Following the Patoka River, the Jasper Riverwalk is a pleasantly easy path that offers opportunities for recreation and connection. Mid-way along the route, the Dave Buehler Plaza (500 E 4th St) features four picnic shelters, fishing and boating access, grills, a playground, horseshoe pits, a gazebo and restrooms. Additional restrooms are available at Jasper City Mill during its hours of operation. Open year-round, the trail is popular with pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. Skateboarding and roller blading is also allowed. Pets are welcome, as long as they are on a leash. Benches are placed periodically along the trail and trees provide shade for most of the route. The trail is illuminated from Dave Buehler Plaza to 400 Clay St.
From the south terminus of the trail on Clay street, the trail heads north and follows along the Patoka River. There is a dedicated trail bridge crossing the Patoka River next to the Jasper City Mill. The first 2.1 miles is generally in a shaded woodland setting intermixed with some development. After 2.1 miles the trail reaches the original terminus at 15th Street. At this point a newer section of trail continues to a parking lot at the end of trail on Mill Street. This section is much more open and developed, passing through an industrial area and several street intersections.
Parking by the trail's northern endpoint is located at 2445 North Mill St and further south at 1177 East 15th Street near the Patoka River. Parking by the southern endpoint is located at 400 Clay St in a lot with three accessible parking spaces. Parking is also available at various points along the trail, including on 3rd Ave, 4th St, and at the Jasper City Mill.
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.
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