I traveled the Pumpkinvine Trail as part of my 25th Anniversary Tenderness Tour, a wheelchair tour…read moreof Northern Indiana raising awareness and funds on behalf of organizations working to break the cycle of child abuse/domestic violence. Among the several trails that I traveled over the course of my 13 days, the Pumpkinvine was perhaps my favorite as it weaved together an absolutely beautiful trail, cultural relevance, friendly people, and the great diversity of nature. Depending upon whom you speak with, the Pumpkinvine either starts in Elkhart's Ox Bow Park Goshen's Abshire Park. However, the Pumpkinvine website (http://pumpkinvine.org) documents the trail beginning in Elkhart and a sign at the end of the trail at County Road 850 (just about .6 miles from Shipshewana) documents your distance at 26.3 miles for completing the entire trail. If you've caught on that the trail is in the heart of Elkhart County and moves on into the edges of LaGrange County, then it shouldn't be a surprise that the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is frequented by members of the area's Amish community who mostly use the trail utilizing bicycles as horses are forbidden on the trail. As I wheeled the entire trail from Elkhart to the end near Shipshewana, I repeatedly encountered members of the Amish community who were likely out enjoying one of the area's last decent days before the Fall chills arrive. The trail is certainly not exclusive to the Amish community and this happened to be one of the few trails where I encountered people from beginning to end even on a day that it drizzled or rained pretty much all day (including a very brief period of snow). The entire trail is paved asphalt with the exception of a 1.75 mile section that includes some country road travel that is comprised of packed limestone. This particular section, as well, is the only section that might prove to be a bit of a challenge for some folks with a mobility impairment. It's lightly traveled by vehicles, but it's a little more uneven and vehicles and buggies do travel on it. That said, my very minor concerns about it aren't enough for me to dock the Pumpkinvine a star (NOTE: IF a 1/2 star were an option, I might go 4.5). For those familiar with the trail's history, it's noteworthy that the beauty of the trail doesn't quite reveal how controversial it was when it was first being developed and how much certain landowners fought the planned usage and, to this day, hang out their "no trespassing signs" along the path to ensure no one stumbles off the trail onto their land. While I encountered no negativity along the route, there was no question that this impacted the ambience just a slight bit. The trail also has brochures that will tell you about various historical places along the trail including information regarding Chief Shipshewana and nearby Amish landmarks including a schoolhouse right off the trail. While the Amish on the whole can be a bit distant, you probably would be too if you were treated as a tourist attraction, I found them to be friendly and personable throughout my 26 mile ride and their presence adds a uniqueness to this trail you simply don't find anywhere else. Motorized vehicles, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs, aren't allowed on the trail. Bicycles, walkers, runners, and wheelers are encouraged. The trail holds events at various times throughout the year and I believe there's even a season for cross-country skiing being allowed. That's probably not in the Summer, eh? There are places to park along the trail especially as you reach the towns of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. Being in a wheelchair, it is definitely worth noting that I ran over a TON of cherry pits. While this didn't do any damage to the chair, it may be possible during the Fall season that hitting a pit the wrong way could potentially slice a tire. It's a fairly light risk, but it's worth noting. Among the many beautiful trails I've traveled over the past couple weeks, it's pretty hard to top Elkhart/LaGrange County's beautiful and well kept Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

Rode the Pumpkinvine Trail from Goshen to Shipshewana and back to Goshen. We stopped for lunch in…read moreMiddlebury and hit the bakery in Shipshewana for a snack. Several interesting food options in Middlebury and lots of Amish shops in Shipshewana. The trail is well maintained and smooth with a mix of crushed stone and paved sections. It's largely wooded, shady, and shielded from the wind. It's mostly flat. I was there on a Saturday and there was plenty of traffic on the trail, but no congestion. Lots of Amish and Mennonites on the trail on a nice late summer day.

Nice dog park along side the East Bank Trail Walk. Area for large dogs and separate area for small…read moredogs. Lots of room for your dog to run around. Picnic bench area that is covered. The East Bank River Trail is adjacent to the Dog Park. You can walk your dog on the trail to the dog park. Nice area in general.

Beautiful stretch of the Elkhart river, can be kayaked or canoed. Refer to the website for access…read morepoints, Defries gardens is a favorite place for me. For fishermen it is somewhat wadeable, there is an incredible amount of dead wood however...which means youre going to have to bank scramble a bit. Many places have park amenities, like picnic tables, parking lots, trails etc. There are great places for kids to safely wade and play in the water, plenty of wildlife to see and photo opportunities. Its very wild, be prepared for mud, mosquitos, sticker bushes and the like. This is not a city park.

Chamberlain lake is a nice place for a walk. Much of the actual forest was blown over by a tornado…read more The lake itself is more of a shallow marsh. The trails are groomed and not difficult walking...you could even get a stroller through most of it easily. It is a nature preserve so youre not supposed to pick any plants or touch anything.

This compact "pocket" park along the St. Joseph River at the base of the Main Street Bridge is well…read morelandscaped and manicured. Massive trees create a large scenic canopy of shade. There are a few mounted park benches to sit and enjoy nature. There are no facilities nor playground equipment -- however -- there is a professionally designed ADA Compliant Canoe / Kayak launch ramp.

This is a great park for beginning hikers or those short on time. The park, while beautiful is much…read moresmaller than State parks, with trails that are harder to get lost on. There is small playground, a "Sensory Garden" area that has a pond with running water & frogs (for sound), highly scented flowers (for smell) and even some safe to taste herbs (for taste). There is a covered picnic area that can be rented out for parties. It can also be used freely when no parties are booked. One could make a day of this place but it's not a requirement to see everything.

such a beautiful park, i love the trails available very pretty views and everyone that travels is…read morenice. good for walking and biking.

This is a nice little nature park with parking and bicycle parking. You can walk the nature trails…read moredown to the creek or take the paved bicycle trail to the Indiana State Line. About 3 miles. This trail goes right by South Firemans Park as well.

Well cared for city park. Right off Riverside drive with off street parking available. Features…read moreswings, tire swing, merry go round, soccer nets, basketball court, and the star attraction - a sitting zip line. Perfect green space for flying a kite or playing games. A nice family friendly park! Cons: this park has no sitting areas. We brought our lunch and since no one was here we used the merry go round as a picnic table. Also no trash cans, so there was some trash around.

Small block park with newer Playground equipment a d some green space. Some parking available…read more Usually no one is there.