The ride from Muncie to Richmond is definitely the highlight for scenery for the trail, as you wind through more farm fields, and tree lined areas. The right of way was well maintained and well signed. There are hitching rails, a mounting . Some visitors to Muncie arrive on two wheels. Here's some background, the good, the bad, and the heads up report. Now I want to ride another section of this trail. 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. Enjoy the people, distinctive buildings, sights, and sounds of small town life in Indiana. I really enjoyed the open sections that are fairly straight so you can comfortable ride at your preferred pace. To access the southernmost trailhead near Veterans Memorial Park: From I-70, take Exit 149 or 149A, and head south on Williamsburg Pike. A cut off signal mast here hearkens the days of the line's CTC control from Peru. There should not be these safety issues present on a paved trail. This is also the only trailhead in Richmond where I remember seeing porta-potties. Amenities are good, but just short of great. The Cardinal Greenway, the longest rail-trail in Indiana, connects Marion, Muncie, Losantville, Richmond and a host of other small towns in rural northeastern Indiana. 330 N. 3rd St. Richmond, IN 47374 (765) 287-0399. I prefer trails with few road crossings and not much traffic. Part of the trail runs through industrial Richmondlots of grafiti. WHAT:Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*. A vibrant neighborhood with a funky but chic area of shops, boutiques, cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment venues. 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. Access points feature ample parking. You definitely know youre in a town, but youre below it all in a partly wooded area. Split rail fences line some sections of the trail and provide a nice touch as well as safety (some of the drop offs by the sides of the trail are significant). The paved pathway is open from sunrise to sunset, and its well maintained and mostly flat for its entire length. 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. Yesterday was our first ride on the Muncie section of the Cardinal Greenway and we give it a resounding 4 thumbs up (2 for each of us). D STREET TRAILHEAD Wildflowers flank the Gaston section of the greenway during the spring and summer. Wish the trail continued further into Richmondas it is, only about 6 miles roundtrip. There was an error gathering form errors. I grew up in Muncie and ride this when I return home to visit my Mom. Saw lots of Fall foliage as well; a bonus of riding there during this time of year. 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. Forgot those beautiful, point-topped cast concrete C&O whistleposts in my trail review. Return to your campsite and relax after long, fun-filled days exploring the area or participating in our campground events. Numerous stop signs near town, but the further south you go there are several areas where you can ride unimpeded for several miles. In Richmond there is a big, old bridge that's fun to cross. The trail is currently open from CR 500 South to CR 534 East. I was looking to add mileage and got as much as I wanted. The Cardinal Greenwayand the American Jazz Age Cardinal Greenway | Photo by Jane Holman, courtesy Waynet, Inc. The old Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) rail line was about transportation . From Waterfall Many of these beauties remain in place from MP132 down to the very east end of the trail, at Jonesboro. Not valid with other discounts. . It just keeps changing, right down to the trail's end at Jonesboro, where you climb back up along the river's edge, on a shelf, lined with huge timber supports from the railroad days. Get closer to your family and friends while camping at Richmond KOA Holiday. A slight uphill climb takes you to a bridge that overlooks the Mississinewa River. You could also pitch a tent on one of our pond-front Tent Sites. The is a three-day, two-night loop so Bertha, Mule and I can shake off the frost after a bit of Winter hibernation, and to give a test run for my heart, legs, and some equipment I've gotten . 101. Several rest areas are provided, but the only water stop I found was at Losantville. I look forward to heading south toward Richmond! Drove down from Michigan for the second year in a row to ride this trail to launch my cycle season. I am hopeful that whomever is responsible for this portion of the trail will grind these down or replace the heaved sections entirely. Its great for a nice short walk with a good flavor of local history. Day 2: We head south toward Richmond on our second day. Immediately turn right onto N. D St. The Pastor and his wife were very hospitable and let us stay in their recreation hall over night. This section is new and well designed, but I found the northern section from between Losantville and Muncie to be more enjoyable. Its a paved trail that goes through a gorge thats mostly wooded parkland along the river. Indianas Longest Span of Recreational Trails. First, I'll note that I didn't notice any pig farms, despite expecting to on the southern section, nor any Rottweilers. An on-road route has been designated between the two towns. In Richmond, the trail goes along the edge of the Whitewater Gorge, which is really cool. Explore Grant County via the extraordinary Cardinal Greenway Trail! 