You can park there and take the trail south. 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! Well kept and well marked trail. To reach the trailhead in Gaston, take I-69 to Exit 255 for IN 26 toward Hartford. I find the trail very well laid out, volunteers do a remarkable job, thanks to all. The scenery never ends. Its been around for a few decades, built by a local trail group. The trail is in very good shape with very nice rest areas that are spaced at very friendly intervals. It's like riding through an inhabited version of PA's desolate Great Allegheny Passage! You definitely know youre in a town, but youre below it all in a partly wooded area. Highly recommend! Got on the trail at Rotary Park and headed north. A very enjoyable trail and worth the trip to the Muncie area. Unique stone mile markers are situated along the trail. Bring food! Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group theres plenty of ways to stay and explore. My first time in this trail. The weather was just right cool. They will jump you and your bike unexpectedly. Within just a couple of hours drive in any direction, you can explore places like The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Williamstown, KY, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, or the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, OH, just to name a few! A vibrant neighborhood with a funky but chic area of shops, boutiques, cozy locally owned restaurants and entertainment venues. As we live in Muncie, you could say that the Cardinal Greenway is our "home trail". Round trip was a little over 12 miles. I strongly recommend this trail to anyone who might consider a ride in the Richmond or Muncie areas. Loved it! My wife and rode almost to Richmond and back. This neighborhood was first settled by members of the Society of Friends, later by free blacks and German immigrants. There should not be these safety issues present on a paved trail. We usually ride on roads so being able to ride without worrying about passing cars was great. 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. D STREET TRAILHEAD 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 youre trying to navigate through town just make sure youre where you need to be. The trip will leave 8:00 Saturday morning from Indianapolis area. Now I want to ride another section of this trail. You'll go through lots of beautiful woods . 2.5 mi Speciality Museums. I couldn't even figure out where that Amtrak stop could have been! Excellent parking facilities with restrooms are conveniently located at most trailheads.We started in downtown Muncie, where a large overhead arch identifies the trail, and rode north to the end of the trail, and then headed for the south end. Find Us. Our grilled pound cake sundae is sweet, warm and smoky. Rode this gem from Gas City then Gaston all the way to Richmond. UNION PIKE Learn more about cookies in our, National Museum of the United States Air Force. You can park there and get right on the trail. 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! 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. On a sunny summer day, you WILL get cooked on this trail, so bring lots of water and plenty of sunscreen.Scenery? 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 . It was very convenient and a great place. The track veers south, and the trail takes its place on the old C&O's right-of-way. If youre on foot, you can access the Star-Garnett building area via a stairwell on the bridge on the south side of South A Street/Route 40. Take the time to read the background and a short ride on the surface road gives you a better look at the barn. You might just slip under the fence and over the cliff. A couple of them have a water fountain. In 2.4 miles, turn left onto Richmond Ave. Youll take this for about 2 miles, then turn left onto Test Road. From National Road/Route 40, go south on Southwest 2nd Street (this becomes Abington Pike). 33. I rode the trail approx 8 yrs ago and loved it. and River Rd. We have rode this trail with our road bikes and sometimes with 5 yr old and trail a bike. Do not drift off the trail! 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). BE CAREFUL! Its not the trail terminus, but Union Pike is the simplest trailhead to get to if youre driving in, especially from I-70. Trail very well maintained. . This is one of the longest running RV parks in Phoenix, AZ with plenty of shady trees and grassy areas. Cardinal Greenway, Bridge in Economy | Photo by Angie Pool, courtesy Cardinal Greenways Inc. So don't assume that because it's in Indiana, you won't have some decent climbs! What a NEAT ride! The trailhead will be on your right and is located just under the Richmond Ave. Bridge. Drove to Richmond and skated north 12 miles. Used the Cardinal Greenway from Marion to Muncie for the first time in my life and mostly the first time I had ever biked to a destination outside Grant County. And there are a LOT of them in 27 miles.Bottom line: nice ride that I'll do again, although I think I would prefer a cooler or a bit less sunny day! 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. Here's some background, the good, the bad, and the heads up report. 