Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

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What is the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail?

The trail is a 17-mile linear park under construction on the former Pumpkinvine Railroad corridor between Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana in north-central Indiana. As sections of the rail-trail are built they are opened for biking, walking, cross-country skiing and roller blading. Trails have been built in phases and Phases 1, 2 and 5A are open for public use. See Trail Construction for updates on progress with remaining phases. Trail Overview gives more information about each section of the trail.

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Phases 1 and 5A trail together are 5.2 miles long and accessible from Abshire Park in Goshen. From Main St. in Goshen find Lincoln Ave., Ind. 4, near the Elkhart County Courthouse. Turn east on Lincoln Ave. and continue about four blocks across the Norfolk and Southern RR tracks. Abshire Park will be on the right about 3 blocks past the tracks.

The trail from Lincoln Ave. to CR 28 (1.75 miles) is packed limestone and suitable for narrow tired bicycles. From CR 28 to CR 33 (3.4 miles) the surface is asphalt..

South of Lincoln Ave. the trail is asphalt and connects to the Maple City Greenway, 8 miles of urban trails connecting schools, residential areas, parks and businesses.

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Phase 2 is 0.6 mile long and is located near Krider Park in Middlebury where parking is available. The park is about two blocks west of Main St., Ind. 13, on Bristol Ave. This section of the trail features a 160-foot wooden pile bridge across the Little Elkhart River.

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Who are the Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, Inc?

The Friends are a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to converting the abandoned Pumpkinvine railroad corridor into a linear park and greenway for public use. Members include bicyclists, joggers, seniors, families with children, cross-country skiers and those interested in nature. Construction of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is dependent on the volunteer and financial support of Friends members. Donations are used for pre-construction expenses such as land surveys, fences and maintenance of property. All donations are tax deductible.

When trail construction begins on each phase of the project Friends donate that section of the corridor to a local public agency such as a park board or a town.

Benefits of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

A facility for exercise and recreation.
A quiet environment for walking and biking with children.
A means to showcase agriculture and country life.
An off-road bicycle and walking route to Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana.
A quiet place to enjoy nature.

Trail Highlights

Pumpkinvine-school-006 The trail passes through modern and traditional agricultural countryside as well as towns that are reminders of our roots. Notable sights along the trail are farm animals, country schools and Middlebury’s award winning, full-size replica of the Krider Garden exhibit shown at the 1933/34 Chicago World’s Fair.

A large portion of the Pumpkinvine Trail is canopied by trees creating a tranquil greenway for exercise, recreation and transportation.

Join the Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

Experience the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail for yourself.
Contribute your time and talents to the project.
Let your county and state officials know that you support the park.
Tell your friends and neighbors about the Pumpkinvine.
Make a financial contribution beyond your membership.

Memberships

Friends annual memberships are:

Individual ....................	$30
Family ........................	$40
Sustaining ...................	$60
Contributing ................	$100
Patron ........................	$250
Benefactor Bronze......	$500
Benefactor Silver ........	$1000
Benefactor Gold... ......	$2500
Benefactor Platinum.....	$5000 or more

Donations are used for pre-construction expenses such as land surveys, fences and property maintenance. All contributions are tax deductible.

Snail-Mail To:

Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
P.O. Box 392
Goshen, IN 46527

E-Mail To:friends@pumpkinvine.org

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