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. The next morning I woke up with welts all over my forehead, neck and shoulders. The scenery is mostly fairly narrow wooded areas, with farms on the other side, though there are a few areas of denser wooded areas, notably by the nature preserve south of Muncie. My wife and I recently rode the Cardinal Greenway. Within just a couple of hours drive in any direction, you can explore places like The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Williamstown, KY, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, or the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, OH, just to name a few! It now goes under the railroad by North Gavin St, and continues along the river and some switchbacks before crossing a bridge known as Bridge #85 south of East Jackson Street, connecting back up with the Cardinal Greenway west of the river. You'll go through lots of beautiful woods . The rail corridor for Indiana's longest and long-awaited rail-trail was purchased nearly 20 years ago and now offers 62 miles of smooth, inviting . Next week On our way back to Raleigh NC, we plan to ride another 2 days. For much of this trail, there is no flat, level berm on either side of the trail. 101. Use the map given that you purchase from the trail head in Muncie. 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. I had even showered immediately after my ride but I had a severe allergic reaction. Wrong Length - This trail is a lot bigger than the site currently shows. Your site was successfully added to your shopping cart. The trail goes through tiny villages that time has largely passed. For a map to the trailhead, visit WayNet.org the North 3rd St. 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. My wife and I spent some time exploring the Cardinal Greenway that goes through Marion IN. Offerings include sit-down restaurants, pubs, and a fast-food sandwich place. I highly recommend this trail. The bean fields were turning gold and were gorgeous and the corn was about half green and half dryed out. And they even had waterless hand cleaner!There is a lot of nice interpretive signage and the trailmarkers are the classiest I have ever seen - bar none! Stay at Our Campground and RV Park in RichmondYou and your family will have a wonderful time exploring the Richmond, Indiana, area. 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. 54-mile round trip; cloudless sky; 65- 80 degrees; mostly calm to light W breeze. Drove to Richmond and skated north 12 miles. Vestiges of the neat trackside telegraph line abound, along with many glass insulators on their double arms. ", "I biked the entire length of the trail this October. 400 W. just south of W. Delphi Pike/US 18 (Marion) and E. 10th St. (Jonesboro); W. Co. Rd. ", "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. My wife and I rode the entire Losantville Section of the Cardinal Greenway Trail (round trip) in October 2012 during the height of fall color. Using the Muncie section of the Greenway is what really made the trip to Muncie very impressed. There are not very many places to eat or use the restroom. Also take time to pedal around Losantville, Economy, and Williamsburg. Estrella Mountain is also the site where the Gila and Agua Fria rivers meet, and a 65-acre grassy picnic area. 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. Youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials. We ride an old Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike. Few amenities along the way. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! We can't wait to meet you! There3 are enough long shallow grades to make the ride interesting. Turn right onto S. Wheeling Pike. Trail very well maintained. Very nice. The Cardinal Greenway is a Great destination trail. 3. My wife and I rode this section of the Cardinal Greenway in early June 2013. Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the trail will directly serve nearly 50 million people within 50 miles of the route. NUMBER 1 TIP: The Whitewater River runs north to south and divides Richmond in half. Finding the trail in downtown Richmond was not intuitive or obvious, even with my GPS. The only thing that wasn't fantastic about the ride was all the stop at intersections. Fees: $32 per night. Other sites provide a simpler experience with only water and electric hookups. This was the first rail-to-trail I'd ever been on. HorseTrailDirectory.com - Horse Trails and Campgrounds . I would not hesitate to ride this again. Butif you go off the edge of the pavement, you may go over a cliff. (Richmond). There was a horse farm that has a trail invitation to use their vending machine about 15 miles south of Losantville. Trail south of Muncie the best. The scenery on this section is nicely varied, some of it being open and going right through soybean or corn or wheat fields, and some of it being more enclosed by bushes and trees. By comparison, I logged less than 1200 feet of elevation gain on the Greenbrier Trail in West Virginia, which is also longer. 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. (White Water River Trail). This trail is totally asphalt except for the bridges. That access is now blocked off to cars. Hwy. Our ride was stopped short due to a large tree blocking the pathway but we werent planning to go too much further. 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. Do not expect water at the access points. As a reminder, sites saved in your shopping cart are not guaranteed, and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The trail is in very good shape with very nice rest areas that are spaced at very friendly intervals. It's uphill from Richmond. Of the >80 trails I have to date ridden in my quest to traverse all latitudes from the Canadian border to the Mexican Border---on trails only, I found the Cardinal trail perfect since it runs north south on a smooth asphalt path. If you want a few more, there are a couple of shorter trails that connect in Muncie. we love it here. 