We are excited to announce the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded a Next Level Trails grant to design and construct the trail from 600 West to 500 West, in Hancock County. The trail will follow along 100 South. Trail construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

The trail is being purchased with the support of DNR’s President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust fund.

This section will link the Pennsy Trails to 500 West. Safe trail crossings at 500 West and 600 West are a priority to prevent injury. Donations are being accepted to install Hybrid Trail Crossing signals and other safety signs for trail and road users. Donations accepted at www.PennsyTrails.org or to PO Box 214 New Palestine IN 46163.

The county was able to purchase 500 West to 400 West in 2018 with donations from the Town of Cumberland, donations from Washington Village Apartments, and a Bicentennial Nature Trust grant from the DNR. Construction has started and will be completed in 2021 with a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) fund. Please stay off the trail between 400 West and 500 West until construction has been completed.

The Pennsy Trails is part of the National Road Heritage Trail running across the state along the south side of US 40. The Indianapolis section was completed in 2020 and now fully open to Cumberland. Trail access will be possible from 400 West to Ellenberger Park.

A trail head at 400 West is planned with handicap parking, a shelter, and educational stations for adults, families, scouts, and school groups. This site will highlight the Sugar Creek Water Shed as an important habitat to the American Bald Eagle and many other types of wildlife. Education will support the 3rd grade life sciences curriculum and the Boy Scout’s Environmental Sciences badge required for the Eagle Scout Award.

We would like to thank our major donors to this project. The following have donated $5000 or more to support the grants: Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation, Nine Star Connect, Cardinal Elements Weight Loss & Wellness, Gregory & Patsy Needham, Hancock County Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Greenfield, Bernie & Sandy Miller in memory of Clark Ketchum, Hancock Flat 50, Duke Energy Foundation.

All donors, small and large, are listed at www.PennsyTrails.org.
There are other sections ready to purchase in Hancock County to connect the trail between 400 West and 150 West, west of Greenfield, and 400 East to the county line east of Greenfield. The county is committed to supporting the connection of the trail across the county. The county approved the Hancock County Trails plan in 2018. More info at www.PennsyTrails.org.

See You on the Trail Soon!