We had quite a bit of rain the past week, but finally had a break so we could get out on a trail. Sunny and I decided a rail trail would be best and ended up in Peru, Indiana revisiting the Nickel Plate Trail. This is a trail we visited in June 2025 and loved. The trail covers over 56 miles so instead of exploring the same section as we did in June, we chose a different location. We found this section of the trail to be as wonderful as the one we explored previously. Read about that adventure and the history of the trail at Nickel Plate Trail.
Our Adventure
Today’s adventure started at the Berne Bank parking lot at 915 W. Main Street. At the start, there is a shelter with a bench, garbage can, and informational sign. The shelter was named for Bill Wolfe, a member of the community who owned Super ’98 gas station and car repair. Shortly after passing the informational sign about the shelter, you come to the historic Walbash River trestle bridge. As you walk across the bridge, you get a beautiful view of the river. Shortly after crossing the bridge, you walk into a wooded section of the trail, but this does not last long. The next section of the trail is only wooded on one side. The other side has a road with houses on the other side. Luckily, after about half a mile, you cross Riverside Drive and Summit Drive to re-enter the woods.
This is where the trail is most scenic. The trail is wooded on both sides with the Little Pipe Creek running along one side. We crossed several bridges over the creek and 300 S. Eventually, we crossed 400 S and found a nice bench sponsored by St. John’s Lutheran Church and Thrivent Financial. This was a perfect spot to take a break and share some apple slices before starting the walk back to the car. Our total walk was almost 5.5 miles.
Sunny’s Perspective
This trail is fantastic! There are lots of chipmunks and birds, which I was not allowed to chase for some reason. I was allowed to smell all the good smells along the trail. And I even found a cool pile of logs that had the most amazing smells. I’m pretty sure a critter was using this as their home. I also loved the views of the river and creeks. I did not love the long car ride to get here, but once we arrived we had a great time. One of my favorite parts was sitting on a bench and sharing apple slices before turning around and walking back to the car. This place is so fun!
Our Rating
Sunny and I rate this section of the Nickel Plate Trail 3.5 out of 4 paws up. The only things we didn’t love, is the section of trail along the road and there is no restroom. You may be able to use the restroom at the bank, but we started our adventure before the bank opened. As we hiked along the trail we found another parking lot on South Wallick Road, just past Summit Drive. Although you still walk along the road for a bit, it cuts that section almost in half. The downside is you miss the trestle bridge and the views from it.
How Do I Get There?
Use 915 W. Main Street for the location in your GPS. From US-24W turn left onto IN-19S and follow it for 1.6 mile to E. Main Street. Turn right onto Main Street and follow it for 2 miles. Pass Park Avenue and Erie Street, then turn left into the parking lot near Sunoco. Drive to the back of the lot and park. The trail is up the grass incline. We took the trail to the right to the trestle bridge and continued just past W 400 S.
For more information on the trail: