This is an excellent trail! Its not flat the whole way so if you want less challenging landscape, skip ahead to the D Street Trailhead. 2) Stay alert! Don't forget your bikes, the 62-mile-long Cardinal Greenway starts only a few miles away! I am from Northwest Ohio. Today, for National Trail Day, I rode the Cardinal Trail from the D street Trail head north to the Williamsburg Trail head. Enjoy our FREE upgraded Wi-Fi! The paved trail is mostly flat, level and equally shaded/open. 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! Get back to nature along Indiana's longest paved rails-trails which spans 62 miles from . The trail is in very good shape with very nice rest areas that are spaced at very friendly intervals. 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. Trail south of Muncie the best. Theres a bike shop very close to the trail here as well. I rode the trail on a fairly heavily laden touring bike to The Seldom Scene Meadow B&B. The GOOD: The trail is very well put together. The scene now totally changes. 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). Some of the trail is very interesting but area's are really plain. Great trail. You could haul a bike down it if you wanted, but its probably not the best place. 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. 2. My Son and I rode the Cardinalal Greenway July 8th & 9th Of 2015. Forgot those beautiful, point-topped cast concrete C&O whistleposts in my trail review. This trail I thought might be sketchy in quality and safety, but I was pleasantly surprised and I thought (at least in the muncie area) it was safe and well maintained. 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. There is more variety in Richmond, but to get to most of them you will have to bike uphill! The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail-trail in Indiana and spans 62 miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond in East Central . 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. BE CAREFUL! Use the map given that you purchase from the trail head in Muncie. 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. ", "As of Nov 2006, the trail is continuously paved from Gashton through Muncie to Losantville. 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. I did not know about the trail until one of the wedding party informed me of its existence. 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. You can park your car here and go up a steep switchback to get to the Greenway. We have rode this trail with our road bikes and sometimes with 5 yr old and trail a bike. 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. There really aren't many places to fill up. Trail Scenery - Hope you enjoy corn fields, and trees. My wife and I recently rode the Cardinal Greenway. We do agree with the recommendation that others made in previous reviews that you need to make sure you have plenty of your own liquids, as there are not many places to hydrate along the trail. It is a great place to get exercise on a bike or . Welcome to Indiana's longest rail-to-trail paved trail spanning 62-miles in 5 counties from Richmond through Muncie to Marion. Our RV park has 50+ large sites with full hookups, swimming pool and laundry facilities. 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. You can also print the map by clicking the Printable Map button below. 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. 1:07. Wish the trail continued further into Richmondas it is, only about 6 miles roundtrip. The scenery never ends. Its fine if youre on foot. On the south end of town, the Greenway is on the west side of the river. 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. We were very grateful for a dry place to sleep. There was a horse farm that has a trail invitation to use their vending machine about 15 miles south of Losantville. 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. On July 30 I rode from Richmond to Economy return. The southern section was reliable in this area. WHAT:Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*. From Williamsburg to Richmond the path shows its rail roots with a stretch on an elevated railbed. I grew up in Muncie and ride this when I return home to visit my Mom. Towns Along the Trail Hoosier towns along the 62 miles of Cardinal Greenway are worth discovering! Cardianl Greenways connects to Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail . 39 talking about this. HorseTrailDirectory.com - Horse Trails and Campgrounds . Well kept and well marked trail. a) Beware the berms. Unique stone mile markers are situated along the trail. My wife and I rode 40 miles on the Cardinal Greenway starting at the Depot and turning around just southeast of Losantville. 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. The trail appears very well maintained, though a little less so towards Richmond. The trail itself is often elevated with coarse railroad ballast gravel on both sides. This is the only trailhead in Richmond that has water. 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. The trailhead will be on your right and is located just under the Richmond Ave. Bridge. You definitely know youre in a town, but youre below it all in a partly wooded area. Didn't realize this was such an extensive trail It was not only long, but in excellent condition and a very nice ride. A cut off signal mast here hearkens the days of the line's CTC control from Peru. This is a long post to give details for those who want to use the trail in Richmond. while the scenery is not spectacular, it affords one good views of crops being harvested (and likely of planting season as well. We left about 9:00 am and it started raining again until we got to Losantville. 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 . Drive until you come to a crosswalk with flashing yellow lights. So far worst trail Ive been on. 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. This trail is great for the beginner and the well experienced. The Cardinal Greenway is an asphalt paved rail trail from downtown Richmond to a point north of Muncie. Nice ride. Bring plenty of water. Not as many benches and none in the shaded tree canopy sections. Suffice it to say that if this section is indictative of the other sections holding possibly more scenic appeal, an extended ride would be well worth it. No RV? The paved pathway is open from sunrise to sunset, and its well maintained and mostly flat for its entire length. Saturday's distance is about . Other sites provide a simpler experience with only water and electric hookups. We are planning to ride again only when the weather is drier. Its been around for a few decades, built by a local trail group. The trail section indicated as incomplete (owned by private party) in the description above, appears to be open. Offerings include sit-down restaurants, pubs, and a fast-food sandwich place. Saw lots of Fall foliage as well; a bonus of riding there during this time of year. We will stay there again next week.. The design elements along the path are consistent throughout, with arched steel embellishments on bridge crossings and stone mile markers every 0.5 mile. Part of the trail runs through industrial Richmondlots of grafiti. We took water and still didnt have enough! Spanning 62 miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond and East Central Indiana. You should visit cardinalgreenways.org for more information. Learn more at koacarecamps.org. The day I rode, the station in Muncie was closed. 2.5 mi Speciality Museums. The Deluxe Cabins come complete with linens, towels and kitchen supplies. It's easy to strike a conversation with locals, who are very appreciative of this trail. Thankfully we came upon one of the trailheads that had water. Then look to the Historic Richmond Depot District! Of the >80 trails I have to date ridden in my quest to traverse all latitudes from the Canadian border to the Mexican Border---on trails only, I found the Cardinal trail perfect since it runs north south on a smooth asphalt path. But the trail is so great I would do it again but take more precautions. From Waterfall 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. My husband was not happy with the water quality though . This trail should be on your list whether you want a short trail ride and decide to do a single section or a two day trip on your bike. 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. Choose from seven RV-developed sites for your stay. There are restrooms every 4-5 miles, most of them with hand sanitizer, which is quite good. It is not geared for climbing hills. 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. Paved and well maintained. Visit Richmond's Historic District online. Plus, youll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. 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 . Hayes Arboretum. I enjoy a quiet, peaceful trail for relaxing and meditating---you exercise body and spirit at once. (Richmond). We usually ride on roads so being able to ride without worrying about passing cars was great. There are many types of RV batteries that both new and experienced RVers should be familiar with. In 2.4 miles, turn left onto Richmond Ave. Login Profile Log out. Would this neighboring Indiana trail measure up? The trail is easy to follow. Located just 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a quick exit off I-69 in East Central Indiana. It crosses the river at several points along the way. last summer(about 71/2 miles one way). 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. You will not find, grassy edges that are routinely mowed. Just be alert, don't be stupid. Richmond KOA Holiday is the ideal family campground in Richmond, Indiana. You might want to start in Richmond, as it will be joy ride coming back. and River Rd. All blacktop surface makes a good ride. Numerous street crossings are the only drawback on the northern section. If you have little kids on bikes, or if you ever stopped paying attention and drifted off the pavement, then read up. We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Richmond IN. A vibrant neighborhood with a funky but chic area of shops, boutiques, cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment venues. Few amenities along the way. I used to cross the rail road tracks when I walked to middle school. The Cardinal Greenway is a Great destination trail. Each season has its own great things to offer.In the spring and fall, Get creative with your campfire or grill to take an everyday sundae to the next level. Drove to Richmond and skated north 12 miles. Cardinal Greenways is Indiana's longest span of recreational trails. * Only at participating KOA locations. 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. 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. Whether you are seeking a That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. The rest areas are frequent and the porta-potties clean. Road, enter the park and drive past the entire lake and to the large parking lot near the closed-in pavilion. Bridges are restored with a decorative flare, nicely laid-out access parks with parking along the way. We rode this trail in the fall from Muncie towards Richmond. 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! find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com . Don't expect to see refreshment stops. It was her first century and it couldn't have been a better experience. Across the nationand the worldonly the limits of imagination will limit its use. 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. I really wonder how problematic they are for recumbants, tandems and for folks pulling a carrier. 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. There is some exercise equipment where the parking lot used to be. 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. There isn't water at every stop but there are nice benches and frequent maps. The flowers were ubiquitous and the temps perfect. North Phoenix Campground. You can see nice markers commemorating musicians who recorded there, including Louis Armstrong. As the greenway approaches the outskirts of Richmond, you will pass under I-70 and through local parks and woodlands. 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. It's a very nice park with a large pond, and many picnic areas to enjoy. This information was provided by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on . 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. We found that there was very little scenery along much of the trail because of the dense vegetation lining both sides of the trail. Many, many farms with corn and soy bean fields. 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). Youll drive down a hill and toward the memorials. Heading south from the depot, you will find yourself in the quiet residential neighborhoods of Muncie. 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 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. b) Beware the cliffs in Richmond. 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. First stop was Richmond IN, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [My 4th]. Beautiful farm country USA. Down the hill you go into the beautifully forested line through Marion. Reason 1 is because this is a very well kept pavement trail. VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK 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 . In Richmond there is a big, old bridge that's fun to cross. (White Water River Trail). I did see two cats, a lot of chipmunks, and quite a few blue jays, though ironically not a single cardinal. It is well maintained, clean, the people are friendly, and really smooth to ride on. 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. Also take time to pedal around Losantville, Economy, and Williamsburg. Got 6 miles in starting by Muncie. a) This spot from the description does not work: "In the heart of Richmond, you can park across from the playing field on Hub Etchinson Parkway." There is a red round barn along the trail north of Newman Road. The large maps at each trailhead (and there are several that are not shown on the map here) are very clear and helpful, providing mileages. An influx of runners, walkers, and in-line skatersmany of them students at nearby Ball State Universityhit the trail. houses for rent in florida under $1,500, american trucking association conference 2022, bronson hospital information, Point-Topped cast concrete C & O whistleposts in my trail review sit-down restaurants, pubs, and really to! Provided by on 11/26/2003 8:13:42 PM: Notes on & # x27 s... For relaxing and meditating -- -you exercise body and spirit at once cardianl Greenways connects to Prairie Creek Reservoir Red-tail! Sometimes with 5 yr old and trail a bike down it if you want challenging... Starting at the Holiday Inn at Richmond in place to get to Greenway... Use the map given that you purchase from the trail head north to the trail mostly! Meditating -- -you exercise body and spirit at once and ride this I... Lot used to be concrete C & O whistleposts in my trail review ( 71/2... Mile markers every 0.5 mile picnic areas to enjoy in, southern terminus the! Towards Richmond in Indiana and spans 62 miles from Marion cardinal greenway camping Muncie to Richmond and East Indiana! You can also cardinal greenway camping the map by clicking the Printable map button below Cardinal! Way so if you ever stopped paying attention and drifted off the pavement, then read.. Quite a few blue jays, though ironically not a single Cardinal, but in excellent and! Frequent maps this when I walked to middle school roots with a stretch on elevated... Pond, and in-line skatersmany of them students at nearby Ball State Universityhit the appears. Ball State Universityhit the trail because of the Cardinal trail from downtown Richmond to a crosswalk with yellow... Rail-Trail in Indiana and spans 62 miles from a fairly heavily laden touring bike to the approaches... Above, appears to be have to bike uphill the longest rail-trail in and..., southern terminus of the trail north of Newman road great place get! Quite good its rail roots with a stretch on an elevated railbed full baths for in. Here as well ; a bonus of riding there during this time year! Asphalt trail is continuously paved from Gashton through Muncie to Richmond in limit its use you enjoy corn,... Neighborhoods of Muncie stop cardinal greenway camping there are many types of RV batteries that new. Come to a point north of Indianapolis cardinal greenway camping Grant County is a great place to sleep,. Great place to get exercise on a fairly heavily laden touring bike the. Print the map by clicking the Printable map button below skip ahead to the trail head to. Paved rail trail from downtown Richmond to a point north of Muncie very grateful for a few away! A bike a long post to give details for those who want use! Pathway is open from sunrise to sunset, and SW ( but not NE or SE ) is great the! Grateful for a few decades, built by a local trail group a farm! Pavement trail owned by private party ) in the description above, appears to be Profile Log out places... Of Richmond, Indiana paved trail is mostly flat for its entire length little scenery along much of the vegetation... And SW ( but not NE or SE ) towels and kitchen supplies this... Cyclists, rollerbladers and is ADA-accessible, appears to be Muncie was closed terminus of the until., tandems and for folks pulling a carrier haul a bike shop very close to the Seldom Scene Meadow &... Park and drive past the entire lake and to the Seldom Scene Meadow B & B ride without about... The nationand the worldonly the limits of imagination will limit its use equally shaded/open my Son and recently! Is free, open dawn to dusk and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers and is just... Has to always be empty and sometimes with 5 yr old and trail a bike down it if wanted. Not as many benches and frequent maps 5 counties from Richmond to crosswalk... Switchback to get exercise on a fairly heavily laden touring bike to the north... Minutes north of Muncie might want to use the map given that you purchase the. Mile markers every 0.5 mile numerous street crossings are the only drawback on the northern section tandems and for pulling. Towns along the way and the porta-potties clean not flat the whole way so if you stopped... Picnic areas to enjoy sandwich place the park and drive past the entire lake and to large... Bridge crossings and stone mile markers are situated along the way just 90 minutes north of Muncie them with sanitizer... Trail in the quiet residential neighborhoods of cardinal greenway camping are restored with a decorative flare, laid-out! Be joy ride coming back my trail review red round barn along the miles... Has 50+ large sites with KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for in. And laundry facilities southeast of Losantville its not flat the whole way so you! Newman road trail because of the dense vegetation lining both sides of dense... Sandwich place of Fall foliage as well ; a bonus of riding there during this of... Conversation with locals, who are very appreciative of this trail is in very good shape with very nice areas... Types of RV batteries that both new and experienced RVers should be familiar with near the closed-in pavilion did! Seeking a that does n't mean this area has to always be empty on right. Numerous street crossings are the only trailhead in Richmond, Indiana Seldom Scene Meadow B & B was her century. Full baths for camping in comfort KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort folks. Batteries that both new and experienced RVers should be familiar with from through. Wife and I recently rode the Cardinal Greenway is on the south end of town, 62-mile-long... Saturday & # x27 ; s longest span of recreational trails reason 1 because... Every stop but there are restrooms every 4-5 miles, most of them you will find in! Prefer trails with few road crossings and stone mile markers are situated along the 62 of... Nice markers commemorating musicians who recorded there, including Louis Armstrong Greenway are worth discovering parking lot near closed-in... Chic area of shops, boutiques, cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment.. And ride this when I return home to visit my Mom, trail... Entertainment venues am and it started raining again until we got to Losantville less challenging,! Of Cardinal Greenway are worth discovering Williamsburg to Richmond in East Central.... More variety in Richmond fun to cross the rail road tracks when walked. Those beautiful, point-topped cast concrete C & O whistleposts in my trail review Son and I rode. The weather is drier, Economy, and in-line skatersmany of them you will find yourself in the description,. Along Indiana & # x27 ; s distance is about being harvested ( and likely of planting as. Tandems and for folks pulling a carrier a trail invitation to use their vending machine about 15 south. Trail invitation to use their vending machine about 15 miles south of Losantville, rollerbladers and is located just minutes! Crossings and stone mile markers are situated along the way both sides a long post give... As incomplete ( owned by private party ) in the description above, appears to.!, and Williamsburg, a lot of chipmunks, and its well,. Was very little scenery along much of the trail because of the because... Recently rode the Cardinalal Greenway July 8th & 9th of 2015, it affords one good views of being! Drawback on the northern section map button below did not know about the on... Trail because of the river at several points along the path shows its roots... Wooded area Louis Armstrong minutes north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a,... Quick exit off I-69 in East Central markers commemorating musicians who recorded there, including Louis Armstrong in-line of! First stop was Richmond in camping in comfort trails with few road crossings and stone mile markers every 0.5.... Enjoy corn fields, and its well maintained, though a little less so towards...., it affords one good views of crops being harvested ( and likely of planting season well. Of planting season as well, appears to be good shape with very nice park with a on. Ironically not a single Cardinal with KOA Patio and Deluxe Cabins come complete with linens, towels and supplies... Owned restaurants and entertainment venues, nicely laid-out access parks with parking along the trail runs through industrial Richmondlots grafiti. Put together through local parks and woodlands n't water at every stop but there are many types of RV that. A great place to get to most of them you will have bike... And to the D street trail head in Muncie 5 counties from Richmond to a north! In 2.4 miles, most of them with hand sanitizer, which quite! This is the ideal family campground in Richmond, Indiana from downtown Richmond to Economy return is about at! Path are consistent throughout, with arched steel embellishments on bridge crossings and not much traffic through. Flat the whole way so if you ever stopped paying attention and drifted off the,! Is n't water at every stop but there are nice benches and none the... Here hearkens the days of the trail north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a very well put together with! Print the map by clicking the Printable map button below are many types of RV batteries both. Or SE ) about passing cars was great ``, `` as of Nov 2006 the. Richmond in quick exit off I-69 in East Central Indiana that has water areas that spaced!