Indiana LogoIndiana Black and White Logo
Favorites
Home
  • Best of Indiana

    Best of Indiana

    • Winter Fun
    • The Twenty in 20 Lists
    • You Voted - See the Winners!

    VIDEOS

    • Katie's Home-State Adventures
  • Things To Do

    Attractions

    • Museums
    • Historic Sites
    • Entertainment
    • Music, Art & Theater
    • Cities & Downtowns
    • Tours
    • Zoos
    • Sacred Places
    • Amusement & Water Parks
    • Casinos & Gaming
    • Spas
    • Themed Trails
    • Roadside Attractions

    Outdoors & Sports

    • State Parks & Gardens
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Farms & Orchards
    • Lakes & Water Sports
    • Hiking & Biking Trails
    • Motorsports & Sports Teams
    • Golf
    • Ziplining
    • Camping
    • Horseback Riding

    Shopping

    • Made in Indiana
    • Antiques & Flea Markets
    • Sweet Treats & Food
    • Home & Gifts
    • Downtown Shopping
    • Outlets & Malls
    • Artisans & Handcrafts
    • Farmers Markets

    Visitor Services

    • Visitor Centers
    • Convention & Visitors Bureaus
    • Chambers of Commerce
    • Associations / Councils

    Agritourism

    • Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries
    • Seasonal U-Picks
    • Trails & Tours
    • Farming, Growing & Eating

    On a Budget?

    • Discounts
    • FREE Things to Do
  • Road Trips
  • Winter Fun
  • Events

    Events & Festivals

    • Holiday & Season Celebrations
    • History & Cultural Festivals
    • Fairs & City Festivals
    • Music & Dance
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Theater & Movies
    • Food, Beer & Wine
    • Nature & Outdoors
    • Sports & Competitions
    • Vehicles & Collectors
    • Antiques & Shopping
    • Families & Kids

    On a Budget?

    • FREE Admission
  • Lodging

    Lodging

    • Hotels / Motels
    • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns
    • Campgrounds
    • Cabins
    • Resorts / Lodges
    • Vacation Rentals

    On a Budget?

    • Lodging Discounts
  • Food & Drink

    Food & Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wineries
    • Breweries
    • Food Tours
    • Fresh Markets
    • Distilleries
    • Event Venues

    On a Budget?

    • Discounts
  • Brochures
  • Contests
  • Discounts
  • Blog
  • About Indiana
  • Contact Us
  • Email Subscribe
  • For the Media
  • For Travel Professionals
  • Hoosier HospitalitySafety Promise
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Indiana Insider Blog
  • Ride, Walk, Bike on Cardinal Greenways

Ride, Walk, Bike on Cardinal Greenways

By Visit Indiana on September 2, 2015
Back
Bike all year on Cardinal Greenways
Bike all year on Cardinal Greenways

In early 1990s the CSX train abandoned its rail line around Muncie. Rather than let the line lie unused, people made the rail line into a bike trail. By 1998 the first asphalt trail of the Cardinal Greenways  was established.

As funds permitted, the trails were extended. By 2012, the paved trails stretched for 62 miles through Grant, Delaware, Henry, Randolph, and Wayne counties.

The trails follow the White River and Highway 35, cutting through farm country, wooded areas, and the city of Muncie. In Marion the trails weave through a tunnel.

Walkers participate in group events on Cardinal Greenways trails.
Walkers participate in group events on Cardinal Greenways trails.

The trails are popular with bicyclists, runners, walkers, rollerbladers, cross country skiers and college students. It is a continuous paved trail for 51 miles with the only gap being at Jonesboro.

Did I mention that the entire trail system can be used for free?

Cardinal Greenway trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. From April through October portable toilets are available at trail heads. The trails are ADA compliant so wheelchairs are welcome. Keep in mind there is a slight grade in areas because of the former rail line.

Parking is easy, according to Angie Pool, Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Greenways. She and a crew of volunteers created the Cardinal Greenways trails. “We have 19 trail heads with parking,” she said.

Her office is located in a restored train station depot along the trail. The depot is staffed Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Labor Day weekend will be the last weekend when the depot will be open—Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm. Brochures for Cardinal Greenways containing maps of the trails are available inside.

I know it is too early to be thinking of the white stuff that frequents Indiana during winter, but this is something to keep in mind — although the trails are open year-round, Pool and her crew of volunteers don’t plow the trails in winter. Hopefully heavy snow and ice will not be a problem this year!

If you need help along the way, flag a Cardinal Greenways volunteer. They ride the trails most days wearing bright green shirts and serving as ‘trail rangers’. “They are our eyes and ears,” said Pool.

Resting on the scenic Cardinal Greenways.
Resting on the scenic Cardinal Greenways.

Pool guesses approximately 250,000 people use the trails annually. “It is for all ages so we see a lot of people of all ages out here,” she said.

Now that the temps are more moderate, pick a day to claim your spot on the greenway. Then run, bike, rollerblade — maybe even ski!– your way through eastern Indiana!

For more information about Cardinal Greenways call their office at 765.287.0399.

 

 

Map

Related Posts

No related posts.

Related Topics

  • Central
  • East
  • Family Activities
  • Hiking, Biking & Trails

Featured Post

Rebuilt & Reinvented: This Small-Town Favorite is an All New Restaurant

Featured Trip Idea

Couples: Top 8 Indiana Getaways

SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

Follow Along the Indiana Insider Blog

Get the latest blog posts to your inbox

SAVINGS

DISCOUNTS

Coupons and Special Deals

THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO

Plan Your Getaway

Explore VisitIndiana.com
  • Things to Do
  • Lodging
  • Food & Drink
  • Events
  • Trip Ideas
  • Discounts
  • Discounts
  • Best of Indiana
  • Brochures
  • Enter Contests
  • Local Contact Information
  • About Indiana
Other Links
  • About IDDC
  • Contact Us
  • For Media
  • For Travel Professionals
  • For Teachers
  • VisitIndianaGolf.com
  • Film Indiana
Blog Disclosure

This blog reflects the opinions of those writing and commenting and not necessarily the view opinions or endorsements of the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Indiana.

 

FTC Disclosure

Follow Us

Indiana Destination Development Corporation

 

One North Capitol Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46204
(800) 677-9800

 

© Copyright 2014-2020

 

Privacy Policy