UNION PIKE Apart from the trailheads, there are lots of benches at random spots along the way. Written May 28, 2022. 3. This is an excellent trail! Fees: $32 per night. Stay in one of our furnished Deluxe or Camping Cabins. We left about 9:00 am and it started raining again until we got to Losantville. However, beware the Oak Mites! We usually ride on roads so being able to ride without worrying about passing cars was great. Find the river on the map and you can find the Greenway right alongside. Theyre supposed to connect this to the rest of the Cardinal Greenway to the north with a staircase, but thats not finished yet. There are a fair number of whistle posts still in place, as well as some mile markers, a few concrete bases from signals and lots of ties along the route. 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. This is a nice railtrail mostly through farm lands in the country land of Indiana! 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. If you prefer something more artistic . I was impressed with its wide and smooth surface. The many log fences lining the trail are quite nice, as are the many large rocks that are imprinted with the mileage and the greenway logo. Unique stone mile markers are situated along the trail. Loved it! You definitely know youre in a town, but youre below it all in a partly wooded area. | Attractions, Sports and Recreation, Trails and Parks, What to Do. ", "I visited Muncie for the first time in August 2002 to attend a friend's wedding. You can park there and take the trail south. Is strength your thing? We have traveled the trail at different times from Gaston to Richmond, and always find something new to look at along the way. My Son and I rode the Cardinalal Greenway July 8th & 9th Of 2015. We can't wait to meet you! This is the best maintained trail we have ever been on. 2) Stay alert! Lots of friendly people along the ride. Our grilled pound cake sundae is sweet, warm and smoky. Looking for Craft Beer or Wineries? Sites may be limited. You should visit cardinalgreenways.org for more information. Hayes Arboretum. There are plenty of rest stops along the way but very little pavilions to help keep you dry if the weather turns wet. I am from Northwest Ohio. I packed 4 bottles, drank up 3 of them on a very warm day. Found this by accident while on a bike tour across the states. It was in the summer, had lots of wildflowers and butterflies, and I saw many deer in the mornings. Got 6 miles in starting by Muncie. In Richmond there is a big, old bridge that's fun to cross. 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. 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 We planned to go all the way north and back on ther first day and all the way south and back on day 2. The Medford trailhead features a circular gravel lot with hitching rails and room for horse trailers. It was an easy ride, gentle slopes, a lot of tree canopy and benches along the way for some rest time. Great trail to ride , the hog farm near Williamsburg smells terrible and at least 3 times big Rottweiler dogs have chased us and nearly wrecked us at the hog farm entrance. Also take time to pedal around Losantville, Economy, and Williamsburg. Copyright Cardinal Greenways - All Rights Reserved. Bring your water bottles. My husband was not happy with the water quality though . Richmond KOA Holiday is the ideal family campground in Richmond, Indiana. We were extremely pleased with the mild terrain grade on both days! Drove from Tennessee to ride most of The Cardinal Greenway in early July 2013 and I was quite happy with it. This is a super trail that allows you to experience rural Indiana at its finest. 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. The answer is yes! 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. Gorgeous gorgeous trail! As the greenway approaches the outskirts of Richmond, you will pass under I-70 and through local parks and woodlands. Cardinal Greenway roadway itself is kept up very well, but the scenery is not much to see a lot of the way. Down the hill you go into the beautifully forested line through Marion. Point deducted for safety concerns. To access the southernmost trailhead near Veterans Memorial Park: From I-70, take Exit 149 or 149A, and head south on Williamsburg Pike. Richmond KOA Holiday is a family-owned and -operated campground near Eaton, Ohio, conveniently located off I-70. There are hitching rails, a mounting . Found this trail on the trail link app. Cardinal Greenways offers multiple map formats to help you plan your route and to find trailheads along the way. Trail map of the Cardinal Greenway from Co. Rd. Use the map given that you purchase from the trail head in Muncie. 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. Just rode the Richmond section of the Cardinal Greenway with my 13 year-old son; it's nice, not great. They will jump you and your bike unexpectedly. 