Cardinal Greenway

Cardinal Greenway Trail extends through five counties and three major cities, this 30-mile rail trail is the state's longest linear park and serves all of East-Central Indiana. The multi-use greenway is part of a 60-mile project that provides a key community connection to area schools, parks, and local cultural and historic resources. Trail users enjoy a number of activities including jogging, biking, and wildlife viewing. This greenway is a fine example of what is possible through volunteers and a successful partnership.

In 1993, over 200 people responded to a small newspaper item saying there would be a meeting to investigate the possibility of purchasing an abandoned rail line for a rails-to-trails conversion project. With public and private support, and thousands of volunteer hours invested, a not-for-profit organization was created, funding was raised, the property was purchased, plans were made, and now the Cardinal Greenway Trail has 30 miles of completed multi-use asphalt surface improvements. 

The trail is maintained and policed largely by volunteers. More than 200 volunteers provide the muscle, time, knowledge, and passion necessary to supplement the efforts of the small staff of the not-for-profit Delaware Greenways, Inc. organization. The Cardinal Greenway Trail has also partnered with the YMCA and the Richmond Parks Department to assist in maintaining this high-quality facility in a cost-effective manner. The trail connects cities, parks, schools, colleges, neighborhoods, and people. The Cardinal Greenway Trail was created with the support of volunteers and continues to provide no-cost recreational, educational, historical, cultural, environmental, and physical opportunities to a broad population of people.

Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Equestrian Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiing Snow, snowshoeing

Other Activities

• Snow, snow play general
• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Certified as an NRT
  Jun 4, 2003

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