As you reach the County Road 400 trailhead, the urban fingers of Muncie start to reach out. The Cardinal Greenway trail is an excellent trail. and River Rd. Simply one of the most beautiful and interesting trails I have ridden in my 1250 miles of rail-trails! Trail Scenery - Hope you enjoy corn fields, and trees. Cardinal Greenways offers multiple map formats to help you plan your route and to find trailheads along the way. 35 south of Muncie, IN to CR 500 S. go east. Trail map of the Cardinal Greenway from Co. Rd. So don't assume that because it's in Indiana, you won't have some decent climbs! On the south end of town, the Greenway is on the west side of the river. Near the intersection with Richmond Avenue, find North D Street, a little side street a block and a half long (NOT the big North D Street that exentends from Richmond Ave. Whether youre exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. I'm from FL so I noticed the slight rises but most would consider the portion I rode flat. We love this trail! You can access the trail from a long staircase at the parking lot across the street from Richmond High School on Hub Etchison Parkway. The only downside is that water is only available at approximately a quarter of the rest areas. Next week On our way back to Raleigh NC, we plan to ride another 2 days. It is not geared for climbing hills. About 23 miles round trip. Prairie Creek Reservoir in Selma, Indiana: 2 reviews, 2 photos, & 1 tips from fellow RVers. Always bring my bicycle along on business trips, to ride at the end of the day. And there are a LOT of them in 27 miles.Bottom line: nice ride that I'll do again, although I think I would prefer a cooler or a bit less sunny day! The parking lot is 0.1 mile straight ahead. The Cardinal Greenwayand the American Jazz Age Cardinal Greenway | Photo by Jane Holman, courtesy Waynet, Inc. Its also great if you want to pedal fast and not have to worry about moving around skaters, etc. On another trip I'll pick a different trailhead which would offer a more scenic ride according the rider I met at the trailhead before I started riding. That is something we don't seem to be getting much of these days. Saw lots of Fall foliage as well; a bonus of riding there during this time of year. This can be pretty, but it's also only partially shaded, and the afternoon sun slices through the trees pretty effectively. There are a fair number of whistle posts still in place, as well as some mile markers, a few concrete bases from signals and lots of ties along the route. This has a couple hills and some unpaved side trails that can be fun to explore if youre into off-road biking, hiking, or fishing. We went south (from the Depot) for @ 9 miles to the Red Bud Area and returned, making it our longest trek thus far. I ride it several times a week because it's close and convenient, but I would not travel any distance to use this trail. I used to cross the rail road tracks when I walked to middle school. Plus, youll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. I would recommend the Greenway very highly. It was a glorious ride! We had a nice afternoon ride on this trail. I had even showered immediately after my ride but I had a severe allergic reaction. They just added a gate here and the sign says its closed dusk to dawn, so if you park your car there be sure to be out of there by nightfall so you dont get locked in. Veteran's Park honors area veterans for their service to their country.The Park is located in the Whitewater Gorge and can be accessed via automobile via the Johnson Street entrance or via foot over the pedestrian suspension bridge on Sim Hodgin Parkway or via the Whitewater Gorge walking/bike trail. Towns Along the Trail Hoosier towns along the 62 miles of Cardinal Greenway are worth discovering! Some suggestions I would like to make. If you have little kids on bikes, or if you ever stopped paying attention and drifted off the pavement, then read up. We were very grateful for a dry place to sleep. Bring plenty of water. Some visitors to Muncie arrive on two wheels. Lots of road crossings, but beautiful countryside. We host various themed weekend events throughout the camping season to bring We will put you to work!Bring your rakes, blowers and energy. I find the trail very well laid out, volunteers do a remarkable job, thanks to all. There was also a music recording studio that made jazz and country records. We do agree with the recommendation that others made in previous reviews that you need to make sure you have plenty of your own liquids, as there are not many places to hydrate along the trail. Just pick a dry day or two to ride it. With my trailer attached, huh? a) Beware the berms. I asked a local who was jogging up the steps if this is where I get on. WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails organization, announced the induction of Indiana's Cardinal Greenway Trail into the . The scenery changes enough, so don't worry about getting bored with your surroundings. Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the trail will directly serve nearly 50 million people within 50 miles of the route. We found that there was very little scenery along much of the trail because of the dense vegetation lining both sides of the trail. To make a day out of your hike, stop by the Cumberland 101. we love it here. Located just 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a quick exit off I-69 in East Central Indiana. Prairie Creek Reservoir & Cardinal Equestrian Trail Blountsville Medford Jonesboro Gaston Losantville Trailhead Amenities: Historic Wysor Street Depot Trail Headquarters & Gift Shop, restrooms (in season), water fountain (in season), bicycle repair stand, and shelter/tables Parking Shelter Restrooms (in season) Picnic tables John M. Craddock . Kudos to the photographer(s). I only had time to ride 5 miles at the head of the trail, but it is gorgeous. Starting just north of Marion, the Cardinal Greenway seamlessly connects to the Sweetser Switch Trail, which heads north, while the Cardinal Greenway runs south back into downtown Marion. Elm St. Traveling from Gaston to Muncie, you will experience farm fields along the trail, and shaded canopies offering relief from the hot sun during the summer. You might want to start in Richmond, as it will be joy ride coming back. From Industries Road (just south of I-70 Exits 151 and 149A), turn south on Union Pike. Found this trail on the trail link app. To access the southernmost trailhead near Veterans Memorial Park: From I-70, take Exit 149 or 149A, and head south on Williamsburg Pike. There is a gas station in Losantville, that was open, and lots of bikers using it. We are planning to ride again only when the weather is drier. (A detour was possible, but unsigned; too bad.) Explore Grant County via the extraordinary Cardinal Greenway Trail! The Whitewater Gorge Trail features geological landmarks, such as vertical cliffs and waterfalls, that are accessible by foot on side paths off the main trail. My Advice: Find The D street trailhead and park there, Alternatively, you can consider access points north of Richmond and I-75. This stretch of the route has light traffic, giving it a remote feeling, and is relatively flat with a slight downhill grade. You really have to slow down and watch what you are doing. In about a quarter mile, the trailhead parking will be on your left. b) Beware the cliffs in Richmond. This is considered downtown, but its on a small side street. I am not from this region and had never heard of these critters that can flourish in July and August especially in years when locusts also flourish. It's hard to believe that an Amtrak train ran through here! Tempt your sweet tooth with delectable, locally-made chocolate specialties - everything from actual candies to treats like ice cream, fudge, and even candles, there is plenty to sample and enjoy on the Chocolate Trail! The flowers were ubiquitous and the temps perfect. The trail itself is often elevated with coarse railroad ballast gravel on both sides. There were some cow farms and a horse farm, but the only hazard were the many walnuts on the trail. We ride an old Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike. There3 are enough long shallow grades to make the ride interesting. The greenways are well-maintained praved trails suitable for biking, walking, roller blading and skiing during snowy times. I came from out-of-state and drove up US35 from I-70 where they insect in Richmond nice route!The trail is smooth and flat with a few cracks and sharp bumps in and near Muncie. This trail is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Southwest Ohio (Dayton-Cincinnati-Xenia etc) has a very large and well-maintained bike way system: over 320 miles interconnected safe, hard-paved paths spanning the SW quarter of the state. Rode it on 7/3/09, Very nice ride, see other reviews of other sections of the Cardinal Greenway. There is a building with bathrooms and water fountains, but theyre usually not open. NUMBER 1 TIP: The Whitewater River runs north to south and divides Richmond in half. 1.4 mi Speciality Museums. I have ridden to north of muncie about 5 miles and south of muncie about 7 miles. The trail is well protected from the wind for the most part and the grade never goes over 1%. If youre on foot, you can access the Star-Garnett building area via a stairwell on the bridge on the south side of South A Street/Route 40. Their website has an interactive map that helps you plan your routes. Some of the trail is very interesting but area's are really plain. It's a very nice trail, the areas of concern for me reside in Richmond and content in the original description, otherwise I would rate this excellent. I think that not converting any of the old railways to useful recreational pathways is going to be a terrible loss. Great trail all paved, level, mostly shaded! Excellent parking facilities with restrooms are conveniently located at most trailheads.We started in downtown Muncie, where a large overhead arch identifies the trail, and rode north to the end of the trail, and then headed for the south end. Such trails are always welcome, but when you find one that is relatively low use (during the workday) it truly lets you relax and take in all it has to offer. Hard-paved asphalt, remote from traffic most of the way. Certainly worth investigating rain or shine.. The Greenway between Gaston and Muncie has some bumps and uneven pavement but made it back to Marion safely (with two periods of rain) Best bike drive in Eastern Indiana in summation. Rode this gem from Gas City then Gaston all the way to Richmond. If you ride a long wheel base recumbant, or a tandem, the gates blocking access at many of the road crossings are a real pain. This is one of the best designed trails in the country. You should visit cardinalgreenways.org for more information. Our interactive trail map allows you to get directions to any trailhead. 