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Erie Trail and Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail

In 2023, the PTC applied to the IDNR for a competitive Indiana Trails Program (ITP) Grant to extend through North Judson by one mile the current 11-mile long Erie Trail.  The application included a 20% local match with funding from our supporters, PTC events, and membership dues. The grant was awarded.  A year later the DNR and PTC contracted on a $300,000 ITP award for qualified new trail development.  

 

The trail route includes Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum donated land and land where the PTC obtained an easement thanks to the Town of North Judson.  The Northern Indiana Community Foundation and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy contributed major funding.  Our Engineering Consultant helps assure the trail meets strict ITP Grant standards.  In August 2024 design plans were forwarded for the DNR’s review.

 

The planned extension includes a new trailhead adjacent to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.  Northwest of the trailhead the name “Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail” will be applied.  The Town of LaCrosse recently obtained a DNR Next Level Trails 4 Grant to develop a segment of the Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail north of the Kankakee River.  The PTC ultimately hopes to connect at the river with the LaPorte County trail.  In Winamac the Friends of the Panhandle Pathway are constructing a one-mile trail extension to bring that route north and closer to the Erie Trail.

 

The Erie Trail is a non-motorized paved trail from North Judson past US 35 to Starke County Road 700 E.  An equestrian trail borders the paved trail east from Starke County Road 100 W.   The Erie Trail offers great views of the Kankakee River sand country, rich farmland, oak savannah groves, wildflowers, prairies and marshlands. The Erie Trail and the new Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail are host to transAmerican routes the Great American Rail-Trail, American Discovery Trail, and USBR 35.

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