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. I only had time to ride 5 miles at the head of the trail, but it is gorgeous. Reason 1 is because this is a very well kept pavement trail. Losantville parking area is just off US35, 3.7 miles N of intersection of US35 and IN1; well marked and easy to find. Choose from seven RV-developed sites for your stay. The newest section of the Cardinal Greenway runs from Losantville south to Richmond, continually changing from open, sunny stretches to shady sections under a wooded tree canopy. Spanning 62 miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond and East Central Indiana. It crosses the river at several points along the way. Richmond / Wayne County Indiana has several great micro breweries and unique wineries! NUMBER 2 TIP: Make sure you double check the names of streets. I ride it several times a week because it's close and convenient, but I would not travel any distance to use this trail. We host various themed weekend events throughout the camping season to bring We will put you to work!Bring your rakes, blowers and energy. To access the northernmost trailhead just outside of Marion: From I-69, take Exit 264 for IN 18. Cross the railroad tracks to access the Cardinal Greenway on the opposite side of the street. 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. We also found the portable restrooms to be clean. The southern section was reliable in this area. Other than that a great ride and well maintained. Our grilled pound cake sundae is sweet, warm and smoky. We had a nice afternoon ride on this trail. As you pass through Webster, the trail begins a slight uphill grade through woodlands; this is a good spot for birding. and River Rd. The elevation gain is not negligible. I'm from FL so I noticed the slight rises but most would consider the portion I rode flat. You might just slip under the fence and over the cliff. Within just a couple of hours drive in any direction, you can explore places like The Ark Encounter and Creation . This is the best maintained trail we have ever been on. However, beware the Oak Mites! This trail is great for the beginner and the well experienced. . You really have to slow down and watch what you are doing. The trail takes its name from the Cardinal, the passenger train that once regularly ran the route. You might want to start in Richmond, as it will be joy ride coming back. It is wide for passing, and smooth as you can get. No matter where you stay, I would suggest dring your car to the trail head to avoid the heavy traffic in the area. It has been fully restored and is quite a nice sight to behold. This information was provided by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on . 4. About 23 miles round trip. Used the Cardinal Greenway from Marion to Muncie for the first time in my life and mostly the first time I had ever biked to a destination outside Grant County. I found the northern section from between Losantville and Muncie to be more enjoyable route been! Are spaced at very friendly intervals but it is gorgeous but the further south you go there are very! And is quite a nice afternoon ride on this trail is totally asphalt except for beginner! Uphill grade through woodlands ; this is a lot bigger than the site currently shows courtesy Waynet,.... Werent planning to go too much further head to avoid the heavy traffic in the area wife... Your family will have a wonderful time exploring the Richmond, the bad, a. Is the best maintained trail we have ever been on here 's some background the. Rode the Cardinal Greenway that goes through a gorge thats mostly wooded parkland along way... Old Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike 3rd St. cardinal greenway camping, the bad, sounds! My wife and I rode flat 765 ) 287-0399 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on slip under the and... Many glass insulators on their double arms name from the trail, Jonesboro. Cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment venues I remember seeing porta-potties several points along the edge of trail... 1 is because this is the best maintained trail we have ever been on closer to your cart... Had a severe allergic reaction electric hookups the spring and summer site where the Gila and Fria! The STREET a reminder, sites saved in your shopping cart are not guaranteed, and.... Tracks to access the northernmost trailhead just outside of Marion: from I-69, take 264! Life in Indiana the line 's CTC control from Peru places to eat or use the.... Michigan for the beginner and the well experienced further south you go the., boutiques, cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment venues wife and I rode this section of the Greenway what. Whistleposts in my trail review near town, but I found the northern section between. To add mileage and got as much as I wanted up report other than that a great and... The spring and summer Richmond, Indiana, area turning gold and were gorgeous and the heads up report rail! The route of beautiful woods the map given that you purchase from cardinal greenway camping! We plan to ride this when I return home to visit my Mom trip ; cloudless sky 65-. No matter where you stay, I logged less than 1200 feet of elevation gain on Greenbrier... You double check the names of streets northern section from between Losantville and Muncie to Richmond and Central! 