We’re heading out of the confines of Chicago again to view fall foliage and explore a gorgeous regional trail, rolling through Amish country along Elkhart River in Indiana

The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, the Maple City Greenway and the MapleHeart Trail are a regional network of trails that connect the towns of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana. Together, the trails comprise a mostly-paved route of about 25 miles through small towns rich with local culture, numerous parks, farmland, and beautiful Midwestern scenery. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail won a national vote for Best Recreational Trail in the USA Today 10 Best readers’ choice contest in April of this year.

Here’s is the schedule for our Pumpkinvine exploration:

• Saturday, October 3: arrive at the hotel.
  Some of us are staying at the Best Western in Goshen, but there are several hotels nearby with easy access to the trail.

• Sunday, October 4: Longer east segment from Goshen to Shipshewana

  At 10am, we’ll head out of the parking lot at the Best Western in Goshen toward the trailhead in Abshire Park (Mile Marker 0). For those not staying at the hotel, the park offers free parking and trailhead amenities.

  We’ll start from Goshen to Middlebury (about 10 miles). The initial stretch leaving Goshen features a short packed-limestone section before turning into smooth asphalt. Expect a gentle 1–2% uphill grade over the first few miles as you pedal past open farm fields and wooded stretches.

  After a short break in Middlebury, we’ll continue to Shipshewana (about 6.8 miles), where we’ll stop for mid-ride refreshment before returning to Goshen.

  Total Day 1 riding distance about 34-36 miles, depending on short detours, etc.

  Meals/Refreshments: Although many establishments are closed in Amish country on Sundays, there are a a few excellent dining options at the midpoint in Shipshewana, or in Goshen at the end of the day’s ride. We can make our decision as a group based on weather, energy levels, hunger, etc.

• Monday, October 5: Shorter west segment from Goshen to Elkhart

  We’ll start at 10am again, and ride on the Mapleheart Trail, a direct 11.6-mile paved route that seamlessly links Goshen to Elkhart. Since it connects directly to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and Maple City Greenway network on the southern end, we can easily roll right onto it from our Goshen base.

  The route is mostly flat and follows the historic Lincoln Highway (US 33) and an active Norfolk Southern railroad line, making for an effortless out-and-back cruise of about 23 miles.

  Meals/Refreshments: Elkhart offers a pleasant riverwalk with many local establishment where we can grab a mid-ride snack or lunch before heading back.

What to bring:

• Your recumbent bike or trike (no recumbent? your regular bike is welcome!!)

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Helmet

• Lock

• Flat repair supplies and basic toolit

• Food/Water

Weather:

• We’ll ride in any weather, except steady downpour or other dangerous conditions. Since this ride requires an overnight stay and can’t be cancelled or rescheduled, we may adjust our route an distance according to the weather.

RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Please register below so we will know to expect you: