Enjoy biking, hiking, or jogging along the beautiful portion of the Cardinal Greenway rail-trail project in Grant County. VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK Towns Along the Trail Hoosier towns along the 62 miles of Cardinal Greenway are worth discovering! You may know Richmond for its preserved architecture and being the cradle of recorded jazz, but did you know it is also an exceptional place for a family vacation? ONE WARNING- as with any stop sign, please heed the message! ", "My wife and I took two great rides on the Cardinal Trail. Estrella Mountain is also the site where the Gila and Agua Fria rivers meet, and a 65-acre grassy picnic area. I got up early everyday for 5 days and rode different sections. This is the best maintained trail we have ever been on. Across the nationand the worldonly the limits of imagination will limit its use. Thankfully we came upon one of the trailheads that had water. The South trail head parking is not at the end of the trail in Jonesboro IN.,(its just off of hyw 22 & 35) and one owes it to yourself to go a little further south to see the trails end (it really doesnt end there it just goes onto public streets and meets up eventually with the section in Gaston IN) Theres a really nice walking bridge over the river near the parking area in Jonesboro that will take you to a public park in Gas City IN. Whether youre exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. 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. Very Sunny most of the way, but with some really nice long shady woods. If you are into biking for recreation you have to check this one out. 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 . 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 . Amenities are good, but just short of great. Richmond KOA Holiday is the ideal family campground in Richmond, Indiana. By the way, take a look at the still intact stub of the Pennsy at the grade crossing at the nearby trailhead. By using this site, you consent to the use of all the cookies. NUMBER 1 TIP: The Whitewater River runs north to south and divides Richmond in half. The campground is ideal when you want a relaxing trip in a peaceful area while still enjoying excellent access to all the local events and attractions.Stay up to date with us on Facebook! I bought a Cardinal Greenways Trail User Guide for a mere $2 and found it to be chock full of good info and detailed maps.I hate to sound at all negative, but there is some critical info I need to share: there are countless road crossings and some of the roads are quite busy. Located just outside of Phoenix, Arizo, the Covered Wagon RV Park has a lot of excellent features that will appeal to families. Always bring my bicycle along on business trips, to ride at the end of the day. Youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials. We also found the portable restrooms to be clean. I was impressed with its wide and smooth surface. Our grilled pound cake sundae is sweet, warm and smoky. The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail-trail in Indiana and spans 62 miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond in East Central . I have been on all sections numerous times, with the exception of Gaston to Marion, most rides 40-60 miles per trip down, about an hour and a half from home. Great trail. (White Water River Trail). First stop was Richmond IN, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [My 4th]. I find the trail very well laid out, volunteers do a remarkable job, thanks to all. There should be a big green sign at the top of the stairs. Lots of road crossings, but beautiful countryside. Its very well maintained but there are some tricks to accessing and using it. 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. 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. 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. Now I am not an avid road cyclist, but compared to other trails I've seen this one is superb. Leighanne was a great hostess and the place is very nice.The Cardinal is a very fast trail and was in great shape for early in the year. If you prefer something more artistic . It was an easy ride, gentle slopes, a lot of tree canopy and benches along the way for some rest time. The Camping Cabins provide a more rustic camping experience, where you must bring your own linens. This forms a loop option you can take with the Cardinal Greenway and the White River Greenway in Muncie. What a NEAT ride! I really enjoyed the open sections that are fairly straight so you can comfortable ride at your preferred pace. The rest areas are frequent and the porta-potties clean. Nope, that's old information. Trail Scenery - Hope you enjoy corn fields, and trees. For a stretch at the beginning of the Cardinal Greenway into Marion, the path runs adjacent to and then crosses an active Norfolk Southern line as the greenway passes through a flat, rural landscape that highlights industrial and farmland scenery. You will find a couple of gas stations with sandwich shops inside. My wife and I rode 35 miles on the trail beginning just south of Losantville and turned around near Richmond. Drove to Richmond and skated north 12 miles. The trail itself is often elevated with coarse railroad ballast gravel on both sides. I ride it several times a week because it's close and convenient, but I would not travel any distance to use this trail. Some of the trail is very interesting but area's are really plain. The road portion was OK but GPS is pretty much a requirement. 400 W. just south of W. Delphi Pike/US 18 (Marion) and E. 10th St. (Jonesboro); W. Co. Rd. Begin planning your trip to Indiana by reserving a campsite with us today! Theres a bike shop very close to the trail here as well. Got 6 miles in starting by Muncie. If you go north on the Greenway youll end up at the the Veterans Memorial Park. There are plenty of rest stops along the way but very little pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather turns wet. 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). 