail is in a beautiful setting, great surface and very well done. Mileage markers are every 1/4 mile. While there are several trailheads, I only saw one port a potty just north of 38th street and that would be my only criticism. I reserve 5 star ratings for destinations trails like the Katy trail, GAP, Mickelsen, etc. . While the connecting Monon trail has some cool Indy history, and goes to Carmel, etc; for a joyous riding experience in a beautiful setting, this trail absolutely should not be overlooked. Congrats to the Indy Park department because this one is a gem.

We rode the Panhandle Pathway on Saturday Oct 3, 2020, from Winamac to Royal Center and back, so this review applies only to that segment. Easy parking in downtown Winamac, at the northern trailhead. We had a gray, unusually cool day with steady low wind from the south. Very few other riders/walkers. Overall a very pleasant experience, kudos to the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway for their work.

It's a nicely maintained trail, mostly smooth pavement through flat countryside. North-to-south mileage is painted on the trail every tenth of a mile, so that's easy to keep track of. Water/snacks available off-trail at Winamac and Royal Center.

One important thing to know is that there's relatively little tree cover or canopy between Winamac and Royal Center, to protect against wind or sun. Factor this in if you have a windy or aggressively hot/sunny day.

We visited this trail on a cloudless Sunday in September. It was mainly flat and entirely paved if you head north from the parking area off of Starkey Av. The description provided by TrailLink is spot on. South from the parking lot on Starkey it is crush stone for about a 1/2 mile before it ends.

This would be a great trail during the fall and we may return. It was lightly used that day and the pavement was in very good condition with just one or two spots where cracks/bumps are starting to form. It terminates at a small park to the north (or you can park there and head south). My 9-year old rode the whole way with no issues. Really a fun, easy, relaxing trail to walk, run, or bike.

I love this trail. It isn't over populated. Tree lined. Asphalt is in great condition. The paved Amo to Coatesville section is 4 miles. Mostly flat, easy ride.