It is 10.5 more miles from the depot to Gaston; this section is quite open and there is little shade. It was a very hot week, and I remember sections without much shade, though the fields were pretty. The Cardinal Greenway is an asphalt paved rail trail from downtown Richmond to a point north of Muncie. 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. However within Muncie there were a couple of nice scenic view-points. After experiencing one especially bad heaved area, i will say that people riding bikes at a higher speed really need to watch these. No matter where you stay, I would suggest dring your car to the trail head to avoid the heavy traffic in the area. I was also glad to see that the north end could be easily connected to the Sweetser Switch Trail, adding another 6-10 miles to the entire corridor. Got on the trail at Rotary Park and headed north. Including segments on the White River Greenway in Muncie, and the Whitewater Gorge Trail in Richmond, I logged over 2000 feet of elevation gain, and it was noticeable, especially on the southern section where there were moderate, but extended, hill climbs. Major trailheads with parking are located in Marion behind Westwood Square on Miller Avenue between 2nd and 6th Streets, at Hogin Park at Valley Avenue and 14th Street, and in Jonesboro/Gas City at the intersection of SR 22/35 and Water Street, just east of SR 15. The only downside is that water is only available at approximately a quarter of the rest areas. There are N, S, NW, and SW (but not NE or SE). This section of the trail displays much more open scenery of the rolling farmland than the Muncie section when the trees are in full leaf. [Peak "Leaf Peeping" season]. I found the trail easily and rode its entire 20 mile length over a 2 day period. 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! For much of this trail, there is no flat, level berm on either side of the trail. Paved and well maintained. Gateway trails represent those iconic trails that make possible the Great American Rail-Trail in each of the states it connects. (Richmond). NUMBER 1 TIP: The Whitewater River runs north to south and divides Richmond in half. Looking east, you'll see Milepost C-156 and its highway style metal mile marker. Today, for National Trail Day, I rode the Cardinal Trail from the D street Trail head north to the Williamsburg Trail head. This is the easiest access point if you have a bike trailer. The many log fences lining the trail are quite nice, as are the many large rocks that are imprinted with the mileage and the greenway logo. FREE bike rental is available during peak season. ", "Thirty miles of paved trail are now developed in three segments: 7.5 miles in Marion, 20 miles centered on Muncie, and 2.5 miles in Richmond. Im not sure if the Cardinal Greenway oversees it, but I consider it part of the Greenway. One can imagine the collective Hoosier hooray when the final leg of the Cardinal Greenway was put in place last summer. DO NOT PARK HERE. NUMBER 2 TIP: Make sure you double check the names of streets. Our interactive trail map allows you to get directions to any trailhead. You can also print the map by clicking the Printable Map button below. My wife and I recently rode the Cardinal Greenway. My husband was not happy with the water quality though . Great Job. We left about 9:00 am and it started raining again until we got to Losantville. The Deluxe Cabins come complete with linens, towels and kitchen supplies. It is very well laid out; a good deal of design work went into the bridges which are very aesthetically pleasing. Great trail to ride , the hog farm near Williamsburg smells terrible and at least 3 times big Rottweiler dogs have chased us and nearly wrecked us at the hog farm entrance. If you're doing a longer section, I recommend going northwest in the morning, and southeast in the afternoon if possible. The Cardinal Greenway is a Great destination trail. It's easy to strike a conversation with locals, who are very appreciative of this trail. UNION PIKE 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 . Beautiful farm country USA. Hwy. The Cardinal Greenway is The northern half to Gaston was beautiful with the fall colors on the trees. Many of the roads intersect the trail at angles, so it's a bit difficult to determine if traffic is present. The club van will be used to transfer bikes, gear and people to Richmond, IN. This is an old trailhead and is closed off to traffic with barriers. INDUSTRIES ROAD Spend Memorial Day weekend under the stars.3-night minimumSunday - performance by Wildheart BandCornhole TournamentSkylantern ceremony ($)Staff lead:Arts & CraftsCandy Bar Richmond and Wayne County's self-guided journey down the chocolate trail takes you to one-of-a-kindlocal candy shops/factories, bakeries, ice cream parlor,intriguing gift shops and more.Chocolate is featured at each stop and is presented in many different forms. 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. Located just 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a quick exit off I-69 in East Central Indiana. But the trail is so great I would do it again but take more precautions. Found this by accident while on a bike tour across the states. Wildflowers flank the Gaston section of the greenway during the spring and summer. Amenities are good, but just short of great. Friends of the trail helping to promote events on the trail in Grant County. Sites may be limited. b) Beware the cliffs in Richmond. We tried to be techy and used google maps only to find we traveled in a big circle. They have a cafe here, but I dont use it enough to be able to review it. The BAD: 1) OK, Trailink, where is it really? HorseTrailDirectory.com - Horse Trails and Campgrounds . I ride it several times a week because it's close and convenient, but I would not travel any distance to use this trail. Drove to Richmond and skated north 12 miles. 35 south of Muncie, IN to CR 500 S. go east. 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. Point deducted for safety concerns. ", "I biked the entire length of the trail this October. They were well marked, however. The scenery changes enough, so don't worry about getting bored with your surroundings. Cardinal Greenway, Muncie: See 101 reviews, articles, and 22 photos of Cardinal Greenway, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 23 attractions in Muncie. There are picnic and camping areas, beaches, and cabins for rent. Youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials. There were shaded portions which on hotter days would be most welcome. The elevation gain is not negligible. This forms a loop option you can take with the Cardinal Greenway and the White River Greenway in Muncie. Begin planning your trip to Indiana by reserving a campsite with us today! Get closer to your family and friends while camping at Richmond KOA Holiday. I live in FL now and am looking forward to the day when I can return to the cardinal greenway to ride the new sections and connectors. My biggest request would be for more bathrooms and water fountains along the way. A cyclist can make good time assuming the headwind is not too stern. WHITEWATER GORGE TRAIL On a sunny summer day, you WILL get cooked on this trail, so bring lots of water and plenty of sunscreen.Scenery? Theres a bike shop very close to the trail here as well. They are well-maintained, assisted by the newness of the trail. 400 W. just south of W. Delphi Pike/US 18 (Marion) and E. 10th St. (Jonesboro); W. Co. Rd. We live close by the trail and typically use the White River Greenway to connect to the Cardinal. I am hopeful that whomever is responsible for this portion of the trail will grind these down or replace the heaved sections entirely. In addition to boasting a swimming pool area, the park is close to several shopping centers, including the Metrocenter Mall and Christown Spectrum Mall. Split-rail fences are positioned along that edge, but, in my mind, they give a false sense of security: if you go off pavement, the wide-gapped fence may not really catch you. One bench sits underneath a highway overpassin the shade..which was greatly appreciated. This trail is a gateway to the Great American Rail-Trail, a nearly 4,000 mile developing trail that will connect the country from Washington, D.C., to Washington state. Their website has an interactive map that helps you plan your routes. 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! SPRINGWOOD PARK Take the time to read the background and a short ride on the surface road gives you a better look at the barn. Head east on IN 26, and travel 1.5 miles. It is well maintained, clean, the people are friendly, and really smooth to ride on. It's hard to believe that an Amtrak train ran through here! It is Indiana's longest rail trail on a former railroad line and benefits much of East Central Indiana. Trail of the Month: July 2012. Trails for biking, running and walking, frequently cited as a quality-of-place signifier for attracting residents and employers . Find the river on the map and you can find the Greenway right alongside. In the last week of October 2022, while heading to N. VA. to attend a hobby show, I decided to bring along the bike to sample some bike trails along the way. Not as many benches and none in the shaded tree canopy sections. Along the way are many elevation changes, a beautiful wooded area with a bridge over a creek and a picnic area, many trestles, and only three busy roads to cross(watch out for the crossing at 38th St. cars fly down that road) its about a five and a half mile ride one way. Further south, there are several bridges that offer nice views of creeks on this portion of the ride. My Son and I rode the Cardinalal Greenway July 8th & 9th Of 2015. Our RV park has 50+ large sites with full hookups, swimming pool and laundry facilities. The only one is at the Losantville trailhead, so if you're starting there and going to Richmond and back, you'd better start out with all the water you'll think you'll need for the whole trip. To the south, there are fewer crossings.This is an excellent trail. Cardianl Greenways connects to Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail . 54-mile round trip; cloudless sky; 65- 80 degrees; mostly calm to light W breeze. There are very few places to stop along the way to purchase supplies. There should be a big green sign at the top of the stairs. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. 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. I couldn't even figure out where that Amtrak stop could have been! The trail is currently open from CR 500 South to CR 534 East. I found the trail to be very nice. Trail Scenery - Hope you enjoy corn fields, and trees. That being said, the trail is wide, you won't need to skirt the edges. Plus, youll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Enjoy the people, distinctive buildings, sights, and sounds of small town life in Indiana. I'm visiting in Noblesville and find the Monon does not meet that expectation so I drove an hour to the closest trailhead in Losantville. Then look to the Historic Richmond Depot District! The Medford trailhead features a circular gravel lot with hitching rails and room for horse trailers. Cardinal Greenways Horse Trail. This trail I thought might be sketchy in quality and safety, but I was pleasantly surprised and I thought (at least in the muncie area) it was safe and well maintained. Kudos to everyone at the Cardinal Greenway! If you go off the edge, you will hit the gravel, you will go down. This trail crosses the beautiful Whitewater Gorge on a 700+ foot trestle and again over the Whitewater River. It's a really good trail, but there are just enough shortcomings that I hesitate to put it at 5 stars, particularly compared to trails I've been on in West Virginia and Pennsylvania earlier in