Trails in Indiana

ONE - POINT - FIVE MILES CLOSER

There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony a few days ago in Clarksville, Indiana, and a lot of dedicated and enthusiastic trail-users were on hand to commemorate the progress—1.5 more miles of the seven-mile, multi-use, non-motorized pathway connecting Clarksville-Jeffersonville-New Albany. In addition, walkers, bicyclists, and joggers will soon be able to cross the Ohio River by trail to tie in with Louisville ’s waterfront to the south.

The Clarksville Levee Trail, as its name implies, follows the top of the protective levee west from Falls of the Ohio State Park to George Rogers Clark’s cabin replica, located with a million-dollar view of the river and nowadays a good view of the Interstate 64 bridge further west. This trail section also includes paved access ramps which link adjoining neighborhoods to the trail at the top of the levee.
 
After you’ve explored ancient fossil beds, the interpretive center, and exhibits at the park, trek west on the new trail to take in Clark ’s cabin for more history. Don’t despair when you reach the current trail ending—in summer it’s difficult to see the cabin behind leafy trees to the left. When you see split rail fencing, you’ve reached the right place. Follow the car road a short distance, down the slope to the river and parking lot by the boat launch. A paved path and historical marker and plaques lead the way up to the cabin. Among other notable deeds, George Rogers Clark founded Louisville , and he recognized economic opportunity in the need for travelers and freight to get around the falls. The great westward expedition of Lewis and Clark started from here. The falls area also provided a crossing point for buffalo and other wildlife migrating over southern Illinois and Indiana plains to salt licks in Kentucky .
 
Trail organizers—the Ohio River Greenway Development Commission, and Friends of the Ohio River Greenway—also announced that several more trail sections are now in the design phase, including the stretch east of the Falls area, or Ashland Park, and the approach to the Big Four Railroad Bridge crossing the river. The interstate link-up is growing ever closer, with work continuing on bridge redecking as well as the connecting ramp up to the bridge height on the Kentucky side.
 
The Clarksville Levee Trail completion was made possible from 2008 trails grants awarded by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.