Great American Rail-Trail Indiana Tour 2022 Map | Download map pdf
The Great American Rail-Trail® will be the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail—a route that is entirely bikeable and separated from vehicle traffic across 3,700 miles between Washington State and Washington, D.C. Already, this cross-country route, a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, is inspiring enthusiasm about trails in new and exciting ways. From the communities invigorated by the economic and local potential of the trail to the people who have embarked on the cross-country journey, people are celebrating the completed segments and drawing attention to the need to complete the route quickly so that it’s full potential can be realized.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and our partners at the Cardinal Greenway, the Nickel Plate Trail and the Adventure Cycling Association, will host a 3-day bicycle tour of the route in Indiana, traveling over 100 miles between Richmond and Rochester.
The tour will depart from Richmond, Indiana, on September 13 and end in Rochester, Indiana, on September 15. Each day, tour participants will have the opportunity to experience local gems, connect with local business owners and leaders, and get to know each of the towns along the route in the most intimate way possible—from the seat of a bicycle.
This tour is appropriate for bicyclists of all skill levels with opportunities for shuttling as needed. Bicycles and helmets will be provided if needed.
All participants are expected to cover their travel and lodging costs. All meals and costs associated with the tour will be paid for by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Daily rates can be provided for any participants who need to pay for their full costs.
Accommodations
Participants are responsible for paying for travel and lodging. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will cover the costs of the tour and meals as noted. If any participants need to pay for tour and meal costs, individualized invoices can be provided. Participants are not required to participate in the entire tour. Room blocks have been reserved for the nights of September 12 through 15 for tour participants. View itinerary below for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sept. 12
Monday, Sept. 12, 2022
Kick off the Indiana Tour of the Great American Rail-Trail with a casual dinner and experience some of Richmond’s transportation history with Model T rides.
Bike tour of the Cardinal Greenway, Richmond to Muncie, including visit to Starr Gennett Records building and Red Tail Nature Preserve. Celebrate RTC’s 2022 Rail-Trail Champion at the reception at the Muncie Depot.
Total mileage: 24 or 41 miles
7:00 am – Shuttle to Starr Gennett Records Building leaves Home2 Suites
7:30 am – Bike fitting and breakfast at Starr Gennett Records Building
8:30 am – Launch event and celebration
9:00 am – Ride segment #1: Richmond to Losantville along Cardinal Greenway, 24 miles (water stops at Webster and Newman Road)
12:30 pm – Lunch at the Losantville Trailhead, hosted by Randolph County Tourism
1:30 pm – Option #1: Take shuttle to hotel in Muncie
1:30 pm –Option #2: Ride segment #2: Losantville to Muncie along Cardinal Greenway, 17 miles (water stop at Red Tail Nature Preserve)
3:30 pm – All riders arrive to hotel in Muncie (Courtyard by Marriot)
6:00 pm – Walk or shuttle to Rail-Trail Champion reception at Cardinal Greenway Muncie Depot
Complete the Cardinal Greenway. Explore efforts to complete two gaps that are critical to the Great American Rail-Trail Lunch and ice cream stops, followed by an evening dinner reception.
Total mileage: 37 miles
8:00 am – Walk or shuttle to Cardinal Greenway Muncie Depot
8:30 am – Launch event at Cardinal Greenway Muncie Depot, featuring breakfast catered by Sea Salt and Cinnamon
9:15 am – Ride segment #1: Muncie to Gaston along Cardinal Greenway, 11 miles
10:45 am – Riders meet shuttle to follow proposed route to fill gap in Cardinal Greenway
11:15 am – Ride segment #2: Gas City to Marion along Cardinal Greenway, 6 miles
12:00 pm – Lunch in Marion at Hogin Park
12:45 pm – Ride segment #3: Marion to Converse along Cardinal Greenway, Sweetser Switch Trail, and Converse Junction Trail, 12 miles
2:30 pm – Ice cream stop at Converse Big Dipper
3:00 pm – Riders meet shuttle to follow route to fill gap connecting to Nickel Plate Trail, funded by Next Level Trails Grant
3:45 pm – Ride segment #4: Bunker Hill to Peru along Nickel Plate Trail, 8 miles
4:30 pm – Shuttle to hotel, Best Western Circus City
5:15 pm – Shuttle to pre-dinner tour at Miami County Museum
5:30 pm – Pre-dinner tour at Miami County Museum
6:15 pm – Walk to dinner at Canal Toll House and Granary
6:30 pm – Dinner at Canal Toll House and Granary, dinner catered by Club 14 Bar and Grill
Call the hotel directly to reserve a room at the discounted rate ($105 per night) plus tax: (765) 473-8800. Reference “Rails to Trails Group” for discounted rate. Deadline to reserve: 9/7
The Great American Rail-Trail is a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities through a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. The “Great American” is the most ambitious project in its TrailNation™ portfolio—the organization’s initiative to encourage the rapid replication of regional trail networks across the country. Follow @greatamericanrailtrail on Facebook and Instagram.