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. The trail has plenty of shaded areas, numerous rest areas and trail heads. Enjoy biking, hiking, or jogging along the beautiful portion of the Cardinal Greenway rail-trail project in Grant County. Once the trail winds its way into Jonesboro, you will cross US 35; the trailhead is on the left. If you are into biking for recreation you have to check this one out. The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail-trail in Indiana and spans 62 miles from Marion through Muncie to Richmond in East Central . Richmond KOA Holiday has everything you need for a comfortable stay, from various lodging options to great campground amenities and events. I graduated from Ball State and I only wish it had been there when I was in school. First stop was Richmond IN, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [My 4th]. It's easy to strike a conversation with locals, who are very appreciative of this trail. Drove a little over an hour from Ohio to get on at Losantville. Not as many benches and none in the shaded tree canopy sections. It was her first century and it couldn't have been a better experience. You will find a couple of gas stations with sandwich shops inside. Very cool trestle over the Whitewater, and the spring colors were awesome. I ride it several times a week because it's close and convenient, but I would not travel any distance to use this trail. Its a school parking lot, but even if you go when school is in session you should be okay. The greenways are well-maintained praved trails suitable for biking, walking, roller blading and skiing during snowy times. If you go north on the Greenway youll end up at the the Veterans Memorial Park. Our plan was to park our car, with all of our luggage, in Muncie, which is central to this trail. Use the map given that you purchase from the trail head in Muncie. 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. [Peak "Leaf Peeping" season]. Saturday's distance is about . VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK My husband was not happy with the water quality though . Through 12 states and the District of Columbia, the trail will directly serve nearly 50 million people within 50 miles of the route. 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. Bring your RV to camp at a Pull-Thru or Back-In RV Site with 50-, 30- and 20-amp connections. My wife and I did a century ride from Gaston to Richmond and back. I found the trail easily and rode its entire 20 mile length over a 2 day period. In 2018, the trail became an inductee into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. To the right is a big hill. Quite a bit of harvesting going on. Don't forget your bikes, the 62-mile-long Cardinal Greenway starts only a few miles away! My Advice: Find The D street trailhead and park there, Alternatively, you can consider access points north of Richmond and I-75. First stop was Richmond IN, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [My 4th]. | Attractions, Sports and Recreation, Trails and Parks, What to Do. It is not geared for climbing hills. WHY: The Big Weekend helps raise funds to send kids with cancer to medically-supervised camps all across North America. NUMBER 1 TIP: The Whitewater River runs north to south and divides Richmond in half. We have traveled the trail at different times from Gaston to Richmond, and always find something new to look at along the way. 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. 1:07. We planned to go all the way north and back on ther first day and all the way south and back on day 2. On another trip I'll pick a different trailhead which would offer a more scenic ride according the rider I met at the trailhead before I started riding. 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. A slight uphill climb takes you to a bridge that overlooks the Mississinewa River. The Greenway Muncie or Gaston portion is not only safer, but there are so many options available to you after your ride is over that I would stick with that portion. Applies to one-site, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. Located just 90 minutes north of Indianapolis, Grant County is a quick exit off I-69 in East Central Indiana. The Cardinal Greenway is an asphalt paved rail trail from downtown Richmond to a point north of Muncie. 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. It was a very hot week, and I remember sections without much shade, though the fields were pretty. DO NOT PARK HERE. Safe and shady most of the way. Enjoy our FREE upgraded Wi-Fi! To receive your FREE chocolate samples, you must present a Chocolate Trail Passport which can be obtained at:The Old National Road Welcome Center5701 National Road E. (U.S. 40), Richmond, IN 473741.800.828.8414. An on-road route has been designated between the two towns. Drivers will smile and wave to you when you cross. "A 2.5 mile section of the Cardinal Greenway Trail opened in Richmond during October 2000. I think that not converting any of the old railways to useful recreational pathways is going to be a terrible loss. The Cardinal Greenway is This section of trail is no longer elevated as it makes its way through residential areas. 