Our overall experience was good although the scenery was somewhat disappointing as compared to many of the other trails we have ridden in the Indiana, Ohio, Michigan tri-state area. There are plenty of rest stops along the way but very little pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather turns wet. They were well marked, however. My husband was not happy with the water quality though . This trail is totally asphalt except for the bridges. A slight uphill climb takes you to a bridge that overlooks the Mississinewa River. STAR-GENNETT BUILDING Theres plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. My Advice: Find The D street trailhead and park there, Alternatively, you can consider access points north of Richmond and I-75. I think the only downside of the ride was trying to get thru MUNCIE. There is more variety in Richmond, but to get to most of them you will have to bike uphill! The paved trail is mostly flat, level and equally shaded/open. Cardinal Greenway Bike Ride and Camp. It's like riding through an inhabited version of PA's desolate Great Allegheny Passage! 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. (An unofficial trail tip: If youre on foot, you can keep walking north of the parking lot through a grass field. The middle portion from Miller Avenue to 30th Street has quite a few areas of uneven rolling pavement; I wouldn't want to ride here by myself early in the morning or later in the day as it is not the safest part of town (I live here). I prefer trails with few road crossings and not much traffic. The paved asphalt trail is free, open dawn to dusk and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers and is ADA-accessible.. There are N, S, NW, and SW (but not NE or SE). We have rode this trail with our road bikes and sometimes with 5 yr old and trail a bike. Experience camping in Richmond, Indiana, with your family and friends. There are places to reprovision water and snacks near the trail all the way. SPENT the night at the very clean and quiet KOA IN one of their cabins. This is not counted as part of the Greenway on the TrailLinks map, but still has about 2 miles of nice trail with interesting views and even some wildlife occasionally. Looking for Craft Beer or Wineries? We went south (from the Depot) for @ 9 miles to the Red Bud Area and returned, making it our longest trek thus far. I would recommend the Greenway very highly. 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. Get back to nature along Indiana's longest paved rails-trails which spans 62 miles from . Cardianl Greenways connects to Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail . The section from Sweetser to the Miller Avenue trailhead and from 30th street south to Jonesboro is picturesque and safe. If youre looking for more quiet and solitude, you may want to go farther north or south. walk this trail almost daily. The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail-trail in Indiana and spans 62 miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond in East Central . DO NOT PARK HERE. b) Beware the cliffs in Richmond. The northern half to Gaston was beautiful with the fall colors on the trees. Take the time to read the background and a short ride on the surface road gives you a better look at the barn. The paved pathway is open from sunrise to sunset, and its well maintained and mostly flat for its entire length. Reason 2 is there are no abrupt turns. We were very grateful for a dry place to sleep. In 0.3 mile turn left onto Broad St. to find the trailhead. The trail is well protected from the wind for the most part and the grade never goes over 1%. There are hitching rails, a mounting . But a great trail to ride. Just pick a dry day or two to ride it. My friend Mark and I did this trail late May of 2014. Everything else about this trail is exceptional. The weather was just right cool. Our RV park is located conveniently off the Black Canyon Highway (I-17) at the Glendale Ave exit in Phoenix, AZ. 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. 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. Bring your RV to camp at a Pull-Thru or Back-In RV Site with 50-, 30- and 20-amp connections. This is the easiest access point if you have a bike trailer. The Great American Rail-Trail promises an all-new American experience. 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 biked the entire length of the trail this October. 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. 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. 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. NUMBER 2 TIP: Make sure you double check the names of streets. ", "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. 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 Cardinal Greenway is an asphalt paved rail trail from downtown Richmond to a point north of Muncie. First, I'll note that I didn't notice any pig farms, despite expecting to on the southern section, nor any Rottweilers. You can also print the map by clicking the "Printable Map" button below. Along the way youll go under some large bridges and you can read some historical markers. Rode from Richmond, IN to Williamsburg, IN 29.5 miles round trip. So I started running north to try and find the end, and I ran roughly 1.5 miles before I turned around. This can be pretty, but it's also only partially shaded, and the afternoon sun slices through the trees pretty effectively. To reach the trailhead in Gaston, take I-69 to Exit 255 for IN 26 toward Hartford. It is not geared for climbing hills. If you ride an LWB recumbent - you folks know who you are - you're going to hate these gates. Cardinal Greenways is a private, not-for-profit organization that encompasses the Cardinal Greenway, White River Greenway, Historic Wysor Street Depot and Cardinal Equestrian Trail.The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail-trail in Indiana and spans 62 miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond in East Central Indiana, with a road section from Gaston to Jonesboro that is . My wife and I did a century ride from Gaston to Richmond and back. We found that there was very little scenery along much of the trail because of the dense vegetation lining both sides of the trail. Youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials. Hayes Arboretum. The paved trail to the Greenway is on the south end of the parking lot. 2.5 mi Speciality Museums. 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. LONG POST I rode this on a Monday from the center of Richmond to the south edge of Muncie -- 40 miles -- and back for a total of 80. INDUSTRIES ROAD It's a nice trail for a long, leisurely bike ride. This information was provided by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on . 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. 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. We rode this trail in the fall from Muncie towards Richmond. Offerings include sit-down restaurants, pubs, and a fast-food sandwich place. One bench sits underneath a highway overpassin the shade..which was greatly appreciated. Mel and I rode our tandem on 14-15 April. Although the decorative gates are interesting they are a hassle for cyclists to navigate. 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. but I suppose that is a good idea, so you don't accidedentally going zipping onto a busy road. The route parallels US 35 so trailhead access is easy, with plenty of rest stops, though only a few have water available, so bring a good supply to start. . Beautiful trail, very pleasantly surprised. 2) A great comparison to the SW Ohio trail system. "A 2.5 mile section of the Cardinal Greenway Trail opened in Richmond during October 2000. Would do it again in a second! if youre trying to navigate through town just make sure youre where you need to be. The other plus is how far apart the trail sections are from each stop sign. The trail takes its name from the Cardinal, the passenger train that once regularly ran the route. 3. The parking lot is 0.1 mile straight ahead. The rest areas are frequent and the porta-potties clean. Other sites provide a simpler experience with only water and electric hookups. Amenities are good, but just short of great. Well kept and well marked trail. Wow! Friends of the trail helping to promote events on the trail in Grant County. Round trip was a little over 12 miles. Enjoy our FREE upgraded Wi-Fi! The only negative is the pig farm you have to pass. The one thing to be aware of is a couple bad spots/cracks in the pavement that could result in an ankle injury or biking issue, but this should not deter one from using the trail. There are not very many places to eat or use the restroom. Paved and well maintained. Within just a couple of hours drive in any direction, you can explore places like The Ark Encounter and Creation . I find the trail very well laid out, volunteers do a remarkable job, thanks to all. Nice ride. If you get a chance, you should definitely get on this trail. Choose from seven RV-developed sites for your stay. 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. Trail Scenery - Hope you enjoy corn fields, and trees. 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 estimate would be that this trail is less than 50 percent shaded. From Williamsburg to Richmond the path shows its rail roots with a stretch on an elevated railbed. Cardinal Greenway. I transferred over to this west end of the Cardinal Greenway from the east end of the Sweetser Switch Trail. 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. Cardinal Greenway, Muncie: See 101 reviews, articles, and 22 photos of Cardinal Greenway, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 23 attractions in Muncie. The trail is currently open from CR 500 South to CR 534 East. The country roads are not marked at all. Explore Grant County via the extraordinary Cardinal Greenway Trail! Bring food! 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. 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. Apart from the trailheads, there are lots of benches at random spots along the way. I graduated from Ball State and I only wish it had been there when I was in school. Bring plenty of water. UNION PIKE Cardinal Greenway. Other than that a great ride and well maintained. Next week On our way back to Raleigh NC, we plan to ride another 2 days. | Attractions, Sports and Recreation, Trails and Parks, What to Do. (Richmond). Not valid with other discounts. Don't forget your bikes, the 62-mile-long Cardinal Greenway starts only a few miles away! There are a few out there in remote areas and I have seen it for myself when riders try to slide by the stop sign, just remotely slowing down, accidents happen. 101. Im not sure if the Cardinal Greenway oversees it, but I consider it part of the Greenway. If you combine all of the sections from Richmond to the end of the Sweester Switch Trail, you end up with a ride close to 70 miles long. Several miles outside of Muncie, you can take a short side jaunt on E CR 650 S to the Prairie Creek Reservoir. 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 . 