1. One feature which I appreciate is that there are porta-potties spaced at each of the frequent trailheads - about one every 3 to 4 miles in this particular section. It is a great trail but we picked a bad time to ride as it rained from Gaston till we got to Harris Chapel Church where we spent the night. Whether you are seeking a That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. Our ride was stopped short due to a large tree blocking the pathway but we werent planning to go too much further. I also should note that it's worth going into town in Muncie, whether that's the White River Greenway, which intersects with the Cardinal Greenway in two places, or grabbing some food at some of the excellent restaurants or breweries downtown, which is easily accessible from the trail. If you walk up that very steep hill where theres a worn path, you can get to the D Street trailhead parking lot.) You definitely know youre in a town, but youre below it all in a partly wooded area. 5.38 mi State: California Crushed . For a map to the trailhead, visit WayNet.org the North 3rd St. These are some of the best, well-taken photographs I have seen from the trail pages. For much of this trail, there is no flat, level berm on either side of the trail. The Deluxe Cabins come complete with linens, towels and kitchen supplies. From Losantville to Williamsburg, much of the trail runs adjacent to the road, but your eye is instead drawn to scenic wood bridges and farmlands with rustic barns and silos around every corner. The Cardinal Greenway is a Great destination trail. All of this ride, glitches included, was pleasant. The folks who put this trail together have done a first class job.The Wysore Street Depot in Muncie is awesome. The weather was just right cool. Not much. The only downside being the lack of water fountains. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. WHAT:Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*. The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail-trail in Indiana and an adventure not to be missed with picturesque rural landscapes, fields of wildflowers, a gorgeously restored depot, several bridges, charming small townsand a history steeped in the American Jazz Age. Read more. Very scenic and pretty in some spots, but the trail was so rough and uncared for I could only get 2 miles in before I had to turn back. Drive until you come to a crosswalk with flashing yellow lights. Give it try at home or on your A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CAMPINGCamping is the ideal getaway because you can tailor your trip to fit your needs, wants and level of experience. Another 0.3 mile south is the beautifully restored Wysor Street Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which serves as the main office of Cardinal Greenways, Inc. SPRINGWOOD PARK The staircase is in the tree line. If you are into biking for recreation you have to check this one out. McGalliard Road is a more highly trafficked road crossing than most trails have, but it has an island in the center so you only need half of it to be clear at a time. From National Road/Route 40, go south on Southwest 2nd Street (this becomes Abington Pike). Stay in one of our furnished Deluxe or Camping Cabins. We drive from Indianapolis to ride this trail, usually starting in Richmond and riding to the train station in Muncie, we have done it half way and started in Losantville going either north or south. I look forward to heading south toward Richmond! The trail is very well maintained with great amenities at the stops. Outside of Muncie, there aren't a lot of places to pick up water in the northern section either, so err on the side of packing more water than you'll need. INDUSTRIES ROAD Login Profile Log out. The trip will leave 8:00 Saturday morning from Indianapolis area. I did see two cats, a lot of chipmunks, and quite a few blue jays, though ironically not a single cardinal. The Cardinal Greenway (TGC) is a multi-use recreational network combining a rail trail and an on-street route that together cross 62 miles (100 km) and five counties in east central Indiana.The greenway, which was designated a National Recreation Trail in June 2003 and in 2018 was named to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's "Rail Trail Hall of Fame." This trail is great for the beginner and the well experienced. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Beautiful trail, very pleasantly surprised. I don't like those things very much, but the ones I used were easily the nicest - and cleanest - I've ever seen. So if you are planning a trip from Marion to Muncie, pack for weather conditions. They are well-maintained, assisted by the newness of the trail. Theres a bike shop very close to the trail here as well. The other plus is how far apart the trail sections are from each stop sign. Cardinal Greenways is Indiana's longest span of recreational trails. Trail was in good shape with a few little bumps from cracks in the asphalt swelling and in one place a small tree across the trail from a recent storm. The trail condition is generally very good, though it can be a bit bumpy in spots in Muncie. Most of the railroads along the Great American Rail-Trail are literal ones. First, I'll note that I didn't notice any pig farms, despite expecting to on the southern section, nor any Rottweilers. I would not like to take this trail on a hot summer day because the rest stops do not have shade and in some areas the trees are not fully grown to protect against sun and wind. Get closer to your family and friends while camping at Richmond KOA Holiday. Very enjoyable! Thankfully we came upon one of the trailheads that had water. 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