Sugar Creek Trail

Indiana

3 Reviews

The Sugar Creek Trail meanders on the southwestern outskirts of Crawfordsville through suburban back yards, wooded parks and cultivated fields. It follows part of an old Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway corridor, popularly known as the Big Four Railroad, that dates to 1868.

The paved trail, which doesn't follow a rail corridor at its southern end, begins behind Crawfordsville High School's entrance off State Route 47 and carries along a somewhat hilly route along SR 32, crossing over two bridges along the way. Turning north, a scenic stretch of trail winds through the woods across from RR Donnelley Book Publishing Service's massive Crawfordsville facility before ending, appropriately, at RR Donnelley Trailhead Park.

There used to be a short gap separating this portion of the trail from the historic rail-trail section to the northwest. However, that has recently been closed. At Schenck Road, the trail picks up the former rail corridor and heads west through dense woodlands, passing by Sportsmen's Club Lake and through the Rock River Trailhead along the way. After crossing the Nucor Bridge over Sugar Creek, the trail ends in peaceful forest south of Black Creek Valley Road; at this point, trail users must turn around and continue the way they came.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking and trail access are as follows:

Crawfordsville High School: park at the rear of the school near the trail; restrooms available
Christ Lutheran Church: parking is permitted, as is use of their restrooms and drinking fountains
RR Donnelley Trailhead Park: 1100 Big Four Arch Road
Rock River Trailhead: 2722 Rock River Ridge Road; restrooms available

Nice trail

July 2022 grif817

Got on at the High school. About 3 floors of steps going down (and up later). to narrow cement path, but it got better a mile or so in. Nice asphalt with a few areas of root "rises" halfway in or so. Pay attention to area that it goes through congested area with Pizza Hut and other stores. Easy to lose path if you're not familiar. Measured 4.95 miles to end of path, and it ends with nowhere else to go. Not crowded with a few walkers and dog walkers. Didn't see another biker all day.

connection finished

September 2019 jtkoehler2

as of last year the break in the map shown is now connected. There is also a parking lot next to the animal shelter which is where you can get on the trail. (that is the connection point) You do not have to go the west end anymore to get on it. It is all paved. My biggest complaint is that it still does not connect to downtown trail head park. which would solve the other problem, which is , it is too short.

Beautiful ride/run through the Indiana country!

November 2015 jbat770

I live 10 minutes from this trail and love to use it! it's very scenic and mostly paved. Many indigenous trees, wildlife, and of course beautiful sugar creek. Come visit!