As you pass through Webster, the trail begins a slight uphill grade through woodlands; this is a good spot for birding. 2) A great comparison to the SW Ohio trail system. but enough that you can tell the difference on he return. That access is now blocked off to cars. Cardinal Greenways is Indiana's longest span of recreational trails. Funds raised from May 13 support KOA Care Camps which distributes more than $2.2 million dollars annually to support 132 oncology camps each year. These access points run south to north. The trail goes through several towns, including Muncie, Jonesboro, Selma, Economy, Marion, Gaston, Williamsburg, Losantsville, and Richmond. 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. Rode this gem from Gas City then Gaston all the way to Richmond. HorseTrailDirectory.com - Horse Trails and Campgrounds . Trail of the Month: July 2012. The weather was just right cool. Some visitors to Muncie arrive on two wheels. Looking for Craft Beer or Wineries? Youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials. In Richmond there is a big, old bridge that's fun to cross. We live close by the trail and typically use the White River Greenway to connect to the Cardinal. Also take time to pedal around Losantville, Economy, and Williamsburg. 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. On a sunny summer day, you WILL get cooked on this trail, so bring lots of water and plenty of sunscreen.Scenery? The trailhead is straight ahead at the end of this short street. From National Road/Route 40, go south on Southwest 2nd Street (this becomes Abington Pike). 2. Some suggestions I would like to make. This portion of the trail is just as the other couple parts I've experienced. b) Beware the cliffs in Richmond. The Cardinal Greenway trail is an excellent trail. It was a glorious ride! Plus, youll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. 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. They have a cafe here, but I dont use it enough to be able to review it. The trail is paved and smooth from one end to the other and is just over 100 miles. Other than that a great ride and well maintained. Im not sure if the Cardinal Greenway oversees it, but I consider it part of the Greenway. Reason 2 is there are no abrupt turns. "A 2.5 mile section of the Cardinal Greenway Trail opened in Richmond during October 2000. Rest stops along the way with water, porta potties and historical info every 5 miles! Cardinal Greenways Horse Trail. It is 10.5 more miles from the depot to Gaston; this section is quite open and there is little shade. The club van will be used to transfer bikes, gear and people to Richmond, IN. A vibrant neighborhood with a funky but chic area of shops, boutiques, cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment venues. Learn more about cookies in our, National Museum of the United States Air Force. I do agree with some others that a few more water stops along the way would be beneficial, l have been out there on 90+ degree days when l could have used it, although realizing electricity is not really an option at rest stops without considerable costs, it seems maybe a couple bbusinesses along the way, close by could sponsor water stops, that would be well marked from the trail, for example, two points between Losantville and Richmond. Then look to the Historic Richmond Depot District! One of the highlights for this trail is that there are numerous trail-heads that you can choose from, and there are several areas that have portable restroom facilities. My wife and I did a century ride from Gaston to Richmond and back. Sadly, once you cross Nebraska St. it becomes way too much starting and stopping crossing all the roads that must be crossed before you reach Ninth St. Once past Ninth St. however it becomes a fairly pleasant ride all the way to Miller Ave. the current trails end(or head). Found this trail on the trail link app. INDUSTRIES ROAD The main reason we do this trail is it is so remote that most people do not want to drive so far to get to it, but believe me, it is worth it if you want solitude and not a lot of traffic. We tried to be techy and used google maps only to find we traveled in a big circle. The flowers were ubiquitous and the temps perfect. The old Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) rail line was about transportation . a) Beware the berms. National Model Aviation Museum. The trail is easy to follow. You can see nice markers commemorating musicians who recorded there, including Louis Armstrong. Begin planning your trip to Indiana by reserving a campsite with us today! 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. The scene now totally changes. Check the local NWS radio station to find out where the wind will come from when you plan to ride and then design a trip that heads into it so you'll have a push on your return. 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. Theres plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. FREE bike rental is available during peak season. The trailheads, while not fancy, are very nice with good benches and clean, well-maintained, roomy porta-johns. Wow! Now I want to ride another section of this trail. In 2.4 miles, turn left onto Richmond Ave. The trail is in excellent condition. Overall it is a great ride and I recommend it to all. However within Muncie there were a couple of nice scenic view-points. SPENT the night at the very clean and quiet KOA IN one of their cabins. The trail is paved, easy riding with a slight upgrade going north for the first few miles. 