Another beautiful day means another hiking adventure for Sunny and me. Today we explored a new (to us) section of the Fishing Line Trail. We recently explored the section from the Kendallville parking area to Angling Road and previously we’ve explored the section west of CR 450 E. Today we explored the section east of CR 450 E and nearly walked to the Kendallville parking area. What we found is a beautiful trail mostly surrounded by dense trees with views of corn fields and farms. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful hike that we will return to often.
As we normally do when exploring the Fishing Line Trail in Rome City, IN we parked at the Gene Stratton-Porter Historical site. Today we did not visit the site or the trails there, but we have done that in the past and they are well worth visiting. You can read about our review of both HERE and HERE.
From the parking area we walked down the asphalt path toward E 850 N and crossed the road. Once we approached the trail we turned left and continued until we crossed N 450 E. From the parking lot to this spot is about 1M. We’ve walked this section many times, but today was the first time we crossed N 450 E.
This section of the Fishing Line Trail is similar to the section on the other side of N 450 E. It’s wooded on both sides, but since this section is through farmland there are peek and full views of corn fields. In fact, there are several areas with tractor crossings. A short distance after crossing N 450 E, we crossed E 800 N.
This section was wooded on both sides until we came around a bend, saw a sign warning to yield to farming, and then had a view of bean fields on the left. We walked right next to the crop of beans and could hear the farmers tending to their fields. This was the only section of the trail that had a little descent. As we came to the bottom we saw a sign advertising Lakeside Bicycle. We only continued a short distance further and then decided it was time to turn around and head back to the car. Our total distance was 5.5M. Looking at the map of the trail it appears that we nearly walked to the Kendallville Parking area so we’ve walked nearly the entire Fishing Line Trail.
Sunny’s Perspective
I LOVE this trail. There are so many great smells and although there were some people riding bicycles, we mostly had the trail to ourselves. I liked looking at the corn and bean fields and even tried to convince Andie we should walk through them. She didn’t think that was a good idea so we stayed on the trail. I really like that a lot of this trail is in the shade so we didn’t get too hot. Oh! And there are critters in the woods including some cows.
Our Rating
Sunny and I give this section of the Fishing Line Trail 3.5 out of 4 paws up. We like this even more than the section to the west of N 450 E. It’s a peaceful walk surrounded by trees and views of farms and corn fields. It’s truly representative of northern Indiana. The nice thing is a large part is in the shade so even on a warm day it’s not too hot. We also love that you can walk a good distance especially if you combine it with the other sections of the trail. Parking is good and there is a restroom at the Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site plus additional trails there. The trail is mostly flat, wide, and well maintained making it appropriate for those using walkers and strollers. The trail is used by those riding bikes, but we have found them to be courteous and friendly. We will definitely be returning to this trail.
How Do I Get There?
The easiest way to find the trail is to use Gene Stratton-Porter Historical site in your GPS. The address is 1205 Pleasant Point in Rome City, IN. Once you park the car, walk away from the historical site toward the asphalt path. Follow that to E 850 N, cross the road, and follow the asphalt trail until you enter the woods. Turn to the left and you are on the Fishing Line Trail heading toward N 450 E.
Learn more about the Fishing Line Trail.