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Print Friendly MapNoble County's Fishing Line Trail is an over seven-mile route that connects the small communities of Rome City and Kendallville, with most of the trail utilizing the historic railroad corridor that once carried trains for the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. The local trails group, Noble Trails, has done a tremendous job of expanding (and volunteer-maintaining) the trail since paving their first stretch of trail in 2016, creating a lovely paved, tree-lined route to link the area together and provide ample recreation opportunities.
The trail's current northern end lies in Rome City along County Rd. 315 E near Sylvan Lake and just south of downtown Rome City.
Shortly after, the trail resumes along the rail corridor for a scenic, uninterrupted stretch - that is, unless you choose to detour north to the Gene Stratton-Porter Historical Site. Gene Stratton-Porter was one of Indiana’s most beloved novelists and conservationists, and her home and final resting place, “Cabin at Wildflower Woods” sits 150 acres right on the shore of Sylvan Lake near Rome City.
The trail requires another brief on-road connection via County Roads 450 E and 800 N, before resuming southeast on the corridor all the way into the outskirts of Kendallville. The route uses yet another on-road segment in Kendallville along the lightly trafficked industrial Stonebraker Drive (which occupies the space of the former rail line), before a brief trail segment brings you to the trail's southern trailhead at Angling Road.
Kendallville and Noble Trails recently added a northside connector segment to bring the trail north and east to Riley Road and the neighborhoods on the city's northern end, which will eventually connect to an evolving network of paths within Kendallville, allowing even more access to the trail and the region's outdoor beauty.
All told, the Fishing Line Trail is an inspiring example of a local community coming together to create a recreational asset that can be enjoyed by all. The paved pathway is well-maintained by local volunteers but is not plowed in winter - making it a great place to break out the snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Parking is available at several points along the trail. Near Rome City, trail users can find parking and restrooms at the Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, a short distance north of the trail on Pleasant Pt. off of County Road 850 N.
Parking is also available further east along the trail at a small trail lot off of County Road 600 E, north of Highway 6. In Kendallville, a few spots at the R.A. Streb Apartments next to the Angling Road trailhead are permitted for trail parking.
My wife and I took our Onewheel GTs on this trail, and it was very peaceful. Took us about 30 minutes to get from Kendallville to Rome City. If you bring a Onewheel, be sure to be mindful of cyclists and joggers.
It was hot and muggy, but under the canopy of trees it was wonderful. Some hills, but not too bad. This is one of my top three bike trails.
Very well kept and comfortable trail. Effective July '24 extends an additional mile or so beyond what's indicated here, along the Sylvan Lake dam on the west end.
Was on this trail for the first time and definitely won't be my last time. This tree covered trail is beautiful and definitely not busy. The asphalt trail is very smooth for cyclists. And the amount of Porta potties is a plus.
Trail was great! Tons of shade couldn’t even tell it was 90 degrees out!
Great trail. We took this trail from Rome city to Kendallville for some lunch. Trail has lots of shade and is not busy. Watch this link of my ride https://youtu.be/r5RwB1tcyKY
First time on the trail.
Love the tunnel of trees!
Smooth!
The hidden switchbacks can sneak up on you.
Wish the trail was much longer than 7.7
Now you can ride on asphalt all the way from Gene Stratton Porter to Kendallville.
Very pretty paved trail.
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!
A few hills, but for the most part, pretty easy trail. Well maintained. A few spots where you have to go on county roads.
Started in Rome City and road to Kendallville and back it was very enjoyable A lot of areas that are dense with trees
We rode the fishing line from GeneStratton Porter into Rome City, back on the trail around Sawyers Barn, all the way to Kendallville, Riley Road and back! It’s a great ride a little over 20 miles!! ML
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