Explore the best rated trails in Carmel, IN. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Sweetser Switch Trail and Lafayette Linear Park . With more than 59 trails covering 4121 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Started in Rochester and went 10 miles out and back for a 20 miler. A beautiful ride! The crossings can be hard to see because of the angle of the road crossings. Other than that, there is a beautiful creek just after Birmingham heading south. I live in Michigan but would love to do this trail in its entirety in the future! I appreciate the friendly people of Rochester, IN, for giving me insight on the trail, etc!
The trail now goes over the creek, on a pedestrian bridge. Saw VERY FEW others on this neat fun rail to trail. There are ‘easy’ hills on the eastern trail, pretty flat otherwise. GREAT COOL SHADE almost all the way!
Had an amazing ride today. Weather helped but trail was great. Completely paved now from Lebanon to Colfax. A little tricky in Thornton but some locals helped us out.
I note that the reviews tend to focus on the Richmond end of the trail. My wife and I decided to check out the northwest segment of the Cardinal Greenway beyond the gap north of Muncie—Jonesboro through Marion. The CG ends just west of Marion but flows seemlessly into the Sweetser Switch Trail and then into the Converse Junction for a total of almost of 18 miles each way.
We decided to stay the night in Marion as a home base and found a B&B called Beatrice The Villa run by a charming Italian couple who also have a superb Italian restaraunt on premises. Marion itself has a rustbelt vibe, but we felt safe and were just 4-5 blocks from the trail with entrances on 9th or 10th street. The trail itself is beautiful and wooded in Marion thru Jonesboro—that was our evening trip—south to the Jonesboro Trailhead and back. There was really only one bad crossing at US 35. The rest either have trestles over roads or are lightly traveled. I dinged the trail one start because at 24 years of age, there are quite a few cracks and bumps that need work in Marion. On Day 2 we did Marion to Converse and back, about a 24 mile round trip. That's more varied with both woods and fields (corn & beans) with lots of wildflowers and birds and a couple of covered bridges. It's worth noting that the Converse Junction now extends into Converse to the main district where you can get ice cream, burgers, beer, BBQ, Pizza from various establishments (fewer options on Sunday).
As you may be aware, The Great American Rail Trail uses the Cardinal Greenway for a major chunk of its route through eastern Indiana. According to a local rider, the trail supporters lost a Supreme Court case with farmers over trail, so they are looking at going through Gas City and Upland to get to the southern segment of the CG. From Converse, a tiny but cute Indiana town with a nice BBQ restaurant, plans are to connect up with the Nickleplate Trail over near US 31 about 16 miles west.
Overall we had a really nice time and would consider doing it again. The B&B was a highlight and perfect for easy access to the trail. Trail condition in Marion needs some work and there's a surprising lack of toilet facilities west of Marion and the Sweetser public toilet was locked. Otherwise it's a 5 star ride.
It a good trail. Few spots to get into a good speed but relaxing with plenty to do around.
Wonderful well kept trail for all. This is a must ride for any level of rider. Just do it!
Rode segment between Bunker Hill and Denver. Riding thru Peru is very easy with more trail recently added along the Wabash River ( then Canal Street NE, left on Water Street, left on Harrison Avenue, left on Lovers Lane to the trail). Trail has a nice tree canopy. Several ice cream shops to choose from in Peru (East side Double Dip and South Side Scoops both very good). Good pizza at DeAngelos in Denver.
Rode the B&O for the first time recently; happy to share that a new extension has just opened, west of Tilden. Great ride!
We jumped on the Fall Creek trail from the Monon and headed east to Fort Benjamin Harrison, road around a little bit and then returned. It's a nice relaxing ride with plenty of shaded and winds along the creek for some beautiful scenery. A pretty smooth trail that is not overly populated.
This trail when totally completed will not disappoint the riders. Had a great time riding the trail and seeing the progress.
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