Explore the best rated trails in Marion, IN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Shirley Heritage Trail and Sweetser Switch Trail . With more than 41 trails covering 4051 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.
Nice paved trail along the river; across a railroad bridge; thru town; around Hospital and several lakes/ponds.
There is a very new section on the Wilbur Wright Trail open between N County Road 625E and N county Road 800 E going through Mooreland . There is another section that is in the process of being cleared to the west of CR 600 E.. Looking forward to the day when I can ride from New castle all the way to Losantville where the Wilbur Wright will connect with the Cardinal Greenway.
Rode from Lagro to Wabash. Well maintained, beautiful scenery, wildlife galore! And just something about riding next to the river makes it a wonderful ride!
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.
This is more a sidewalk. It is a miserable ride at best. As others mentioned you are right beside a very busy road - dirt, debris and noise. You are also are at constant risk from the many neighborhood entrances you must cross. It is not a route to ride for fun or enjoyment. Ride this only if you need to get somewhere and want to be a tiny bit safer than riding on the busy street.
The length of the Pufferbelly Trail should be updated to somewhere between eight and 9 miles now that the northern section is complete all the way to Fitch Rd.,
The trail in Noblesville is now open from 146th ST to Pleasant Street. To cross 146th ST, do so at the cross walk light at Herriman Blvd, which is just east of the Nickel PlateTrail (NPT). This short section of the NPT is also quite nice, wooded and feels remote as it parallels the White River. The two repurposed train bridges cross Allisonville Road and Stony Creek.
Wide paths, beautiful tree scenery. Worth the drive from Louisville!
My first time, on this really fun trail. I went from the NorthSide Kokomo trailhead (where hwy 931 meets hwy 35, (portable potties available) to downtown and back, took about an hour, past really cool old factories, rails on the side, and what looked like fun bars to stop at, for instance, a brewery in a former train station converted into restaurants! Also many other LOCAL BARS and EATERIES!! Very smooth trail, not a lot of shade, so a beautiful ride on a cool sunny day for me! THANKS KOKOMO for the INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE TRAIL!!
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!
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.
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