The Erie Trail in Huntington, Indiana, has undergone significant developments, enhancing its role as a vital recreational and transportation corridor within the community.
Trail Overview:
-
Starting Point: The trail begins at Erie Heritage Park, located on Riverside Drive. This park serves as a trailhead for both the Erie Rail Trail and the Little River Trail, celebrating Huntington’s rich railroad history.
-
Route and Connectivity: From Erie Heritage Park, the trail extends northward, crossing the historic Erie Railroad bridge and passing through Yeoman Park. Continuing along the former Erie rail bed, it reaches Gragg Street and proceeds to County Road 500 North. This alignment provides direct access to several key community assets, including:
-
Huntington University
-
Parkview Huntington Hospital
-
Parkview Family YMCA
-
Crestview Middle School
-
Heritage of Huntington Senior Living Center
-
Multiple city parks
-
Recent Developments:
- Northern Extension: In October 2024, a 0.74-mile extension was completed, adding a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along Gragg Street, Stults Road, and County Road 500 North. This extension enhanced connectivity to Huntington University, Parkview Huntington Hospital, the YMCA, Crestview Middle School, and Heritage of Huntington Senior Living Center.
Future Plans:
- Southern Extension: Plans are underway to extend the trail southward from Erie Heritage Park to the Hier’s Park 4-H Fairgrounds. This extension aims to further integrate the trail into the community’s recreational infrastructure, providing additional access points and enhancing the overall trail network.
The Erie Trail continues to evolve as a testament to Huntington’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage while promoting active lifestyles and community connectivity.
