The volunteer organization that’s responsible for promoting and maintaining the Erie Trail between North Judson and Bass Station has received approval to add more access points to the route.
The Starke County Commissioners Monday approved access points on Range Road, 450 East at the southwest corner of Bass Lake and 600 East, which will connect to the campground. The Prairie Trails Club will purchase the necessary signs and will work with the Starke County Highway Department on their installation.
Eventually a trailhead will be added at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center at the intersection of State Road 10 and Range Road to provide an additional access point for bicycle riders and pedestrians to get on the route.
Both the American Discovery Trail between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the U.S. Bike Route #35, which will connect Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, will pass through Starke County on the Erie Trail.
Prairie Trails Club President Bruce Fingerhut told the commissioners they hope to connect to Tippecanoe River State Park in Pulaski County at some point. That’s also the goal for the Panhandle Pathway, which currently stops in downtown Winamac. Once that happens, outdoor enthusiasts will have more than 40 miles of paved trail from North Judson to France Park in Cass County.
Part of the Erie Trail is also accessible to equestrians, with an adjacent bridle path from 100 West to U.S. 35. However, horse enthusiasts note there’s not a good place to unload their animals and park their trailers in order to access the route.
Additionally brush, vines and honeysuckle need to be cleared from the path. The Prairie Trails Club plans to schedule a cleanup day later in the spring. Visit http://www.prairietrailsclub.org/ for more information.