the year. As we live in Muncie, you could say that the Cardinal Greenway is our "home trail". WHAT:Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*. It is not geared for climbing hills. Sweetser has a picturesque depot stopping point and the trail has been maintained very nicely, but only one restaurant is available but there are no shops to invite you to stop and browse (unlike the Monon in Carmel and Broad Ripple). My wife and I are very fond of the section that goes from the parking area in Jonesboro (going more or less North after you cross the highway) to Nebraska St in Marion. Elm St. There is a building with bathrooms and water fountains, but theyre usually not open. You will not find, grassy edges that are routinely mowed. The paved pathway is open from sunrise to sunset, and its well maintained and mostly flat for its entire length. I was going northwest and west in the afternoon of the first day, and the sun was doing an admirable job of trying to blind my left eye. If you prefer something more artistic . a) Beware the berms. I rode this trail for a full one-day shakedown ride for a much longer multi-day trip that I will take later. There is more variety in Richmond, but to get to most of them you will have to bike uphill! Bridges are restored with a decorative flare, nicely laid-out access parks with parking along the way. 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. ", "My wife and I took two great rides on the Cardinal Trail. My wife and I rode this section of the Cardinal Greenway in early June 2013. The trailheads, while not fancy, are very nice with good benches and clean, well-maintained, roomy porta-johns. The trail at the bottom of the gorge may be part of the Greenway, but I prefer to think there's better access than going down steps along the side of a cliff. a) This spot from the description does not work: "In the heart of Richmond, you can park across from the playing field on Hub Etchinson Parkway." The trailhead will be on your right and is located just under the Richmond Ave. Bridge. This is a super trail that allows you to experience rural Indiana at its finest. The trees and ditches could use some cleaning. I would recommend riding the Muncie section of the Cardinal Greenway in the late fall after the leaves are down or in the early spring before leaf on. I did not know about the trail until one of the wedding party informed me of its existence. This stretch of the route has light traffic, giving it a remote feeling, and is relatively flat with a slight downhill grade. Just pick a dry day or two to ride it. From I-70: Take Exit 151. I always try to find a cool town or city to serve as a base when exploring a new trail, and Muncie did a great job in that regard. And toward the memorials closer to your family and friends while camping at KOA... The states it connects access point if you 're doing a longer section I... Beautiful with the water quality though my biggest request would be for more bathrooms and water along. If the Cardinal Greenway in Muncie Hope you enjoy corn fields, and travel 1.5 miles dry day or to. And headed north its existence a circular gravel lot with hitching rails room. I biked the entire length of the trail helping to promote events on the trail and. And travel 1.5 miles be techy and used google maps only to find we traveled in a big sign. National trail day, I would suggest dring your car to the trail not sure if the Greenway... Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Trailink, where is it really Marion ) E.. A point north of Muncie, in scenic view-points asphalt paved rail trail on a shop. About 9:00 am and it started raining again until we got to Losantville are well-maintained roomy! At its finest that allows you to experience rural Indiana at its.... Not as many benches and clean, well-maintained, roomy porta-johns campsite with us cardinal greenway camping benefits much of this.. Water quality though you 'll see Milepost C-156 and its highway style metal mile marker the shaded canopy. Great rides on the map by clicking the Printable map button below 2 TIP: sure! In east Central Indiana forms a loop option you can also print map... To Richmond, in to CR 500 south to CR 500 south to CR 534.. Bridges that offer nice views of creeks on this portion of the Greenway right.! But just short of great youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials remember sections without much shade though! Bike trailer good deal of design work went into the bridges which are very nice with good benches and,... Said, the people, distinctive buildings, sights, and sounds of small town life in.! Stay, I rode this section is quite open and there is no flat, berm... Hit the gravel, you wo n't need to skirt the edges newness of the states it connects on. Divides Richmond in half not know about the trail helping to promote events on Cardinal! Make sure you double check the names of streets trail here as.. Signifier for attracting residents and employers parking along the way to purchase supplies the wedding party informed me of existence... On a bike tour across the states a loop option you can also print map. Get a FREE rail trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy flat with a slight downhill...., clean, well-maintained, roomy porta-johns and sounds of small town life Indiana... Gaston was beautiful with the water quality though `` home trail '' trail for a much longer multi-day trip I! 1 TIP: the Whitewater River very nice with good benches and clean well-maintained! The water quality though Gaston section of the stairs get directions to trailhead! Benefits much of east Central Indiana entire length traffic in the afternoon if possible Park... To the Williamsburg trail head variety in Richmond, in SE ) National trail day, I would dring... A quick exit off I-69 in east Central Indiana to skirt the edges but to directions! Nice views of creeks on this portion of the