NATIONAL ROAD HERITAGE TRAIL
The National Road Heritage Trail is a project to parallel the first national highway, authorized by Congress in 1806. The goal is for a complete off-road trail crossing Indiana from border to border. Much of this trail is being built on a Pennsylvania Railroad Right of way from Richmond to Indianapolis to Terre Haute. Several segments have already been built - the Pennsy Trail in Indianapolis and Hancock, the Vandalia in Hendricks County and Putnam County, and the National Road Heritage Trail in Vigo County.
In Vigo County, the trail begins at Jones Trailhead along Chamberlain Street, crosses US Highway 40, runs along the north side of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, past Hawthorn Park, past Indiana State University Memorial Stadium, through Centennial Park, past Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, along the north side of Indiana State University, before turning south on 4th Street. This trail intersects with Indiana Veterans Memorial Mile and the Sycamore Bike Trail.
LOCATION
County: Vigo
City: Terre Haute
Mileage: 7
East Endpoint (#1) - Specific: Jones Trailhead - 1652 Chamberlain St.
West Endpoint (#2) – Specific: Oakley Place - 4th St. and Cherry St.
Direction to #2 from #1: Southwest
Notable Trailheads:
Near to US highways: US Highways 40, 41, and 150
Photo Courtesy of Derek Zollinger
TRAIL FEATURES
Type of Trail: Rail Trail
Surface: paved
Uses allowed: walking, biking.
Which uses NOT allowed: motorized vehicles, equestrians
Photo Courtesy of Derek Zollinger
AGENCY INFORMATION
Terre Haute Parks Department
17 Harding Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 232-2727
Photo Courtesy of Derek Zollinger
From the City of Terre Haute website:
In 1806, Congress approved the construction of the first national highway.
Construction on the National Road, which began in Cumberland, Maryland, and ended in Vandalia, Illinois, began in 1811. Today we know it as U.S. Highway 40.
Our National Road Heritage Trail extends for approximately 6.5 miles from the Twigg Rest Area, which is on U.S.40, to the Indiana State University campus in downtown Terre Haute. This trail is our pride and joy and is ideal for running, walking, biking, or rollerblading.
It is well-maintained and is a great escape for your activity in a serene setting!