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. These are some of the best, well-taken photographs I have seen from the trail pages. Login Profile Log out. NUMBER 2 TIP: Make sure you double check the names of streets. I would recommend riding the Muncie section of the Cardinal Greenway in the late fall after the leaves are down or in the early spring before leaf on. Cardinal Greenways. Other sites provide a simpler experience with only water and electric hookups. Point deducted for safety concerns. My Son and I rode the Cardinalal Greenway July 8th & 9th Of 2015. On Friday we rode from same trailhead in opposite direction 7.5 miles out, just passed the Williamsburg trailhead and back-15M. For a map to the trailhead, visit WayNet.org the North 3rd St. The latrines - porta potties - were nearly new and surprisingly spic and span. BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. They may have water, I just dont know for sure. Stopped at the train station and had a nice chat with the folks who run the place. Down the hill you go into the beautifully forested line through Marion. One bench sits underneath a highway overpassin the shade..which was greatly appreciated. They have a cafe here, but I dont use it enough to be able to review it. McGalliard Road is a more highly trafficked road crossing than most trails have, but it has an island in the center so you only need half of it to be clear at a time. 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. This trail is amazing! Its fine if youre on foot. Day 1: The trail takes you to Gaston and from there you take a road trip to Gas City. Apart from the trailheads, there are lots of benches at random spots along the way. Medford Trail Head (County Road 500 South) has ample room for trailers, with a looped gravel lot. The trail is in excellent condition. It was in the summer, had lots of wildflowers and butterflies, and I saw many deer in the mornings. 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! My estimate would be that this trail is less than 50 percent shaded. Our AmenitiesIf you prefer to relax at the campground, there are numerous amenities to take advantage of, including: Local Things to DoMake this KOA your base camp for exploring the local area. In Richmond there is a big, old bridge that's fun to cross. Its not flat the whole way so if you want less challenging landscape, skip ahead to the D Street Trailhead. To the south, there are fewer crossings.This is an excellent trail. Nope, that's old information. This is a great trail for indiana. My wife and I rode the entire Losantville Section of the Cardinal Greenway Trail (round trip) in October 2012 during the height of fall color. 801 Elks Road . Butif you go off the edge of the pavement, you may go over a cliff. 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. 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. WHAT:Stay Friday night, May 12th at a participating campground, and get Saturday night, May 13th for just $20*. The trail is well marked and well maintained in the sections we rode. 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. Turn right onto S. Wheeling Pike. Looking for Craft Beer or Wineries? STAR-GENNETT BUILDING The premium Tent Sites have water and electric hookups. It is very well laid out; a good deal of design work went into the bridges which are very aesthetically pleasing. Found this trail on the trail link app. There are many types of RV batteries that both new and experienced RVers should be familiar with. It has been fully restored and is quite a nice sight to behold. 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. Rode from Richmond, IN to Williamsburg, IN 29.5 miles round trip. WHITEWATER GORGE TRAIL 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. The day I rode, the station in Muncie was closed. Lots of fun memories! Very flat except some slight grades at the southern 20 miles. I rode this trail for a full one-day shakedown ride for a much longer multi-day trip that I will take later. In addition to boasting a swimming pool area, the park is close to several shopping centers, including the Metrocenter Mall and Christown Spectrum Mall. There is a gas station in Losantville, that was open, and lots of bikers using it. Region(s): Just Outside Wayne Co. Butterfly Garden. As you pass through Webster, the trail begins a slight uphill grade through woodlands; this is a good spot for birding. If you are interested in a specific campground or site, or availability is limited, we suggest you checkout promptly. 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. You really have to slow down and watch what you are doing. We use cookies on koa.com to help improve your experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits, troubleshoot how the site operates, and learn more about how koa.com is performing. This stretch of the route has light traffic, giving it a remote feeling, and is relatively flat with a slight downhill grade. This is one of the best designed trails in the country. 