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. They were well marked, however. Many, many farms with corn and soy bean fields. . | Attractions, Sports and Recreation, Trails and Parks, What to Do. 5.38 mi State: California Crushed . Drove a little over an hour from Ohio to get on at Losantville. Both the color and scenery were beautiful. It houses the Cardinal Greenway heqdquarters and a nice gift shop that was open when I visited. Ways to StayThere are many ways to stay at our campground near Richmond, Indiana. Take in the scenery and greenery while visiting some of the classic cool attractions Grant County is known for. The trail should be a real screamer with a good tailwind!There are quite a few trailheads with excellent parking and latrines along the trail. By comparison, I logged less than 1200 feet of elevation gain on the Greenbrier Trail in West Virginia, which is also longer. Located just 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a quick exit off I-69 in East Central Indiana. You will find a couple of gas stations with sandwich shops inside. Rode a quick 26 miler out n back from Richmond. There was also a music recording studio that made jazz and country records. Round trip was a little over 12 miles. 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. Although the decorative gates are interesting they are a hassle for cyclists to navigate. You might want to start in Richmond, as it will be joy ride coming back. There are not very many places to eat or use the restroom. Go north on US 27 about 1/4 mile, turn right (east) onto Highland Road, go 1 mile, turn right on Cart Rd and follow the signs.GPS: N39.870933, W84.862657. Whether youre exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. Reason 1 is because this is a very well kept pavement trail. This is one of the longest running RV parks in Phoenix, AZ with plenty of shady trees and grassy areas. 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. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Co. Rd. I found the trail easily and rode its entire 20 mile length over a 2 day period. I have ridden many bike trails, mostly in the east, and the Cardinal Greenway was one of the finest trails I have ever ridden.". Wrong Length - This trail is a lot bigger than the site currently shows. After the park, you will cross the first of nine bridges in rapid succession. Unique stone mile markers are situated along the trail. The lady attendant was helpful and very pleasant. It is well maintained, clean, the people are friendly, and really smooth to ride on. To access the northernmost trailhead just outside of Marion: From I-69, take Exit 264 for IN 18. This is the best maintained trail we have ever been on. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group theres plenty of ways to stay and explore. 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. I transferred over to this west end of the Cardinal Greenway from the east end of the Sweetser Switch Trail. and River Rd. 400 W. just south of W. Delphi Pike/US 18 (Marion) to E. 10th St. (Jonesboro); W. Co. Rd. Just pick a dry day or two to ride it. It was a very hot week, and I remember sections without much shade, though the fields were pretty. 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. 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. 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! Richmond KOA Holiday is a family-owned campground with family activities in Richmond, Indiana. A cyclist can make good time assuming the headwind is not too stern. 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. 1. I live in Richmond and have walked this trail with my dog regularly for about five years. The paved trail to the Greenway is on the south end of the parking lot. Trail very well maintained. The best way to access this trailhead is from Abington Pike. Your hosts: Dirk & Danielle Schubert, family and amazing staff! Its also great if you want to pedal fast and not have to worry about moving around skaters, etc. Don't expect to see refreshment stops. The more luxurious RV Sites have full hookups and a KOA Patio. 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. There should be a big green sign at the top of the stairs. Across the nationand the worldonly the limits of imagination will limit its use. Excellent trail, we rode from Gaston to Richmond. There was a horse farm that has a trail invitation to use their vending machine about 15 miles south of Losantville. I enjoy a quiet, peaceful trail for relaxing and meditating---you exercise body and spirit at once. Few amenities along the way. The only negative is the pig farm you have to pass. My wife and I spent some time exploring the Cardinal Greenway that goes through Marion IN. Experience camping in Richmond, Indiana, with your family and friends. Within just a couple of hours drive in any direction, you can explore places like The Ark Encounter and Creation . find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com . Trail map of the Cardinal Greenway from Co. Rd. It's like riding through an inhabited version of PA's desolate Great Allegheny Passage! I grew up in Muncie and ride this when I return home to visit my Mom. In late September, 2005 we rode twenty miles of the trail starting in Muncie, and then two weeks later on our way back from the east coast, we rode the section in Richmond. 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. Point deducted for safety concerns. I have no idea why there are two North D Streets a block apart!) 