Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, Inc.

The Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the safety, health, economics, and quality of life of communities through the development and operation of a trail between Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana, Ind. The corridor begins at Abshire Park in Goshen and extends about 17 miles in a northeasterly direction, running from Goshen through the town of Middlebury to Shipshewana. At Abshire Park, it also connects to Goshen's Maple City Greenway. The project includes building a trail on the corridor to allow use by walkers, joggers, bikers and other forms of non-motorized transportation.

The Friends formed in 1993 and purchased the corridor, mostly from the Penn Central Corporation. Additional portions were purchased or donated by businesses and individuals in the community. Since the initial purchase, the Friends have worked with the city of Goshen, the town of Middlebury, Elkhart County and the town of Shipshewana to seek construction grants from funding agencies to build the trail on the corridor.

The Friends is a totally volunteer organization. Funding for day-to-day operations comes from those who believe this project is important for our community today and for future generations. Those interested in more information on the status of this project or in volunteering to help bring this project to reality are invited to check out our website at www.pumpkinvine.org.

• A family-friendly 16.5-mile bike path conncting Goshe, Middlebury and Shipshewana
• Excellent place to walk or jog
• Trail has wildflowers and small animals and birds
• Trail is mostly level
• 15 of the 16.5 miles are off road