Do you like to bike, run or even walk? Then, you need to try out the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail in Northern Indiana. The trail is located in Elkhart County on an abandoned railroad corridor that dates back to 1888. Passenger trains once ran along this same route and later mail service well into the 1900s. The trail changed hands a few times before finally being silent in 1980.

Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail purchased the corridor in 1993 and have worked diligently to get the trail up and running to its current state. And their hard work has paid off. Today, the 16.5 mile trail runs through Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana and showcases some of the best of Northern Indiana. While on their trail you can view seven wooden-trestle bridges, two Amish schools, thirty-one species of wildflower and if you look closely even a camel farm!

If don't have a bike or don't carry it with you on trips, you can rent bikes at one of three locations - one even being right off the trail head.

In total, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is comprised of three trails connecting Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana with total distance of 25 miles. And not that I'm looking for an excuse, but that is certainly enough to justify a slice of pie at the Essenhaus - which happens to be right on the way. :)

Before you go, be sure and visit the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail's website. Construction continues to make the trail bigger and better and you'll want to know of the latest developments for you to enjoy.

The weather is nice. The trails are there. What are you waiting for?

* All photos courtesy of Elkhart, IN CVB.