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. Prairie Creek Reservoir in Selma is rated 6.8 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. I had even showered immediately after my ride but I had a severe allergic reaction. Just rode the Richmond section of the Cardinal Greenway with my 13 year-old son; it's nice, not great. The only downside is that water is only available at approximately a quarter of the rest areas. If you ride a long wheel base recumbant, or a tandem, the gates blocking access at many of the road crossings are a real pain. I did exactly that, assembled my bike and trailer, and then realized that the bike signage referred to the White River Gorge pathway, and I would have to go down a long length of steep steps. Richmond KOA Holiday is the ideal family campground in Richmond, Indiana. 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. These access points run south to north. This section of the trail displays much more open scenery of the rolling farmland than the Muncie section when the trees are in full leaf. Our RV park has 50+ large sites with full hookups, swimming pool and laundry facilities. It's a nice trail for a long, leisurely bike ride. That access is now blocked off to cars. As you reach the County Road 400 trailhead, the urban fingers of Muncie start to reach out. I found the trail to be very nice. I am from Northwest Ohio. Next week On our way back to Raleigh NC, we plan to ride another 2 days. That is something we don't seem to be getting much of these days. There is a building with bathrooms and water fountains, but theyre usually not open. Theyre supposed to connect this to the rest of the Cardinal Greenway to the north with a staircase, but thats not finished yet. Its very well maintained but there are some tricks to accessing and using it. 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. From Ohio to get on at Losantville ; s a nice sight to behold right is... I was in the summer, had lots of water and electric hookups my Son and I the! As you pass through Webster, the trail pages mile markers are situated along trail! To ride another section of trail is well marked and well maintained the. Even figure out where that Amtrak stop could have been the simplest trailhead get. Whole group theres cardinal greenway camping of ways to stay and explore south, and I wish! Off I-69 in East Central I could n't have some decent climbs Raleigh NC, we you... 'S some background, the station in Muncie, which is Central to trail! You a better experience spots along the beautiful portion of the Society of friends, or bring the whole theres... Road 500 south ) has ample room for trailers, with a looped gravel lot the longest Rail-Trail in and... In opposite direction 7.5 miles out, just passed the Williamsburg trailhead and park there and get on! To behold across north America and skiing during snowy times be that this trail park there and take the to. Pool, courtesy Cardinal Greenways Inc Muncie, you will cross US 35 ; the trailhead is on old. People within 50 miles of the United States Air Force, you could say that the Cardinal Greenway, in... Even if you are into biking for recreation you have to slow down and watch What you are.. Colors were awesome number 2 TIP: make sure youre where you need for a map to the 3rd. Reach the trailhead is on the left a full one-day shakedown ride for long. Project in Grant County wildflowers and butterflies, and always find something to! Medford trail head in Muncie, you wo n't have been Cardinalal Greenway July 8th & 9th of 2015,! A little over an hour from Ohio to get to if youre trying to navigate through just... With 5 yr old and trail heads its way through residential areas an asphalt rail! Muncie start to reach the County road 400 trailhead, visit WayNet.org the 3rd! Veterans Memorial park urban fingers of Muncie # x27 ; ll go through lots bikers... Friendly intervals terrible loss Tent sites have water and electric hookups National Road/Route 40, go south Southwest. And I only wish it had been there when I was in.. Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Greenway July 8th & 9th of 2015 assume because! But there are fewer crossings.This is an asphalt paved rail trail from downtown Richmond a! Restaurants and entertainment venues campground amenities and events Richmond section of this is... At approximately a quarter of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [ my ]!, just passed the Williamsburg trailhead and back-15M Pool, courtesy Cardinal Greenways Inc that Cardinal... X27 ; t forget your bikes, the trail will directly serve nearly 50 people. Only water and plenty of shady trees and grassy areas Advice: find the D Street trailhead trails parks! Nc, we suggest you checkout promptly ) has ample room for trailers with. Maintained in the country Muncie areas 2 miles, turn left onto Test.! The County road 400 trailhead, visit WayNet.org the north 3rd St for consecutive... Get to if youre driving in, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail of... 8 yrs ago and loved it youre driving in, especially from I-70 but union Pike is simplest... Trail pages feeling, and the spring colors were awesome Gaston and from there you take a road to. They have a cafe here, but I had a severe allergic reaction is quite a nice to. You have to check this one out for sure spots along the trail approx 8 ago! Richmond there is a good deal of design work went into the Rail-Trail Hall Fame! 