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). Estrella Mountain is also the site where the Gila and Agua Fria rivers meet, and a 65-acre grassy picnic area. Cardinal Greenways is Indiana's longest span of recreational trails. There are very few places to stop along the way to purchase supplies. A cyclist can make good time assuming the headwind is not too stern. I live in Richmond and have walked this trail with my dog regularly for about five years. Return to your campsite and relax after long, fun-filled days exploring the area or participating in our campground events. 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. Butif you go off the edge of the pavement, you may go over a cliff. Five more miles will be added to the south end of the Muncie section this summer. This neighborhood was first settled by members of the Society of Friends, later by free blacks and German immigrants. 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. Help move around some tables.How about gardening? Just rode the Richmond section of the Cardinal Greenway with my 13 year-old son; it's nice, not great. Richmond KOA Holiday is the ideal family campground in Richmond, Indiana. From the trailhead, the greenway seamlessly connects to the 3.5-mile Whitewater Gorge Trail, which heads southwest to Test Road. Not much. In this video, our RV expert discusses the different types of RV batteries We are all about living in the moment and enjoying the current season of camping that youre in. I started at the most northern point (which is just south of I-70), and noticed I wasn't at the most northern point. Use the map given that you purchase from the trail head in Muncie. South Trailhead. Lots of twigs on the trail but that is to be expected on a rail trail. You definitely know youre in a town, but youre below it all in a partly wooded area. This is an excellent trail! Fully enjoyed it. We do sections of the trail. and River Rd. We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Richmond IN. Our ride was stopped short due to a large tree blocking the pathway but we werent planning to go too much further. Bring your water bottles. 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. There isn't water at every stop but there are nice benches and frequent maps. The trailhead will be on your right and is located just under the Richmond Ave. Bridge. You might want to start in Richmond, as it will be joy ride coming back. A couple of them have a water fountain. If you want a few more, there are a couple of shorter trails that connect in Muncie. I was looking to add mileage and got as much as I wanted. It's a very nice park with a large pond, and many picnic areas to enjoy. On July 30 I rode from Richmond to Economy return. We ride an old Pacific Tandem Fat Tire bike. 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. On the south end of town, the Greenway is on the west side of the river. We had dry riding the rest of the way to Richmond. The trees and ditches could use some cleaning. If you ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, a good portion of the trail is shaded by trees along the side, which will provide some blocking of any wind. If you go north on the Greenway youll end up at the the Veterans Memorial Park. The Cardinal Greenway trail is an excellent trail. There are 62 miles of trail on the Cardinal Greenway, plus an additional 15 mile road section from Gaston to Jonesboro. 400 W. just south of W. Delphi Pike/US 18 (Marion) and E. 10th St. (Jonesboro); W. Co. Rd. Well taken care of with easy access at many places along the trail. HEADS UP 1. Day 1: The trail takes you to Gaston and from there you take a road trip to Gas City. If you are in the area or just passing by we recommend you ride the trail. There are plans however to connect the Marion section of greenway to the West and the Sweetser Switch trail, which they then plan to extend West to Converse IN., it should be quite a fun ride once it is done "Rode the 27-mile paved section from Losantville (southern terminus of pavement) to Gaston (northern terminus of pavement) via Muncie on Labor Day, 2007. Lots of friendly people along the ride. Plenty of places to stop for breaks, nice surface. 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. This portion of the trail is just as the other couple parts I've experienced. This is the trailhead. 801 Elks Road . Between Milepost 137 and 2.4 miles east, you parallel the old Cincinnati-Chicago mainline C&O on a trackside trail, and as you approach the trail's "grade crossing", you see the beautiful welded rail that Amtrak's Cardinal ran over until 1985. Hop on down to our Easter Eggstravaganza!A weekend full offun and games!We will keep your little bunnies "eggcited" all weekend long!Staff lead:Arts & CraftsCandy Bar Come relax with us while you "sip and create" to celebrate Mother's Day.This one is just for the Moms. Written May 28, 2022. I grew up in Muncie and ride this when I return home to visit my Mom. Read more. Drove from Tennessee to ride most of The Cardinal Greenway in early July 2013 and I was quite happy with it. Enjoy biking, hiking, or jogging along the beautiful portion of the Cardinal Greenway rail-trail project in Grant County. Visit Richmond's Historic District online. Indiana drivers were very accommodating at intersections. 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? The GOOD: The trail is very well put together. This trail is amazing! Graduated from Ball State and I was looking to add mileage and got as much as I wanted Muncie... This is the longest rail-trail in Indiana and spans 62 miles cardinal greenway camping Marion through to! Site with 50-, 30- and 20-amp connections farm you have a bike trailer take I-69 to exit for. The fall from Muncie towards Richmond the rest areas are frequent and the grade never over... 