Pumpkinvine Trail

Sunny on the Pumpkinvine Trail

After a few days of morning rain and evening thunderstorms I decided it would be best to find an asphalt trail. I had heard about the Pumpkinvine Trail and thought it would be perfect for an adventure. We tried to visit the trail a few days ago, but I had no luck finding parking. This time I knew exactly where to park and we still ended up at a slightly different parking spot. The funny thing is it actually turned out to be better than the planned one.

I have a tendency to not look closely at my GPS and sometimes it takes me someplace slightly different than planned. And one time it took me to a trail of the same name, but nearly an hour away from the planned one. It doesn’t matter to Sunny and me because we get to explore new and different places. That is what happened today; we ended up at Abshire Prairie not Abshire Park for the start of our hike. It actually turned out that we liked that better than the park since we were able to explore the Abshire Park Trail.

Our Adventure

After parking the car we walked onto a packed gravel trail that lead through the prairie and along Rock Run Creek. This trail was not shaded at all so it made for a warm walk, especially on the return to the car. On the left we caught glimpses of the creek and Sunny kept trying to figure out a way to get down to it. As we continued on the trail we saw the path entered the woods. We crossed over a bridge and after a short distance came to the start of the Pumpkinvine Trail.

Abshire Park trail
Rock Run Creek
Abshire Park trail
bridge over Rock Run Creek
start of the Pumpkinvine Trail

At first we started to take the trail to the left toward Goshen and Elkhart, but then decided to go to the right toward Middlebury and Shipshewana. At this point the trail is asphalt and fairly shaded. As we followed the trail we came to Abshire Park. There’s quite a bit of parking and a restroom. There are also park benches and a lovely flower display.

on the Pumpkinvine Trail
Sunny by a tree on the trail
Abshire Park restroom
Abshire Park

After exploring the park we continued on the trail which crossed Lincoln Street. We were only able to go a short distance further as a storm had caused debris on the trail and the parks and recreation department blocked off the trail while they used chainsaws to clean up the debris.

Pumpkinvine Trail crossing Lincoln Street
more of the trail
bench on the Pumpkinvine Trail

After retracing our steps to the start of the trail we decided to explore the section toward Goshen and Elkhart. This was not as scenic and had a metal fence on the left side. It also follows the Rock Run Creek, which provides for some nice views. We only continued for a short distance before turning around since it was getting warm and Sunny was getting tired. Our total hike was just over 3M, but if you go from one end of the trail to the other you can bike/run/hike for nearly 17 miles

Pumpkinvine Trail toward Goshen
Sunny on a bridge over the creek

Sunny’s Perspective of Pumpkinvine Trail

You know I prefer trails in the woods, but this Pumpkinvine Trail was pretty cool. I think my favorite part was the trail leading up to the Pumpkinvine Trail. I saw not one, not two, but three beavers on this trail. And I could smell them long before I saw them. That was really exciting. Sadly I was not allowed to get close to the beavers despite my best efforts.

I also liked being able to look at the water. Again I was not allowed to climb down the cliff and get in the water, but it was fun to watch it from above. I was really glad when the trail got a little more shady because although we went fairly early it was pretty humid and starting to warm up by the time we left. Thank goodness Andie always brings water for me. All in all I thought this was a great trail for a bike trail kinda trail.

Our Rating

Sunny and I rate the Pumpkinvine Trail 3 out of 4 paws up. It’s a nice trail that is good no matter your mobility. It’s wide giving bikes and other people plenty of room to pass. There is also a lot of grass on the side so it’s easy to step off the trail and give people additional room. We especially liked the views of the woods and the creek. This is a great place for a bike ride, run, or hike. The added bonus is Abshire Park that has both restrooms and benches so you can stop for a rest or even a picnic. We recommend the Pumpkinvie Trail if you live near Goshen or if you are looking for a trail that won’t be muddy.

How Do I Get There?

There are two different areas to park to access the trail in Goshen, IN; Abshire Park or Abshire Prairie. Abshire Park is located at 1302 E. Lincoln Avenue and Abshire Prairie is located at 1711 E. Monroe St. We parked at Abshire Prairie so these directions are to that location.

Take US6W through Ligionier and then turn right onto US33W. Follow that for nearly 12 miles and then turn right onto Monroe Street. After about half a mile look for a driveway on the left. The sign is on the left down the driveway near the grass and easy to miss. If you pass the Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds you’ve missed it. If you miss the Prairie and decide to go to Abshire Park instead, continue on Monroe Street for another nearly half mile, then turn left onto Blackport Drive. Continue for .7M, then turn left onto Lincoln Avenue. After less than half a mile you will see the entrance to the park on the left.

Abshire Prairie sign

Want more information about the Pumpkinvine Trail? Check out this website.

Pumpkinvine Trail

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