Zionsville/Nancy Burton Trail

 

The southern terminus of the path is a mile stretch of natural/gravel surface which is suitable for hiking or biking. It consists of a very dense forest, thus shady and serene, named the Nancy Burton portion of the trail. There are picnic tables built upon a massive embankment. Rail road ties can be seen along the sides of the trail, which can be muddy in places. Doggie clean-up areas are provided as well as trash receptacles, park benches, and bike racks. This, as well as the Nancy Burton Memorial Park where the southern-most parking for the trail can be found, was donated to the Zionsville Parks Department in 1991 by Lee Burton, in memory of his wife. It is located at S.R. 334. At the southern terminus of the Nancy Burton Trail, a path extension connects to the large Starkey Park, Zionsville's largest park. Providing 3 miles of nature hiking in 177 acres, this heavily wooded park with a nature preserve attracts a variety of people year-round. (S.R. 334 and Sugarbrush Dr.). One can access Starkey Park by walking westward on a dramatic boardwalk ramp descending to Eagle Creek where one can see the side of the original railroad bridge from 1919. From the top of this bridge one sees much of the South end of Zionsville. The North end of the Nancy Burden Trail becomes the Zionsville Rail Trail just South of the tunnel under West Oak Street.

 

The Zionsville Rail Trail runs northward for all uses including wheelchairs as it is asphalt-coated and relatively flat. It is a fairly secluded and harbors lots of wildlife. Continuing, the Zionsville Rail Trail passes an old grassy forest before tunneling under the intersection of Ford Rd., Mullberry St., Whitestown Rd., County Rd. 975 East on the outskirts of Zionsville, eventually leading hikers, bikers, rollerbladers into residential neighborhoods. The trail is very well-maintained and the lack of roadway intersections make it safe. The Zionsville Rail path is adjacent to many city parks and walking-distance from the Zionsville Golf Course.

 

On the northern end of the Zionsville Trail, the path passes by Mulberry Fields State Park providing offerings such as a skate park, soccer and lacrosse fields, a kiddy park and kiddy water park, a playground, and sledding hill. Zionsville Middle School is in this area. The endpoint of the trail is located at 875E. Just south of Shelbourne, totaling 3.5 miles.

 

Parking is available, north of the Nancy Burton Memorial Park, at the Zionsville Christian Church where there is a rest area open to all. This includes a playground, water station, and picket fencing. Further north can be found more parking at the American Legion Park (near the American Legion Hall) providing trash receptacles, playgrounds, doggy clean-up areas, trail maps, bike racks, and drinking fountains. Note: there is no parking at the very southern or northern terminus of the trail.

 

Future plans for the Zionsville Rail Trail include connecting the trail northward to Whitestown and another mile northwest to 800E. This is all to be part of the Farm Heritage Trail (See our “Farm Heritage Trail”), connecting Indianapolis to Prophetstown, just north of Lafayette.