MAPLEHEART TRAIL
The Mapleheart Trail is an 11.6 mile trail that connects Elkhart and Goshen while traveling along side the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. The trail connects to the Elkhart RiverWalk Trail and the Elkhart River Greenway Trail on the north end and Maple City Greenway, Millrace Canal Trail, and Pumpkinvine Nature Trail on the south end. This trail provides an excellent way for cyclists to explore Northern Indiana Amish Country.
LOCATION
County: Elkhart
City: Elkhart, Goshen
Mileage: 11.6
North Endpoint - General: Elkhart
South Endpoint - General: Goshen
Notable Trailheads: Ox Bow County Park
Near to US highways: US Highway 33, US Highway 20
Connection to bus, rail: Interurban Trolley
TRAIL FEATURES
Type of Trail: Rail with Trail
Surface: paved
Uses allowed: walking, biking, running, rollerblading
Wheelchairs allowed: yes
Which uses NOT allowed: Motorized
Attractive Features: Follows busy railroad, Ox Bow County Park, Connects City of Elkhart with Goshen, Oakridge Cemetery
AGENCY INFORMATION
City of Elkhart and City of Goshen manage their portions of the trail, Elkhart County manages the rest of the trail.
Elkhart Parks & Recreation Department
1320 Benham Ave
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-295-7275
Goshen Parks and Recreation
524 E. Jackson St.
Goshen, IN 46526
574-534-2901
Elkhart County Parks
211 W. Lincoln Ave.
Goshen, IN 46526-3280
574-535-6458
More Information
From the Trail Map:
Following US 33 and the historic Lincoln Highway, the MapleHeart is a direct route between Elkhart and Goshen, connecting two cities with lots of food and entertainment options. The trail also parallels one of the busiest railroads in the region, making it a great route for train watching.
Ox Bow County Park is a nice halfway stop for a more natural landscape. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the prairie or take something to play catch for a quick game. Look for the pedestrian and cyclist entrance to the southeast of the main gate; non-motorized visitors enter for free.
Goshen to Ox Bow is the recommended section for casual bikers and walkers who prefer to stay off-road. Leaving and entering Elkhart requires a bit more confidence as the trail merges with local traffic.