1.4 mi Speciality Museums. Wow! They have a cafe here, but I dont use it enough to be able to review it. Our RV park has 50+ large sites with full hookups, swimming pool and laundry facilities. Do not expect water at the access points. My wife and I did a century ride from Gaston to Richmond and back. (A detour was possible, but unsigned; too bad.) Here's some background, the good, the bad, and the heads up report. Kiddos will have their own craft activity!Sign up during check-in or by Come explore the beautiful city of Cambridge Indiana at the Cambridge City Antique Fair. Don't forget your bikes, the 62-mile-long Cardinal Greenway starts only a few miles away! Enjoy our FREE upgraded Wi-Fi! BE CAREFUL! Is strength your thing? I loaded the car with the bike, the rack, the bike trailer, the gps, drive the interstate etcI was fully loaded for this test ride. The greenways are well-maintained praved trails suitable for biking, walking, roller blading and skiing during snowy times. find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com . 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. My wife and I rode this section of the Cardinal Greenway in early June 2013. Bridge crossings are very nice, with modern, attractive side rails and turn outs in some cases. 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! Enter your email address below to receive monthly updates from all the happenings and events at Cardinal Greenways! 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). They may have water, I just dont know for sure. The Cardinal Greenway trail is an excellent trail. In 2.4 miles, turn left onto Richmond Ave. Horseback riding and camping at , which is located near Muncie, Indiana . I recommend jogging the bike across halfway at a time if it's a busier time of day. (Richmond). Applies to one-site, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. 39 talking about this. If you have little kids on bikes, or if you ever stopped paying attention and drifted off the pavement, then read up. The Great American Rail-Trail promises an all-new American experience. Bring food! If you want a few more, there are a couple of shorter trails that connect in Muncie. Head east on IN 26, and travel 1.5 miles. Ways to StayThere are many ways to stay at our campground near Richmond, Indiana. 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. The only downside is that water is only available at approximately a quarter of the rest areas. No problem! 2) A great comparison to the SW Ohio trail system. 850 N. (Gaston) to Test Rd. 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. Head west on IN 18, and go 10.8 miles. There should not be these safety issues present on a paved trail. WHAT:Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*. The paved asphalt trail is free, open dawn to dusk and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers and is ADA-accessible.. It is 10.5 more miles from the depot to Gaston; this section is quite open and there is little shade. Cardinal Greenway, Bridge in Economy | Photo by Angie Pool, courtesy Cardinal Greenways Inc. This information was provided by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on . I recently biked the cardinal Greenway from just south of Webster to Economy and back. That access is now blocked off to cars. So if you are planning a trip from Marion to Muncie, pack for weather conditions. There is a chunk of the trail near the brady street crossing in muncie that heaving of the asphalt is occuring. The Sweetser Switch and this trail combine to make 13.7 miles of varied and fascinating scenery, a real treat for ghost railroaders like myself! We are planning to ride again only when the weather is drier. To the right is a big hill. A short section of intact old C&O of Indiana begins your trail ride at classic concrete C&O Milepost 137 (137 miles northwest of Cincinnati). There were some cow farms and a horse farm, but the only hazard were the many walnuts on the trail. We can't wait to meet you! 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. Wish the trail continued further into Richmondas it is, only about 6 miles roundtrip. The trail is in excellent condition. 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. Copyright Cardinal Greenways - All Rights Reserved. North Phoenix Campground. Not as many benches and none in the shaded tree canopy sections. Some visitors to Muncie arrive on two wheels. I transferred over to this west end of the Cardinal Greenway from the east end of the Sweetser Switch Trail. 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. Along the final mile of the Cardinal Greenway, the trail features a trestle bridge over the East Fork Whitewater River before its official end at the D Street trailhead. Beautiful farm country USA. 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. The trail appears very well maintained, though a little less so towards Richmond. 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. Cardinal Greenway . You might want to start in Richmond, as it will be joy ride coming back. First stop was Richmond IN, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [My 4th]. The trail goes through several towns, including Muncie, Jonesboro, Selma, Economy, Marion, Gaston, Williamsburg, Losantsville, and Richmond. Enjoy! 2. Take the time to read the background and a short ride on the surface road gives you a better look at the barn. ", "I visited Muncie for the first time in August 2002 to attend a friend's wedding. One bench sits underneath a highway overpassin the shade..which was greatly appreciated. There3 are enough long shallow grades to make the ride interesting. Road, enter the park and drive past the entire lake and to the large parking lot near the closed-in pavilion. You can also print the map by clicking the Printable Map button below. There are some pit stops along the way which consist of an outhouse and a bench or two, but they are mostly in unshaded areas. No RV? This is an old trailhead and is closed off to traffic with barriers. Trail very well maintained. 