PANHANDLE PATHWAY
The Panhandle Pathway is a 22-mile trail that runs from Winamac southwards to just west of Logansport. The Pathway runs along the former Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way as it takes passengers and freight through the shadows of forested groves, the tall crops of large farm fields, and across the storied Tippecanoe River. Now trail users can traverse this beautiful landscape that speaks to the natural wonders of Northern Indiana. Near the north end are Tippecanoe River State Park, Bass Lake, and the North Judson Erie Trail. Near the south end are France Park, Wabash River, and Logansport with its many trails.
LOCATION
City: Royal Center, Star City, Winamac
Mileage: 22
North Endpoint (#1) - Specific: State Road 14 and Logan Street, Winamac
South Endpoint (#2) – Specific: US 24 Trailhead - Kenneth, IN
Direction to #2 from #1: South
Notable Trailheads: US 24 Trailhead - Kenneth, Market and Kramer St in Royal Center, Key and Railroad Street in Star City, US 35 Trailhead - Winamac, Winamac High School, Main Street Depot - Winamac
Near to US highways: US Highways 35 and 24
Photo Courtesy of Ethan Hopper
TRAIL FEATURES
Type of Trail: Rail Trail
Surface: paved
Uses allowed: walking, biking.
Which uses NOT allowed: motorized vehicles, equestrians
Photo Courtesy of Ethan Hopper
AGENCY INFORMATION
Friends of the Panhandle Pathway, Inc.
Winamac Municipal Building
623 W 11th Street
P.O. Box 153
Winamac, IN 46996
Photo Courtesy of Ethan Hopper
From the trail agency website:
The Panhandle Pathway Trail is the 22 mile railtrail corridor running from Winamac in Pulaski County, almost to France Park (near Logansport) in Cass County. This corridor follows the old railbed of the Pennsylvania Railroad line i.e., the Panhandle Railroad and was purchased via the Federal Railbanking Program for the purpose of developing a trail for hiking, bicycling, and other non-motorized recreational uses.
The Panhandle Pathway follows the historic rail path through farmland, shady wooded areas, the beginning of the Wabash Valley, and across the Tippecanoe River, as well as across Mill Creek, Mud Creek, Indian Creek, Little Indian Creek and Crooked Creek. The trail provides views of farmland and a dedicated prairie preserve. The trail currently goes through the communities of Winamac, Star City, Thornhope and Royal Center on the ride south to the Kenneth (west of Logansport) cul-de-sac rest area. The Panhandle Pathway Trail is ideal for walking, hiking, running, biking and skating. Overall it is comfortably wide, smooth, and flat. There is a good mixture of open and shaded trail.
Well maintained by volunteers, the Panhandle Pathway Trail is a lovely rural experience with new things to see and hear every time you use it.
Panhandle Pathway Benefits
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A quiet place to enjoy nature while walking, running or biking with family and friends.
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An environment to display local agriculture, North-Central Indiana lifestyle, and country living.
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An off-road trail linking local towns to other regional bike trails.
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A place for schools to supplement education needs including physical fitness, team training, science, biology and other related fields of study.