Cycling Indiana’s Cardinal Greenway Through Small Towns and Quiet Countryside

The Cardinal Greenway

Distance: 62 Miles

Route Map

The Cardinal Greenway runs about 62 miles from Richmond to Marion, passing through Muncie along a paved former rail corridor that stays almost completely flat from end to end. No major climbs, no technical riding, just smooth pedaling through eastern Indiana’s open farmland, shaded tree corridors and small towns.

The trail leaves from a well-signed trailhead near the historic Depot District in Richmond, an area lined with restaurants, cafés, and small shops that make it easy to prep for the day. If you’re back in Richmond after the ride, this is also where you can grab a meal — places like the long-running Firehouse BBQ & Blues or the coffeeshops and boutiques around Fort Wayne Avenue. Hayes Arboretum sits just east of town and provides parking, restrooms, and a short warm-up loop if you want a little time off the trail.

Rolling towards Muncie

From Richmond the trail heads into farmland, long straightaways, and patches of woodland before rolling into the outskirts of Muncie. This mid-route city is a nicel unch stop: the trail passes near Canan Commons, the White River Greenway, and the restored Wysor Street Depot, which gives a nice sense of the rail heritage that defines the corridor. Just a few blocks off the trail are places like The Caffeinery for a proper coffee break or Twin Archer Brewpub if you need a bigger mid-ride refuel. Muncie also has full services — grocery stores, restrooms, water, and bike-friendly parks — so it’s the place to top up bottles and calories before the final stretch.

North of Muncie, fields open up, treelines come and go, and the old railroad alignment keeps the riding on track. Several small trailheads break up the miles, each with parking, benches, or basic facilities. The scenery doesn’t shift dramatically, but that’s part of its appeal: it’s a long, even, reliable greenway that makes it easy to settle in and cover distance without constantly checking navigation. Old rail bridges across creeks provide the occasional photo-op, and the corridor stays well maintained year-round. Services become sparse between Muncie and Marion, so carrying water is important on warm days.

A two-day ride or shuttle back

The approach into Marion becomes more suburban before the trail reaches its northern end. Marion amenities including restaurants near the town center and the broad, shaded paths of Matter Park along the Mississinewa River. If you’re overnighting, there are several lodging options, and if you need a cool-down meal, local choices like Los Amigo’s Mexican Grill or Brooks Upper Crust Pizza offer cyclist-friendly stops.

Many riders arrange a ride from Marion back to Richmond or plan a two-day ride with a hotel night in between. The fully paved surface and gentle grade make this a comfortable long ride for most cyclists, though wind can be a factor in the open farm segments and shade varies. Navigation is simple — the Greenway is well marked and follows a straight rail alignment — but cell coverage can soften in a few rural gaps.

The Cardinal Greenway is a scenic town-to-town ride through calm countryside with services at both ends, great for an all-day Indiana rail-trail experience.

Cycling in Indiana rolls past Richmond and Muncie (AI Image)

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