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Print Friendly MapThe Terre Haute segment of the National Road Heritage Trail runs for nearly 7 miles between the west end of Indiana State University campus downtown and Chamberlain Road behind Mewhinney Cemetery just east of Twigg Rest Area (US 40/Wabash Ave.). The trail is part of a proposed border-to-border trail, stretching between Terra Haute and Richmond, Indiana, which will eventually span more than 150 miles. The trail occupies part of the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, which closely parallels the Historic National Road.
The trail winds through Terre Haute, linking the campus with parks, neighborhoods, schools and businesses before heading east into a more wooded countryside with scattered farmland.
Another segment of the trail passes through Henry County. In Greencastle the People Pathways forms a segment of the National Road Heritage Trail. Through Indianapolis and Greenfield it's part of the Pennsy Trail. In Hendricks and Putnam counties, the route is called the Vandalia Trail.
There's a large paved parking lot at the current (2012) east terminus at Chamberlain Road. You can also park at Twigg Rest Area along US 40/Wabash Avenue, at the Sports & Recreation Center by Cook Stadium (Rose Hulman Institute of Technology campus; restrictions may apply) and off Spruce Street on the east end of campus (ISU). Check the ISU website for other campus parking.
We started at the Jones Trailhead on Chamberlain Street, road about 3.8 miles toward the University then turned around. This section of the trail was mostly smooth and quite nice.
We rode east from Fruitridge and Locust street. It is an easy ride. We are 70 and had no issues. Lots of shady areas. About 7.47 mile round trip.
The West one third or so through Terre Haute is mostly just wide sidewalks and is not well marked. But the East side is the great. Typical rail trail thru somewhat rural type scenery. Lots of benches, rest areas and even restrooms by football field at Rose Holcomb college.
I wanted to say east side is best
grandson and I ride it often, little creek park is a good place for a picnic break. rose hulman is like a post card. access to cemetery for some hills and history, access to hawthorn park adds some miles. go west is best.
We used this trail for our Bataan Death March and it was perfect. There were plenty of access points for water/medic stations. One of the best trails I have been on.
My wife and I road the trail this weekend. The entire trail is paved which is great for road bikes. Nice scenery in one direction but not in the other direction. Not marked as good as it could be once you leave the university. Will do again.
I just want everyone to know the trail has been extended (about a 1/3 of a mile). It now goes past Twiggs Rest Stop to the East and ends a Chamberlain road. There is a small parking lot, a short walking path, bike rakes and a water fountain at the Chamberlain road trail head.
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