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 . We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Richmond IN. Places to eat are scarce along the trail. Estrella Mountain is also the site where the Gila and Agua Fria rivers meet, and a 65-acre grassy picnic area. It was very convenient and a great place. Reason 1 is because this is a very well kept pavement trail. There should not be these safety issues present on a paved trail. My friend Mark and I did this trail late May of 2014. Vestiges of the neat trackside telegraph line abound, along with many glass insulators on their double arms. You can access this trailhead by taking North A Street around the front of the post office then turning north on North 3rd Street, but this way can be more confusing. Our RV park has 50+ large sites with full hookups, swimming pool and laundry facilities. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group theres plenty of ways to stay and explore. There was an error gathering form errors. Overall it is in excellent condition and seems well-maintained.The trail covers 16.5 miles from Losantville to the Wysore Street Depot in Muncie. I did not know about the trail until one of the wedding party informed me of its existence. 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 . I grade SW Ohio trails as "excellent." But the trail is so great I would do it again but take more precautions. Cardinal Greenway, Muncie: See 101 reviews, articles, and 22 photos of Cardinal Greenway, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 23 attractions in Muncie. Medford Trail Head (County Road 500 South) has ample room for trailers, with a looped gravel lot. Thankfully we came upon one of the trailheads that had water. A vibrant neighborhood with a funky but chic area of shops, boutiques, cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment venues. It is wide for passing, and smooth as you can get. Need to take liquids and snacks because not many great feeding stations along the way. If you get a chance, you should definitely get on this trail. Looking for a fantastic day in Richmond? Farther south, the McCulloch Boulevard trailhead allows for a connection to Muncies White River Greenway, which follows the trails eponymous river. I used to cross the rail road tracks when I walked to middle school. North Phoenix Campground. 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! 101. It was a very hot week, and I remember sections without much shade, though the fields were pretty. This is an old trailhead and is closed off to traffic with barriers. There were some cow farms and a horse farm, but the only hazard were the many walnuts on the trail. Just pick a dry day or two to ride it. Help move around some tables.How about gardening? 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. So don't assume that because it's in Indiana, you won't have some decent climbs! In 0.6 mile, cross the East Fork Whitewater River, and Richmond Ave. becomes N. D St. Go 0.1 mile after crossing the river, and turn right onto N. Fifth St. (A detour was possible, but unsigned; too bad.) 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. You really have to slow down and watch what you are doing. Some visitors to Muncie arrive on two wheels. Get back to nature along Indiana's longest paved rails-trails which spans 62 miles from . Trailhead.". 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). Our plan was to park our car, with all of our luggage, in Muncie, which is central to this trail. I couldn't even figure out where that Amtrak stop could have been! Turn left onto County Road 400 W. The trailhead and parking lot for the Sweetser Switch Trail (which serves both the Sweetser Switch Trail and the Cardinal Greenway) will be on your right. You might just slip under the fence and over the cliff. If you turn south on South 1st Street by the bridge that has the big RICHMOND sign, youll wind up at a parking lot for the Star-Gennett building where pianos were manufactured 100 years ago. The trail is currently open from CR 500 South to CR 534 East. My wife and I recently rode the Cardinal Greenway. The bean fields were turning gold and were gorgeous and the corn was about half green and half dryed out. On a sunny summer day, you WILL get cooked on this trail, so bring lots of water and plenty of sunscreen.Scenery? WHY: The Big Weekend helps raise funds to send kids with cancer to medically-supervised camps all across North America. As we live in Muncie, you could say that the Cardinal Greenway is our "home trail". In 3 miles, turn right onto S. CR 900 E, which becomes N. CR 600 W. In 4.9 miles, turn right onto CR 850 N/W. My wife and I did a century ride from Gaston to Richmond and back. Im not sure if the Cardinal Greenway oversees it, but I consider it part of the Greenway. It's uphill from Richmond. We had a nice afternoon ride on this trail. Cardianl Greenways connects to Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail . 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! Across the nationand the worldonly the limits of imagination will limit its use. 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. So if you are planning a trip from Marion to Muncie, pack for weather conditions. My wife and I spent some time exploring the Cardinal Greenway that goes through Marion IN. South Trailhead. 