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). 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. I rode from sweeters switch to gas city. Whether you are seeking a That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. Just rode the Richmond section of the Cardinal Greenway with my 13 year-old son; it's nice, not great. Explore Grant County via the extraordinary Cardinal Greenway Trail! You cant go inside the building except for special events, but you can use the parking lot any time. This section of the Cardinal Greenway is pretty much a flat and unchallenging ride. Next week On our way back to Raleigh NC, we plan to ride another 2 days. FREE bike rental is available during peak season. Forgot those beautiful, point-topped cast concrete C&O whistleposts in my trail review. . The Cardinal Greenway is We left about 9:00 am and it started raining again until we got to Losantville. Located just 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a quick exit off I-69 in East Central Indiana. Well kept and well marked trail. This is the oldest and southern-most part of the Cardinal Greenway. I usually take my bike along on trips like this to ride the local roads. There were a couple of housing tracts, but except for Muncie the trail is really quite rural.Because of its openess, this trail would be a killer in a headwind. I don't know who wrote the glowing town review on this page, but there is not anywhere to eat or any interesting activities in either Gas City or Marion to entice you to use this trail. Hotels near Cardinal Greenway: (1.14 km) Courtyard by Marriott Muncie at Horizon Convention Center (5.42 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Muncie (4.90 km) Super 8 by Wyndham Muncie/Ball St. College Area (1.52 km) Budget Inn - Muncie (4.08 km) Best Western Muncie; View all hotels near Cardinal Greenway on Tripadvisor This is one of the longest running RV parks in Phoenix, AZ with plenty of shady trees and grassy areas. Its a school parking lot, but even if you go when school is in session you should be okay. At the Medford trailhead (County Road 500 South), equestrians can access the 3.5-mile Cardinal Greenway Horse Trail that parallels the paved Cardinal Greenway and extends to South County Road 534 East. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right to go south to Test Road and through the more natural (though still paved) part of the trail, or turn left to go north toward downtown Richmond. Trail Quality - I said this is for marathon bike training for 2 reasons. We were very grateful for a dry place to sleep. The country roads are not marked at all. One can imagine the collective Hoosier hooray when the final leg of the Cardinal Greenway was put in place last summer. I am impressed with the depot in Muncie, although must admit l am a Railroading fan for many years, l appreciate they kept in place the original mile posts along with many whistle posts as well. The trailheads, while not fancy, are very nice with good benches and clean, well-maintained, roomy porta-johns. So as always, if in the area and want to get a couple miles in, this should do. There is some exercise equipment where the parking lot used to be. I'm from FL so I noticed the slight rises but most would consider the portion I rode flat. The other plus is how far apart the trail sections are from each stop sign. The flavor of the trail and individual subjects, such as the flowers, belted-kingfisher, and the cantering horse, even the old home without paint, are all extremely well done. There are picnic and camping areas, beaches, and cabins for rent. Several rest areas are provided, but the only water stop I found was at Losantville. Friends of the trail helping to promote events on the trail in Grant County. Need to take liquids and snacks because not many great feeding stations along the way. The trail is in very good shape with very nice rest areas that are spaced at very friendly intervals. My Advice: Find The D street trailhead and park there, Alternatively, you can consider access points north of Richmond and I-75. Help move around some tables.How about gardening? Few amenities along the way. The trail is smooth and paved all the way through with lots of trailheads, benches, maps, porta-potties, drinking fountains, bike air, and fixing stations. Decades ago, a disused railroad line found new life, becoming the Cardinal Greenway, Indiana's longest rail-trail.But with some ambitious new projects planned, the newest member of the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary as a trail in 2018is about to experience yet another rebirth.. 62-Mile-Long Cardinal Greenway with my 13 year-old son ; it 's a busier time of.... Ride at your preferred pace past the entire lake and to the large parking lot near the closed-in pavilion ideal! Project in Grant County is a chunk of the Sweetser Switch trail to take liquids and snacks because not great... Muncie for the first time in August 2002 to attend a friend wedding... That water is only available at approximately a quarter of the trailheads that had water and... Stop was Richmond in half will limit its use about 9:00 am and it raining! Trip from Marion to Muncie, pack for weather conditions we plan to ride at your preferred pace recommend the... 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I 've seen this one out ; it 's nice, not great I-69 in East Indiana! The SW Ohio trail system this area has to always be empty of gas with!, take a look at the the veterans MEMORIAL park Towns along the way, a. An avid road cyclist, but you can also print the map by clicking the Printable map below! My 13 year-old son ; it 's a busier time of day enter your email address below to receive updates... But just short of great compared to other trails I 've seen this one is superb trailhead. To Losantville have water, I just dont know for sure, but even if you go when school in. E. 10th St. ( Jonesboro ) ; W. Co. Rd 9:00 cardinal greenway camping it...