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Print Friendly MapThe Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage is a multi-use trail in Evansville, part of which follows along the Ohio River and, of course, Pigeon Creek. The popular trail features scenic resting areas and interesting sculptures, with access to parks, neighborhoods and city attractions, such as the Museum of Arts.
There are plans to extend the trail to circumnavigate the city. The trail currently runs in a continuous course between Heidelbach Avenue, north of the city, and Sunset Park, along the river downtown. In 2018, the Hi-Rail Greenway, a north-south section of the trail system, opened and offers 2.5 miles of paved pathway.
The trail is widely accessible throughout Evansville. Parking is available at Sunset Park (Shawnee Drive near downtown along the river), at the end of 7th Avenue just south of Lloyd Expressway/SR 62, Lamasco Park (Iowa St. near the river), nearby Garvin Park (off Main St.) and at the end of Heidelbach Avenue.
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!).
We rode the trail from Northernmost trail head to the Southernmost trail's end just East of Downtown on the Ohio River Levi on a street bike and a 3-wheeled recumbent. The trail surface is fantastic and for the most part is atop a flood-control levi over the Pigeon Creek. We encountered only a few walkers and bikers, everyone was polite and followed rail-trail etiquette. Full sun exposure, so plan accordingly. Fun ride, stopped at an Evansville Brewery for beverage and appetizer before heading back to the car. This was our second time riding this trail.
The trail was much better than I expected it to be pretty well maintain nice bike path
I usually don’t expect much from city trails. Too many streets. This one was a pleasant surprise. Parked at Gavin Park and headed south. Some of the trail on the levee, some on creek side, some on city side. Some nice easy curves and hills over levee and under underpasses. Trail does go around some scrapyards. Some minor trash around the skatepark. Had about 3 miles without streets. Last couple miles downtown along river are next to street, but nice wide promenade separated by planters. Just have to watch out for all the walkers and the scooters. Lots of nice signs about the history of Evansville. I really enjoyed this ride. Probably the best city ride I’ve ever done. Thanks Evansville.....bikin-mike Mar 2021
I usually don’t expect much from city trails. Too many streets. This one was a pleasant surprise. Parked at Gavin Park and headed south. Some of the trail on the levee, some on creek side, some on city side. Some nice easy curves and hills over levee and under underpasses. Trail does go around some scrapyards. Some minor trash around the skatepark. Had about 3 miles without streets. Last couple miles downtown along river are next to street, but nice wide promenade separated by planters. Just have to watch out for all the walkers and the scooters. Lots of nice signs about the history of Evansville. I really enjoyed this ride. Probably the best city ride I’ve ever done. Thanks Evansville.....bikin-mike Mar 2021
Rode this starting at Sunset Park, very scenic at the beginning. Nice the rest of the way. Garvin Park is very pretty, not many places for bathroom stops.
Started at Sunset Park, very nice trail and perfect weather today.
Would have been great to know online or their website that the trail doesn’t connect!! Ended up biking down first Ave which sucked and tried the entire time to pick up on this trail which ended up imaginary. Just saying it was a LONG day and then made it to the very short portion near the river front. If the sign is there which it is but it’s SO faded it tells me that this project might have been forgotten about. EVANSVILLE finish this could be amazing trail!
Well I have walked and biked what is laid out several times. Am really looking forward to trail extending, especially toward Angel Mounds and Newburgh. Only negative so far is when the water is up and can't go under the overpasses.
One nice plus is kicking off at Franklin Street and hitting PG cafe and Tinman or other restaurants the other way on street. The library is a good potty break if you are not stopping to eat. More places for pit-stops would definitely be a plus.
Road the entire completed length of this wonderful trail on June 30, 2014. (6.3 miles/so 12.6 miles roundtrip) They plan to eventually make a complete circle around the city. It is paved the whole length, extremely well maintained, and very enjoyable to ride on. There are a few gradual inclines and declines but nothing extreme. Be aware that this path is in full sun at all times so on a sunny day you will have NO SHADE. I parked at the beginning at Sunset Park downtown and road this part between the river and downtown, through the industrial corridor, past some neighborhoods, and finally through a mostly green section past Garvin Park where it ends at the Middle Levee Corridor sign. The only restrooms available along the trail are at the Evansville tourist center Pagoda building towards the Sunset Park start and in a building hidden from view by trees at Garvin Park (when traveling north,instead of making the left turn at Garvin Park, leave the bicycle path and go straight ahead on the park road, the restroom building is not far on the left) If you follow the trail downtown and end up at the Marchand Bridge dead end, don't worry, you only need to back track a little to where the trail crosses the railroad tracks. It looks like the trail is blocked by a fence but when you get closer you will see that they just made an odd little turn around to go through with your bike so you will pay close attention as you cross the tracks since they are still in use. I recommend that you carry plenty of water. I also had a sack lunch I ate at the top level of the pagoda (They have a bicycle rack available to lock your bike up) upon my return towards Sunset Park. There is a shaded bench up there that looks out over the Ohio river toward downtown Evansville. A great view and wonderful end to an enjoyable journey.
My husband and I rode this trail Mid May 2013. Very nice ride with just a little up and down hill. It went from the river front to residential neighborhoods.
We parked at Sunset Park and rode up and back. If it had been a sunny day and in the hot months we may have not liked it as much. Since it is mostly residential and not much shade at all it must get very hot at those times.
There were quite a few walkers all along the trail and lots of bikes too.
Wish we had something this nice near our home. We would be out on it often.
My wife and I took this bike trail today and it was outstanding. Most of the 6.75 miles is new and the greenway made us feel like we were in the remote country side within the woods. There are several main attractions and parks on the way, but the rest area on the bridge overlooking the Ohio River were Pigeon Creek runs into the Ohio River was breath taking. We highly recommend this all paved bike trail for anyone who wants to take a nice walk, joggers, or riding a bike.
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