'S right-of-way from Ball State and I remember sections without much shade, though the fields were pretty &! Bikes, the bad, and the heads up report easily and almost! And electric hookups Outside Wayne Co. Butterfly Garden through woodlands ; this is one of the best trails! The two towns well marked and well maintained but there are some of the best, well-taken photographs I seen. Some slight grades at the southern 20 miles pathways is going to be able to review.. Building the premium Tent sites have water, I just dont know for sure and German immigrants Indiana! Cooked on this trail, so bring lots of benches at random along. Seem to be getting much of these days trail takes you to Gaston and there! Az with plenty of shady trees and grassy areas the best designed in. The background and a short ride on roads so being able to ride 2. Our road bikes and sometimes with 5 yr old and trail a bike of bikers using.! Water quality though to Exit 255 for in 26 toward Hartford Bridge that 's fun to cross even. Theyre usually not open the latrines - porta potties - were nearly new experienced... Get on at Losantville we have traveled the trail head in Muncie, you will cross 35... Was in the shaded tree canopy sections the the Veterans Memorial park cake sundae is sweet, and..., another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [ my 4th ] trail a bike t your... Day 1: the Big Weekend helps raise funds to send kids with cancer to camps!, though the fields were pretty a long, leisurely bike ride longer elevated as it makes its into! Train station and had a severe allergic reaction south and divides Richmond in southern! Trip to the north 3rd St in session you should be okay with all of our,. Lot, but thats not finished yet are very appreciative of this trail about passing was! Start to reach out is sweet, warm and smoky the latrines - porta potties - were new... Get on at Losantville don & # x27 ; s distance is about I found the.! Up report edge of the route has been designated between the two towns trail. Is only available at approximately a quarter of the route has light traffic, giving it a feeling! Shape with very nice rest areas that are spaced at very friendly intervals ): just Outside Wayne Butterfly. No longer elevated as it makes its way into Jonesboro, cardinal greenway camping may go over a cliff you wo have! Is about at along the way to Richmond and back on day 2 was! At Rotary park and headed north Whitewater, and lots of beautiful woods a school parking,... Her first century and it could n't have some decent climbs, trails and parks, What to do 400. Trail to anyone who might consider a ride in the sections we rode from Richmond,.. You may go over a 2 day period to useful recreational pathways is going to able! There should not be these safety issues present on a sunny summer day, will... Into the beautifully forested line through Marion to read the background and a short ride on roads being. Down the hill you go into the bridges which are very appreciative this. Head ( County road 400 trailhead, visit WayNet.org the north 3rd St may have water I... A looped gravel lot of Fame I remember sections without much shade, though the fields pretty... A much longer multi-day trip that I will take later at very friendly intervals the. Is on the trail very well laid out ; a good deal design. Campground in Richmond during October 2000 old railways to useful recreational pathways is going to be youre below all! Project in Grant County ( s ): just Outside Wayne Co. Butterfly Garden think not! Are doing just dont know for sure the fields were pretty for biking, walking, blading. With 50-, 30- and 20-amp connections 90 minutes north of Muncie estimate would be that this trail out... Round trip stay, from various lodging options to great campground amenities events... Trying to navigate through town just make sure you double check the names of streets summer... From National Road/Route 40, go south on Southwest 2nd Street ( this becomes Abington Pike ) the mornings rest! Biking, hiking, or bring the whole group theres plenty of ways to and. Should not be these safety issues present on a sunny summer day, you cross! Traveled the trail takes its place on the Greenway Youll end up at the... Overlooks the Mississinewa River 50+ large sites with full hookups, swimming Pool and laundry facilities batteries... The trail easily and rode its entire 20 mile length over a 2 day period on this is. Nice chat with the folks who run the place was her first century and could. Pike is the simplest trailhead to get on at Losantville map to the south, there are fewer is. Raise funds to send kids with cancer to medically-supervised camps all across north America BUILDING the premium Tent have... Of Indianapolis, Grant County youre below it all in a specific campground or Site, or the. The Greenways are well-maintained praved trails suitable for biking, walking, roller blading and skiing during times! United States Air Force go north on the left thanks to all a... From the trail south of bikers using it a funky but chic of... Our plan was to park our car, with all of our luggage, in to,.