It was an easy ride, gentle slopes, a lot of tree canopy and benches along the way for some rest time. This is an excellent trail! 4. Get closer to your family and friends while camping at Richmond KOA Holiday. Cardinal Greenway, Bridge in Economy | Photo by Angie Pool, courtesy Cardinal Greenways Inc. I live in FL now and am looking forward to the day when I can return to the cardinal greenway to ride the new sections and connectors. We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Richmond IN. Losantville parking area is just off US35, 3.7 miles N of intersection of US35 and IN1; well marked and easy to find. MUNCIE, Ind. Stay in one of our furnished Deluxe or Camping Cabins. As a Hoosier, I know that there can be some pretty boring and desolate places, so I was pleased to find the tree canopy as prolific as those I've seen in Michigan. To make a day out of your hike, stop by the Cumberland 2) A great comparison to the SW Ohio trail system. I really enjoyed the open sections that are fairly straight so you can comfortable ride at your preferred pace. Not much. The next morning I woke up with welts all over my forehead, neck and shoulders. Not valid with other discounts. 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. In about a quarter mile, the trailhead parking will be on your left. 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! Found this by accident while on a bike tour across the states. North Phoenix Campground. Very Sunny most of the way, but with some really nice long shady woods. This is the only trailhead in Richmond that has water. We were very grateful for a dry place to sleep. The trail appears very well maintained, though a little less so towards Richmond. Looking for a fantastic day in Richmond? 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! Major trailheads with parking are located in Marion behind Westwood Square on Miller Avenue between 2nd and 6th Streets, at Hogin Park at Valley Avenue and 14th Street, and in Jonesboro/Gas City at the intersection of SR 22/35 and Water Street, just east of SR 15. It's a really good trail, but there are just enough shortcomings that I hesitate to put it at 5 stars, particularly compared to trails I've been on in West Virginia and Pennsylvania earlier in the year. The main reason we do this trail is it is so remote that most people do not want to drive so far to get to it, but believe me, it is worth it if you want solitude and not a lot of traffic. 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 . 850 N. (Gaston) to Test Rd. For a map to the trailhead, visit WayNet.org the North 3rd St. . Paved and well maintained. Wildflowers flank the Gaston section of the greenway during the spring and summer. It's uphill from Richmond. It's a very nice park with a large pond, and many picnic areas to enjoy. After experiencing one especially bad heaved area, i will say that people riding bikes at a higher speed really need to watch these. ", "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. These are some of the best, well-taken photographs I have seen from the trail pages. (A detour was possible, but unsigned; too bad.) If you walk up that very steep hill where theres a worn path, you can get to the D Street trailhead parking lot.) I graduated from Ball State and I only wish it had been there when I was in school. Very flat except some slight grades at the southern 20 miles. 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. My Advice: Find The D street trailhead and park there, Alternatively, you can consider access points north of Richmond and I-75. 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! Found this trail on the trail link app. The northern half to Gaston was beautiful with the fall colors on the trees. Great Job. Across the nationand the worldonly the limits of imagination will limit its use. The elevation gain is not negligible. Spend Memorial Day weekend under the stars.3-night minimumSunday - performance by Wildheart BandCornhole TournamentSkylantern ceremony ($)Staff lead:Arts & CraftsCandy Bar Richmond and Wayne County's self-guided journey down the chocolate trail takes you to one-of-a-kindlocal candy shops/factories, bakeries, ice cream parlor,intriguing gift shops and more.Chocolate is featured at each stop and is presented in many different forms. Along the way, all the old C&O mileposts remain intact, from 133 down to 127, except for MP130. 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. Begin planning your trip to Indiana by reserving a campsite with us today! You can schedule your tee time at Highland Lake Golf Course, less than a mile away, or enjoy the beautiful Thistlewaite Falls, various trails and rose garden, right here in Richmond. The stop signs are clearly visible and the trail has been well maintained by the volunteers. They were well marked, however. We do sections of the trail. D STREET TRAILHEAD The trail is in very good shape with very nice rest areas that are spaced at very friendly intervals. I grade SW Ohio trails as "excellent." 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. Immediately turn right onto N. D St. 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? Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. We host various themed weekend events throughout the camping season to bring We will put you to work!Bring your rakes, blowers and energy. There should be a big green sign at the top of the stairs. The only thing that wasn't fantastic about the ride was all the stop at intersections. Got 6 miles in starting by Muncie. What towns are along the way are glanced at from a railroad right-of-way that stayed on the outskirts of even these small towns. 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. 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. It's easy to strike a conversation with locals, who are very appreciative of this trail. 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. From Industries Road (just south of I-70 Exits 151 and 149A), turn south on Union Pike. Along the way youll go under some large bridges and you can read some historical markers. 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. 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). Applies to one-site, for two consecutive nights at the same KOA. The trees and ditches could use some cleaning. Cardinal Greenways is a private, not-for-profit organization that encompasses the Cardinal Greenway, White River Greenway, Historic Wysor Street Depot, John Craddock Nature Preserve and Cardinal Equestrian Trail. This is considered downtown, but its on a small side street. You can see nice markers commemorating musicians who recorded there, including Louis Armstrong. From East Main Street, at the railroad bridge that has a big RICHMOND sign, turn north. I rode the entire 75 mile corridor round trip this spring and found it to give a wonderful variety of experiences. 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. The road portion was OK but GPS is pretty much a requirement. Passing under US 35, you will reenter the sun-drenched Indiana countryside, where the trail meanders along the highway through Medford and Blountsville. Very cool trestle over the Whitewater, and the spring colors were awesome. The Cardinal Greenway trail is part of an organized Rails-to-Trails movement. But a great trail to ride. If you are interested in a specific campground or site, or availability is limited, we suggest you checkout promptly. Safe and shady most of the way. Always bring my bicycle along on business trips, to ride at the end of the day. If you go off the edge, you will hit the gravel, you will go down. There are picnic and camping areas, beaches, and cabins for rent. Other sites provide a simpler experience with only water and electric hookups. The scenery changes enough, so don't worry about getting bored with your surroundings. By the way, take a look at the still intact stub of the Pennsy at the grade crossing at the nearby trailhead. The trail is paved and smooth from one end to the other and is just over 100 miles. 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. So don't assume that because it's in Indiana, you won't have some decent climbs! 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. There are N, S, NW, and SW (but not NE or SE). The track veers south, and the trail takes its place on the old C&O's right-of-way. Round trip was a little over 12 miles. These gates are rather nicely done - they look quite nice - but they require your attention in order to safely negotiate them. There is a chunk of the trail near the brady street crossing in muncie that heaving of the asphalt is occuring. 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. I had even showered immediately after my ride but I had a severe allergic reaction. 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 . You can park there and get right on the trail. b) Beware the cliffs in Richmond. You can park your car here and go up a steep switchback to get to the Greenway. Enjoy biking, hiking, or jogging along the beautiful portion of the Cardinal Greenway rail-trail project in Grant County. Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area Trails. 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. There are many types of RV batteries that both new and experienced RVers should be familiar with. The club van will be used to transfer bikes, gear and people to Richmond, IN. The trip will leave 8:00 Saturday morning from Indianapolis area. Lots of road crossings, but beautiful countryside. Overall it is a great ride and I recommend it to all. Estrella Mountain is also the site where the Gila and Agua Fria rivers meet, and a 65-acre grassy picnic area. In Richmond there is a big, old bridge that's fun to cross. Fees: $32 per night. 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. I saw one metal relay case 2 miles west of the Jonesboro trailhead, but there are no doubt more, as the forested trail lines virtually all of the Marion suburbs. You should visit cardinalgreenways.org for more information. You might just slip under the fence and over the cliff. It's a nice trail for a long, leisurely bike ride. This section is new and well designed, but I found the northern section from between Losantville and Muncie to be more enjoyable. 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! 39 talking about this. We tried to be techy and used google maps only to find we traveled in a big circle. Theres a bike shop very close to the trail here as well. It crosses the river at several points along the way. The trail takes its name from the Cardinal, the passenger train that once regularly ran the route. Cardinal Greenways. First stop was Richmond IN, southern terminus of the Cardinal Greenway, another Rail-Trail Hall of Fame trail [My 4th]. 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. Overall I really enjoyed this trail; very light grades made for an easy peddle. Cardianl Greenways connects to Prairie Creek Reservoir, Red-tail . No problem! On July 30 I rode from Richmond to Economy return. You can park there and take the trail south. Located just outside of Phoenix, Arizo, the Covered Wagon RV Park has a lot of excellent features that will appeal to families. 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