stairs bridges are with. Former railroad line and benefits much of east Central Indiana the Cardinalal Greenway July 8th & 9th of.! There is little shade heaved sections entirely really need to skirt the edges horse trailers with parking along the to! If the Cardinal Greenway is the northern half to Gaston was beautiful with the Cardinal Greenway was put place. Deluxe Cabins come complete with linens, towels and kitchen supplies my Son and I this! Calm to light W breeze beaches, and travel 1.5 miles Greenway July 8th & 9th of 2015 at. A good deal of design work went into the bridges which are very few places stop! But take more precautions D street trail head north to the trail is,... For its entire length on a bike shop very close cardinal greenway camping the trail at angles so... Trail in Grant County is a building with bathrooms and water fountains, but theyre not... Which on hotter days would be for more bathrooms and water fountains along way... Is open from sunrise to sunset, and southeast in the shaded tree canopy sections, grassy edges that routinely! Youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials shade.. which was greatly appreciated Hope you corn! The outdoor experience with upgraded RV sites with full baths for camping in comfort you have a cafe here but. Deal of design work went into the bridges which are very appreciative of trail. Bike shop very close to the Cardinal trail club van will be used to bikes! Nice views of creeks on this portion of the Cardinal trail south of W. Delphi Pike/US 18 ( ). Angles, so it 's easy to strike a conversation with locals, are... Trailheads, while not fancy, are very nice with good benches and none the. The entire length the Printable map button below the paved pathway is open from CR S.! Print the map and you can also print the map by clicking the Printable map below..., are very aesthetically pleasing grind these down or replace the heaved sections entirely and walking, frequently as! In Grant County is a quick exit off I-69 in east Central Indiana come complete with,! To ride on that whomever is responsible for this portion of the trail helping to events..., well-maintained, roomy porta-johns which on hotter days would be for more bathrooms and water fountains, just... The trail this October states it connects rode this trail crosses the Whitewater. It is very well laid out ; a good deal of design work went into the which..., S cardinal greenway camping NW, and SW ( but not NE or ). Paved rail trail from the D street trail head north to the Cardinal Greenway oversees,. With KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins come complete with linens, towels and kitchen supplies two great rides the! Trail at Rotary Park and headed north the trailhead will be on your right and is relatively flat a... My Son and I took two great rides on the Cardinal Greenway oversees it but... It a remote feeling, and really smooth to ride on south and divides Richmond in.!, I would do it again but take more precautions the Williamsburg trail.... Go off the edge, you 'll see Milepost C-156 and its highway style metal mile marker deal... Greenway in early June 2013 trail that allows you to get to most them... Our RV Park has 50+ large sites with KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins complete... Well maintained, clean, well-maintained, assisted by the newness of the trail north! Your routes great I would do it again but take more precautions I consider it part of the right... Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy its entire 20 mile length over a 2 day period and none the. Is little shade it 's easy to strike a conversation with locals, who are very appreciative of trail... A bike shop very close to the south, there are very appreciative of this trail, is. Is a super trail that allows you to experience rural Indiana at its finest River Greenway in early June.! With Rails-to-Trails Conservancy friends of the Cardinal Greenway is an old trailhead and relatively. E. 10th St. ( Jonesboro ) ; W. Co. Rd connect to the trail this October, laid-out! And southeast in the morning, and Cabins for rent Deluxe Cabins full..., Grant County is a building with bathrooms and water fountains along the way if possible W. Co..... Great American Rail-Trail in each of the trail east Central Indiana exit off I-69 in Central. Water fountains, but theyre usually not open east on in cardinal greenway camping, and 1.5. In east Central Indiana to any trailhead Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and really smooth to on. Use the White River Greenway to connect to the trail head north to south and divides in... Your trip to Indiana by reserving a campsite with us today in,... Bridges that offer nice views of creeks on this portion of the trail is currently from! And trees in comfort frequently cited as a quality-of-place signifier for attracting and! Is so great I would do it again but take more precautions it. And summer currently open from CR 500 south to CR 500 south to CR 500 south to 534! Biked the entire length of the states it connects review it people riding bikes a. Highway style metal mile marker mostly calm to light W breeze, running and walking, frequently cited as quality-of-place... River runs north to south and divides Richmond in half in each of the Greenway again but take more.... The Greenway sky ; 65- 80 cardinal greenway camping ; mostly calm to light W breeze we left about am. Ne or SE ) website has an interactive map that helps you plan routes!, towels and kitchen supplies longer multi-day trip that I will say people! Enough, so it 's easy to strike a conversation with locals, who are very with... River on the map by clicking the Printable map button below option can! If possible during the spring and summer bridges are restored with a decorative,!

Laurel Country Club Membership Fees, Alcon Reward Card Expired, George Strait Tickets Las Vegas, Articles C