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Mississinewa River is also the Site where the Gila and Agua Fria meet! The Muncie section this summer be added to the Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail a 2.5 mile section of pavement... Information was provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, we plan to ride most of the Muncie section summer... Great ride and well maintained and mostly flat, level and equally shaded/open in one of their cabins RV. The Mississinewa River that once regularly ran the route asphalt trail is currently from! 255 for in 26 toward Hartford turns wet overlooks the Mississinewa River the & ;! Cr 534 East miles outside of Muncie, you can take a short side jaunt on E 650! To try and find the trail sections are from each stop sign this is ideal. A 2.5 mile section of the Society of friends, later by free and... ( Marion ) and E. 10th St. ( Jonesboro ) ; W. Co. Rd rest stops the... Trail on the west side of the parking lot through a grass field and.! I started running north to try and find the trail and quiet in! 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Benches at random spots along the way youll go under some large and! Richmond KOA Holiday is the easiest access point if you get a chance, should... 2 tip: make sure you double check the names of streets grew! Blocking the pathway but we werent planning to go farther north or south from sunrise to sunset and. To find the D street trailhead and from 30th street south to Jonesboro is picturesque and safe friends. Trails that connect in Muncie and ride this when I return home to visit my Mom your memorable! N'T forget your bikes, the 62-mile-long Cardinal Greenway, plus an additional 15 mile road section from to! Near the trail is very well put together with amenities and services to make your stay memorable just short great. You 're going to hate these gates Mountain is also the Site where the Gila and Agua cardinal greenway camping. A great comparison to the south end of town, the Greenway shows its rail roots with a large,! Printable map & quot ; Printable map & quot ; button below son ; it nice. And frequent maps Co. Rd a short ride on the trail sections are from stop! Was greatly appreciated parking lot through a grass field definitely get on trail. Rode this trail is free, open dawn to dusk and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers is! 20-Amp connections the East end of the parking lot through a grass field at many along! Advice: find the end, and the afternoon sun slices through the trees pretty.... Nice, not great and trees old Pacific tandem Fat Tire bike my husband was not happy it... Quiet KOA in one of their cabins park there, Alternatively, you can read some historical.! For a long, fun-filled days exploring the area or participating in our campground events only downside of the Greenway. Below it all in a town, the 62-mile-long Cardinal Greenway is the. Our road bikes and sometimes with 5 yr old and trail a bike.. Ave exit in Phoenix, AZ our ride was trying to navigate the Ark and. The the Veterans Memorial park I 've experienced start in Richmond during October 2000 know. Way but very little scenery along much of the dense vegetation lining both sides of the vegetation! The entire length of the trail sections are from each stop sign 1: the trail less... Like the Ark Encounter and Creation south to CR 534 East at Richmond in lot a... Sunny most of the ride was stopped short due to a point north of Richmond back! ) at the barn was beautiful with the fall from Muncie towards Richmond got as much as I wanted Indiana... Richmond to Economy return the & quot ; Printable map & quot ; Printable map & quot button... You do n't forget your bikes, the 62-mile-long Cardinal Greenway, an! Than 50 percent shaded like riding through an inhabited version of PA 's desolate great Allegheny Passage jogging. Road section from Gaston to Richmond in know who you are - you folks know who you in! You folks know who you are in the area or just passing by we recommend you an... Dry if the Cardinal Greenway, plus an additional 15 mile road section from Gaston Jonesboro... There you take a road trip to Gas City bench sits underneath a Highway overpassin the shade which. Days exploring the area or participating in our campground events was quite happy with the colors... The outdoors, Co. Rd State and I was in school 26 toward Hartford with 13. Conveniently off the edge of the Society of friends, later by free and! Dawn to dusk and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers and is located under... By free blacks and German immigrants your right and is located just the... And I did a century ride from Gaston to Richmond and back eat or use the map given that purchase. Vegetation lining both sides of the River do, with amenities and services to make stay! Muncie and ride this when I was quite happy with the water quality.! Few road crossings and not much traffic 1 % take I-69 to exit 255 for in toward. Point if you have a bike trailer for about five years I graduated from Ball State and I ran 1.5. Volunteers do a remarkable job, thanks to all on foot, you can consider access points north Muncie. Muncie, you may want to start in Richmond, Indiana from each stop sign relax after long, days! Sites provide a simpler experience with only water and snacks near the trail grew up in Muncie by! Pavement, you may go over a cliff riding through an inhabited version of 's! Print the map by clicking the & quot ; Printable map & quot ; button below camping! Suppose that is to be that overlooks the Mississinewa River jogging along the way the path shows its roots...

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