Cardinal Greenway Century

Cardinal Greenway, Indiana

Route Overview

102 mi.

1,737 ft.

This is a 100+ mile round trip on a paved rail trail in east central Indiana. The Cardinal Greenway is the longest rail trail in Indiana.

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Route Details

# Introduction

The Cardinal Greenway is Indiana's longest rail trail, spanning the east central portion of the state in two segments.  The southern segment is the longest at 51.5 miles and extends from Richmond northwest to Gaston.  The route is paved the entire distance, though there are many road crossings.  Trailheads are abundant and nicely appointed with benches, paved parking.  Some have shelters and port-a-potties.  The trail is open from dawn to dusk and may be ridden year round, though you might want to ride a fatbike after snowfalls as it is not plowed.

# Detailed Description

This is an out and back route that you can start from any trailhead.  I stared in the middle at Jacksonburg Road so that I could access my car near the midpoint of my ride to replenish water and other supplies.

The Cardinal Greenway is a rail trail that  follows an old railroad grade, so although it isn't perfectly flat the climbs are gentle and manageable.   The entire route is paved from Richmond to Gaston.  Pavement is generally in good shape though there are some cracks and a few potholes.

There are a great many road crossings.  Virtually all of them are at grade.  Most are lightly traveled county roads, although some cross at odd angles.  A few crossings are also through the middle of intersections which requires riders to look four ways instead of two before proceeding.  There are 18 crossings in Muncie alone, 8 of which cross fairly busy roads.  Be careful when navigating the gates.  They are configured in such a way as to require you to slow down dramatically before proceeding.

Here are some of the highlights along the trail including places to take some great pictures.

* @poi[Gaston Trailhead](1808290)
* @poi[Railroad Bridge, Muncie - Photo Ops](1808288)
* @poi[Cardinal Greenways Depot and Offices](1808287)
* @poi[Milepost 100 - Photo Ops](1808286)
* @poi[Jacksonburg Road Trailhead](1808284)
* @poi[Greenway 500 Bike Shop](1808285) 
* @poi[Webster Trailhead (restrooms)](1808291)
* @poi[Richmond High Bridge](1808292)

# More resources

If you find yourself in Muncie during the summer months but don't have a bicycle, be sure to visit Cardinal Greenways at the depot in downtown Muncie.  They have a free loaner bike program and will be happy to set you up.  Visit their @poi[website](1808287) for more information.

# Important Reminders

The trail is only open from dawn to dusk.  Cardinal Greenways encourages riders to wear helmets.

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Cardinal Greenway Century

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