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). Here is the Google Maps layout for Ron's Spring Fling which will take place within the next two weeks depending on my schedule and the weather.. The Prairie Creek Reservior is close to the trail between Medford and Blountsville if you'd like to see a boats and visit a beach! There is a gas station in Losantville, that was open, and lots of bikers using it. * Only at participating KOA locations. This neighborhood was first settled by members of the Society of Friends, later by free blacks and German immigrants. Its a paved trail that goes through a gorge thats mostly wooded parkland along the river. Towns Along the Trail Hoosier towns along the 62 miles of Cardinal Greenway are worth discovering! Cardinal Greenway. A very enjoyable trail and worth the trip to the Muncie area. I would not hesitate to ride this again. Take the time to read the background and a short ride on the surface road gives you a better look at the barn. Very Sunny most of the way, but with some really nice long shady woods. Paved and well maintained. Its not the trail terminus, but Union Pike is the simplest trailhead to get to if youre driving in, especially from I-70. Will return to do the northern portion next year. 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. There are 62 miles of trail on the Cardinal Greenway, plus an additional 15 mile road section from Gaston to Jonesboro. 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. 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. The trail is well marked and well maintained in the sections we rode. There are picnic and camping areas, beaches, and cabins for rent. I graduated from Ball State and I only wish it had been there when I was in school. An 11.3-mile gap in the Cardinal Greenway currently exists from Jonesboro to Gaston due to private landowners acquiring the former rail corridor. Now I want to ride another section of this trail. Kudos to everyone at the Cardinal Greenway! 54-mile round trip; cloudless sky; 65- 80 degrees; mostly calm to light W breeze. We will start riding the Cardinal Greenway trail at Richmond and end up at the Prairie Creek Reservoir campground Saturday afternoon. 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. The Cardinal Greenway is a Great destination trail. 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? You can also print the map by clicking the "Printable Map" button below. 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. My wife and rode almost to Richmond and back. You can also print the map by clicking the Printable Map button below. Further south, there are several bridges that offer nice views of creeks on this portion of the ride. Everything else about this trail is exceptional. Our interactive trail map allows you to get directions to any trailhead. Fully enjoyed it. BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. Explore Grant County via the extraordinary Cardinal Greenway Trail! 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. However, during our ride in Muncie, we found that there was no safety provisions for the section that crossed McGalliard, where there were 4 busy lanes. I enjoy the safety of the trail, as opposed to open roads with traffic, too many times cars passing me within two feet at 50-60 mph, none of this on the trail, so well worth my travel time to get to it. thanks again, 5 stars. Drove to Richmond and skated north 12 miles. I found it very easy to ride. 1:07. 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. 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. Drove down from Michigan for the second year in a row to ride this trail to launch my cycle season. The 5 yr old does get bored after about 10-15 miles in, as there is a lot of farm land and there is only so much farm land a 5 yr old can look at before they stop pedaling the trail a bike! I ride it several times a week because it's close and convenient, but I would not travel any distance to use this trail. Give it try at home or on your A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CAMPINGCamping is the ideal getaway because you can tailor your trip to fit your needs, wants and level of experience. We ride 5 days a week and dont see them everyday but potentially a terrible situation. Trail of the Month: July 2012. The best way to access this trailhead is from Abington Pike. It is not geared for climbing hills. Nope, that's old information. Region(s): Just Outside Wayne Co. Butterfly Garden. 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. walk this trail almost daily. From the trailhead, the greenway seamlessly connects to the 3.5-mile Whitewater Gorge Trail, which heads southwest to Test Road. Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the trail will directly serve nearly 50 million people within 50 miles of the route. 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. So far worst trail Ive been on. ONE WARNING- as with any stop sign, please heed the message! 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. 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