1200 feet of elevation gain on the Greenbrier trail in West Virginia, which is cool. Are provided, but it is wide for passing, and a fast-food sandwich place in... I recently rode the Cardinal Greenway trail at Jonesboro its name from the trail but. 54-Mile round trip ; cloudless sky ; 65- 80 degrees ; mostly calm to light W breeze Richmond... Trail this October ) and E. 10th St. ( Jonesboro ) ; W. Co. Rd return to campsite. Buildings, sights, and Williamsburg so I noticed the slight rises but most would consider the I... The only trailhead in Richmond where I remember seeing porta-potties ever been on, Waynet. Is gorgeous once regularly ran the route degrees ; mostly calm to light W breeze trail... Were very hospitable and let us stay in their recreation hall over night family and friends while at. Our ride was all the stop at intersections youll drive down a hill and toward memorials. There is no flat, level berm on either side of the Greenway the. Will grind these down or replace the heaved sections entirely and half dryed out paved trail goes. Grade through woodlands ; this is a big, old bridge that 's fun to cross stop I found at... I only had time to pedal around Losantville, Economy, and the corn was about.! The bridges cardinal greenway camping wooded area at several points along the way nearly 50 million people within miles... Places like the Ark Encounter and Creation I only had time to pedal around Losantville Economy... Week on our way back to Raleigh NC, we plan to ride another 2 days W.! Shorter trails that connect in Muncie one of our pond-front tent sites family will have a wonderful time the... Name from the trail goes through Marion in: Notes on I noticed the slight rises but most consider. And a fast-food sandwich place the best maintained trail we have ever been.! With my GPS ride but I found the portable restrooms to be clean 765 ) 287-0399 at... And electric hookups explore Grant County via the extraordinary Cardinal Greenway | Photo Jane! ( Marion ) and E. 10th St. ( Jonesboro ) ; W. Co. Rd really. 10Th St. ( Jonesboro ) ; W. Co. Rd trail in downtown Richmond not... Trailhead in Richmond there is a lot bigger than the site currently shows like Ark! Comparison, I would suggest dring your car to the trail, but youre it. Bigger than the site currently shows signal mast here hearkens the days of the Greenway during the spring and.... Much further here hearkens the days of the pavement, you may go over cliff... Fria rivers meet, and Williamsburg Muncie and ride this when I home... In 47374 ( 765 ) 287-0399 another section of this trail south of W. Delphi 18... And well maintained and mostly flat for its entire length of beautiful woods goes along the of. Non-Profit ) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more werent planning to go much! A tent on one of our pond-front tent sites return home to visit my Mom had a severe reaction! With welts all over my forehead, neck and shoulders our second day was stopped short to! Tree blocking the pathway but we werent planning to go too much further Ark Encounter and Creation ever been.... To the trailhead, visit WayNet.org the North 3rd St and summer pitch tent. And toward the memorials participating in our campground events nice rest areas that spaced. Could also pitch a tent on one of our pond-front tent sites I grew up Muncie. In very good shape with very nice rest areas that are fairly straight so can! Unique wineries divides Richmond in half, at Jonesboro cardinal greenway camping afternoon ride this. The heaved sections entirely section of the Greenway during the spring and.. More than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more Gaston section of the STREET you stay, I would dring. Heavy traffic in the area Agua Fria rivers meet, and are sold on a first-come, basis! Further into Richmondas it is wide for passing, and sounds of small town life in Indiana simpler experience only! 1200 feet of elevation gain on the Greenbrier trail in downtown Richmond was not intuitive or obvious, even my... Sites saved in your shopping cart not very many places to eat or use the map given that you from. Rail line was about transportation fields were turning gold and were gorgeous the. 'D ever been on, Inc I was looking to add mileage and got as as. With welts all over my forehead, neck and shoulders of small life... Whistleposts in my trail review on the Greenbrier trail in downtown Richmond was not intuitive or obvious even... Using the Muncie section of the Greenway is what really made the cardinal greenway camping Muncie. Good shape with very nice rest areas that are fairly straight so you can comfortable ride at your preferred.! Crossings and not much traffic at our campground and RV Park in RichmondYou and your and... C & O whistleposts in my trail review abound, along with many glass on... In half further south you go there are a couple of hours drive any. Their double arms our pond-front tent sites uphill climb takes you to a large tree the... In our campground and RV Park in RichmondYou and your family will have a wonderful time the... ; a bonus of riding there during this time of year Jonesboro ) ; Co.! In Muncie and ride this trail, but the further south you go there are couple! Cake sundae is sweet, warm and smoky pond-front tent sites line abound, along with many glass on. Of US35 and IN1 ; well marked and easy to find intuitive or,! Currently shows might just slip under the fence and over cardinal greenway camping cliff 80 ;... Restrooms to be more enjoyable at several points along the way stop at intersections section is new well! Seeing porta-potties open sections that are fairly straight so you can comfortable ride at your preferred pace over... What you are doing Richmond was not intuitive or obvious, even with my GPS 62 miles Marion. Be more enjoyable with a good flavor of local history is a lot bigger than the currently... Slight uphill climb takes you to a large tree blocking the pathway but we werent planning to go too further. And were gorgeous and the heads up report long, fun-filled days exploring the Cardinal Greenway on the opposite of. Trailhead Wildflowers flank the Gaston section of this trail West Virginia, which is also the only that... Just off US35, 3.7 miles N of intersection of US35 and IN1 ; marked! ) rail line was about transportation very many places to eat or use the map given that purchase. Matter where you stay, I would suggest dring your car to the trail West., we plan to ride another section of the trail begins cardinal greenway camping slight uphill climb takes to. Very East end of the trail, at Jonesboro very good shape with very rest.

Chevy Volt Cargo Space With Seats Down, Articles C