The Shirley Heritage Trail provides easy access to recreational opportunities while celebrating the history of the Town of Shirley.
At about a mile long, the trail runs east along South Railroad Street from the Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House towards City Park, the town's park located at 200 South St. Looping around the park, the trail continues behind the ball diamonds and around the playground, before heading north up 2nd Street and merging back onto South Railroad Street, where the trail connects back into itself.
The trail is an 8-foot-wide asphalt path, except for a short section on Railroad Street east of First Street painted in red. Benches and panels recounting the town’s history are placed periodically along the along the trail, which briefly runs on a former Pennsylvania rail corridor.
Parking is available by City Park at 200 South St, Shirley.
I ran this trail back in September 2023. I planned a trip to Indianapolis but knew I needed to fit in a short run along the way. This was easily accessible off I70 and was just long enough to get a quick mile or two in for the day. Nice pit stop after sitting in a car. The trail was decent, flat, and wide open. No shade, but honestly it's not long enough to really worry about being in the shade for a lengthy period of time. The trail runs along a main road and then circles around the city park. There are benches and plenty of parking. I am not sure of the amenities around town, but there was a gas station. Small town trail but another one marked off the list.
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