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. Nice scenery and the day we rode it was very quiet. We use cookies on koa.com to help improve your experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits, troubleshoot how the site operates, and learn more about how koa.com is performing. If you ride an LWB recumbent - you folks know who you are - you're going to hate these gates. Will return to do the northern portion next year. I'm from FL so I noticed the slight rises but most would consider the portion I rode flat. Richmond is about an hour's drive from where I live in Dayton. 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. This is an old trailhead and is closed off to traffic with barriers. -Rich Ballash, Latrobe, PA 9-16-2014. There are several dining options in downtown Muncie, which are an easy trip off of the trail. 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. Hwy. Cardinal Greenway. You cant go inside the building except for special events, but you can use the parking lot any time. last summer(about 71/2 miles one way). No matter where you stay, I would suggest dring your car to the trail head to avoid the heavy traffic in the area. Stopped at the train station and had a nice chat with the folks who run the place. 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. MUNCIE, Ind. He saw my rig and said No" and then directed me 2 1/2 blocks to the north to find the D street trail head. toilets, benches, but no drinking water. Hard-paved asphalt, remote from traffic most of the way. Read more. The greenways are well-maintained praved trails suitable for biking, walking, roller blading and skiing during snowy times. I rode the trail from the Super 8 motel in Gas City which accommodated parking my vehicle there for the overnight. The Pastor and his wife were very hospitable and let us stay in their recreation hall over night. Head east on IN 26, and travel 1.5 miles. 54-mile round trip; cloudless sky; 65- 80 degrees; mostly calm to light W breeze. You definitely know youre in a town, but youre below it all in a partly wooded area. Cardinal Greenway, Muncie: See 101 reviews, articles, and 22 photos of Cardinal Greenway, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 23 attractions in Muncie. Take the time to read the background and a short ride on the surface road gives you a better look at the barn. Great Job. A slight uphill climb takes you to a bridge that overlooks the Mississinewa River. Theres a bike shop very close to the trail here as well. Your site was successfully added to your shopping cart. if youre trying to navigate through town just make sure youre where you need to be. SPRINGWOOD PARK Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Found this by accident while on a bike tour across the states. So don't assume that because it's in Indiana, you won't have some decent climbs! The access points have a consistent appearance, with wood encased and serviced porta-potties, attractive signage, historical markers, high-quality rest benches are set in concrete. The only downside is that water is only available at approximately a quarter of the rest areas. This is one of the best designed trails in the country. Enjoy our FREE upgraded Wi-Fi! When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. 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. Cardinal Greenway Hotels near Minnetrista Hotels near Muncie Children's Museum Hotels near Prairie Creek Reservoir and Campground Hotels near National Model Aviation Museum Hotels near David . Enjoy the people, distinctive buildings, sights, and sounds of small town life in Indiana. 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 . The Medford trailhead features a circular gravel lot with hitching rails and room for horse trailers. Horseback riding and camping at , which is located near Muncie, Indiana . Apart from the trailheads, there are lots of benches at random spots along the way. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account. Lots of friendly people along the ride. Return to your campsite and relax after long, fun-filled days exploring the area or participating in our campground events. View website. 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. It crosses the river at several points along the way. The vegetation seems to be growing back and crowding the edge of the trail, but again the freshness of the trail doesn't let this dwell on your mind during the ride. I did exactly that, assembled my bike and trailer, and then realized that the bike signage referred to the White River Gorge pathway, and I would have to go down a long length of steep steps. (An unofficial trail tip: If youre on foot, you can keep walking north of the parking lot through a grass field. This is a great trail for indiana. Our RV park has 50+ large sites with full hookups, swimming pool and laundry facilities. My wife and I rode this section of the Cardinal Greenway in early June 2013. It has been fully restored and is quite a nice sight to behold. Just be alert, don't be stupid. If you are a mountain biker, you've seen greater dangers, and this is trivial. Amenities are good, but just short of great. There really aren't many places to fill up. My friend Mark and I did this trail late May of 2014. We ride an old Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike. 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. Norfolk Southern is using this stub to serve the huge GM plant to your north. 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