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It would be helpful if these reviews included information about the reviewer. A 22 year old, semi-competitive bicyclist is going to barely notice hills that give me fits.
I have a different perspective than most trail users. I am paralyzed from the waist down. My "daily driver" is a manual wheelchair. And for what it's worth, I'm 50 years old; in decent shape for my age, but still not in my 20s! I use a handcycle: basically a three-wheel bicycle that I pedal with my arms. The rear two wheels are just along for the ride. The front wheel does all of the steering, braking, and propelling. As my weight is all on the back wheels, it spins out on too steep of a hill. There is one hill on the Sunset Park end of this trail (coming up from the parking lot) that I could just BARELY do, but I made it work. If the trail was wet, I would have not had enough traction to get out of the parking lot.
The reviews that claim the hills on this trail are "minor" or "moderate" were obviously written by someone much younger than me who was pedaling with their legs, not arms. There are numerous other hills scattered throughout the trail that were quite a challenge for me, even using my handcycle's climbing gears. Please don't misunderstand - it was a great workout that I enjoyed immensely. I don't often get to shift down and use those low (2 to 4 mph) gears, and I learned a lot about climbing efficiently. Plus, of course, the downhill sides were a fun break. I'll likely come back again (I live about 30 minutes away). I just want to state all of this right up front for others who might be looking for something more flat.
Setting aside these handcycle considerations, Evansville has done a commendable job with this trail. It is very nicely constructed and maintained. Even on a wheelchair-width (about 30 inches wide) bike, there was plenty of room to pass and meet other trail users. There are several good places to park, with ample parking spaces. To me, this trail is the perfect blend of natural scenery along Pigeon Creek and the Ohio River and of city riding. It takes you through several of Evansville's excellent parks, right by the casino and where the LST-325 (a landing ship that was used in World War II and has been restored to working condition) is docked. There are historic markers all along the trail. Some other folks complained that it takes you right by a huge scrapyard. They've done a pretty good job blocking that off, but I personally think it's cool seeing a process of that magnitude in operation. Same thing with the waterworks discharge at the Sunset Park end - something neat that most people don't get to see every day. The trail goes through some neighborhoods. You can either ride hard or take your time to see the sights on this trail. I did a combination of both of those. The scenery and the history more than made up for the hills I had to climb.
I would suggest studying the trail map before you leave. The trail is one long continuous path, with the exception of a little half-mile side quest that takes you onto a really cool bridge along the Ohio River (don't miss that). Even so, there are a few places where you might wonder which of numerous options is the trail. Evansville could do a little work on the signage and make a big improvement. There is very little shade, so bring some sunscreen. Also, bring plenty of water/whatever else to drink. Unlike most other public trails I've used, I didn't see any drinking fountains on this one. That would be another great improvement. I'll definitely fill both of my water bottles next time, instead of just one like I did today.
I can't wait to come back to the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage with my wife and daughter on their bikes. It is an asset to the Evansville area. Come check it out. I hope to see you out there!
Rode the entire trail, out and back, from Sunset Park. Scenery was always changing, so the ride went quickly. Lots of history and interesting sights (yes, including fabricators and metal recyclers!).
My wife and I rode this in early June 2024 not knowing what to expect, but it was a wonderful experience! The trail is well maintained though the west half was not at the same level as the eastern half. Being a rail trail the inclines and declines were gentle, but given the terrain, constant. Make sure your ebike batteries are fully charged!
We're in our 60s and like medium length rides that arent too strenuous.
We started our ride at the west end trailhead at Williams Indiana right by the dam. You have to take a very curvy highway 450 to get there, but the experience was worth it. When you get to Williams, as you exit 450 and head to the boat ramp, go slowly, look to the left and you will see the trail, but there is no signage. There is plenty of parking near the dam. Starting at the end, which is mile marker 10.5, we went 7 miles to mile marker 3.5 and turned around. Most of the trail is in shade through some beautiful hardwood forests with constant bird songs. Every half mile is marked on a post or boulder. Trail surface is compacted gravel in fair condition with a few small washouts to watch for. We dont have wide tires and did OK. Bridges and approaches in fair condition, some bridge deck boards will need attention soon. Weed control is good. Some small branches hanging low over the trail. The first 2 miles or so out of Williams are mostly uphill, about 2 percent grade, then some ups and downs, then about 3 miles of downhill to mp 3.5. These grades are a little steeper than we have encountered on other rails to trails. There are no services on this segment, and weak cellphone signal. And a note to E-bike riders: PLEASE announce your approach to other bikers from behind WELL IN ADVANCE because you typically travel much faster than us pedalers. Enjoy! by kcwyks of Missouri
We're in our 60s and like medium length rides that arent too strenuous.
We started our ride at the west end trailhead at Williams Indiana right by the dam. You have to take a very curvy highway 450 to get there, but the experience was worth it. When you get to Williams, as you exit 450 and head to the boat ramp, go slowly, look to the left and you will see the trail, but there is no signage. There is plenty of parking near the dam. Starting at the end, which is mile marker 10.5, we went 7 miles to mile marker 3.5 and turned around. Most of the trail is in shade through some beautiful hardwood forests with constant bird songs. Every half mile is marked on a post or boulder. Trail surface is compacted gravel in fair condition with a few small washouts to watch for. We dont have wide tires and did OK. Bridges and approaches in fair condition, some bridge deck boards will need attention soon. Weed control is good. Some small branches hanging low over the trail. The first 2 miles or so out of Williams are mostly uphill, about 2 percent grade, then some ups and downs, then about 3 miles of downhill to mp 3.5. These grades are a little steeper than we have encountered on other rails to trails. There are no services on this segment, and weak cellphone signal. And a note to E-bike riders: PLEASE announce your approach to other bikers from behind WELL IN ADVANCE because you typically travel much faster than us pedalers. Enjoy! by kcwyks of Missouri
This trail was awesome. So much beauty throughout between the trees and the lake. Well paved. There is a $7 fee to get in the park but it is well worth it!
This trail is beautiful. The trail surface is smooth and well maintained. There isn’t much signage at the trailheads. You will need to take water with you as there is no place to stop. Parking is ample on the Williams end. Definitely a must do trail! Very easy out and back for a total of 20 miles.
My husband and I rode this trail on August 6. We loved it! It was very peaceful!
We enjoyed biking this paved bike path in Jasper. It is not a fast ride, but a chance to take a break while traveling through Indiana. The City of Jasper has set aside a valuable recreation area in acreage that could just be wasted area. The trail is multiple use when many access points for residents. Midway, we biked 3 blocks to the Schnitzelbank restaurant and joined the lunch crowd for authentic German food with leftovers. The board walks are a bit tight to navigated, but maybe walking bikes across and enjoying nature is a better use of the bridge. maybewalkibikes across and
There aren’t a lot of paved bike trail options in the Dubois county area, so this one is nice to have available. The older section is scenic, and the newer section adds some mileage for a good out and back ride. One short steep hill but very easy otherwise. Watch out for traffic crossings.
Late May 2022 storms caused Spider Creek to overflow its banks and cause severe erosion in several places between bridges 1 and 5. This has all been repaired and the trail is in good condition.
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