This is part three in a seven-part series detailing the
opportunities the many Fort Wayne Trails have to offer.

New this year, trail maps and itineraries are available online for visitors to the Fort Wayne area. Use one of these guides to plan your next visit. Fort Wayne and Allen County are home to more than 65 miles of trails for biking, hiking and kayaking. In addition, these pathways connect visitors to the area’s attractions, downtown, nearby parks and eateries.

• Coliseum Boulevard – Kreager Park:  Begin this trail journey by parking at Daryl B. Corbin Memorial Park, which is located at 724 N. Coliseum Blvd., near Lakeside Golf Course, on the city’s north side. Follow the trail spur until you reach the Maumee Pathway. Then take the trail east to North River Road and continue on the trail past the North River Road Parking lot and toward Kreager Park – home to Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground.

This playground is a child’s every dream come true and a must stop for families. Here there are also restrooms, picnic areas and a drinking fountain. Walking trails, soccer fields and softball diamonds are also on site. This trail is prone to flooding so be sure to consider the impact of any recent rain before heading. Trail closure information is updated online here. Click the Trail Closures tab on the left pane.

Because this is a longer course with a more scenic route, pair this trail with a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic when you arrive at Kreager Park. This trail is 7-miles round trip.

Visit the Coliseum Boulevard – Kreager Park Fort Wayne Trail map online and to use it as a resource for your next journey. A full city map of all trails is also available online. Individual trail maps and itineraries are also available. See you on the trails!

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 This is part two in a seven-part series detailing the opportunities Fort Wayne Trails offer.

New this year, trail maps and itineraries are available online for visitors to the Fort Wayne area. Use one of these guides to plan your next visit. Fort Wayne and Allen County are home to more than 65 miles of trails for biking, hiking and kayaking. In addition, these pathways connect visitors to the area’s attractions, downtown, nearby parks and eateries.

• Shoaff Park Trail: This almost 2-mile look goes around the perimeter of this well-known Fort Wayne park. For kids, take some time to cool off at the Shoaff Park splash pad which is located on the west side of the park. In addition, Shoaff Park offers golf, disc golf, a playground for kids and a pavilion which is great for picnics. There are also basketball and tennis courts on site, along with boating access, and open areas ideal for soccer, football or kite flying.

Drinking fountains and restrooms are on site here. Ride south on St. Joe Road to the intersection of St. Joe Center Road for nearby food options. This trail is 2-miles total.

Click here to visit the Shoaff Park Fort Wayne Trail map and to use it as a resource for your next journey. A full city map of all trails is also available online. Individual trail maps and itineraries are also available. See you on the trails!

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Why do the people of Fort Wayne fuss over a river? Because we have THREE! There’s a ton of history and fun that can be had on these beautiful (and historic!) landmarks.

“The St. Marys River cuts through the southeast section of Allen County, flowing northward, while the St. Joseph River cuts through the northeast section of the county, flowing southward. Both rivers converge roughly in the center of the county to form the Maumee River, which flow northeastward, eventually emptying into Lake Erie.”

Fort Wayne offers celebrations that engulf the history and even today’s adoration with our city’s unique landmark and tourist attraction. Known as the city of “The Three Rivers,” Fort Wayne boasts several great ways to get out and enjoy these local landmarks.

The beautiful St. Joe River cuts through the northeast of the county, flowing southward.

1. Kayak!

Fort Wayne Outfitters:

Fort Wayne Outfitters has a great selection of boats and bikes for your vacationing needs!

2. Walk, Jog, Rollerblade or Hike!

The Rivergreenway Trail along the banks of the St. Marys, St. Joseph and Maumee Rivers might be the right place for you! Rivergreenway is a “long (24 miles), narrow park with limited access that is ideal for activities such as bicycling, hiking, nature study, jogging, rollerblading or just going for a leisurely walk. The Rivergreenway offers natural vistas and scenic overlooks within an urban environment.”  Check out these great trails.

3. Picnic!

Grab a bite to eat from Cindy’s Diner (authentic 50′s diner), or a tasty lunch from Fort Wayne’s famous Coney Island and head down to Headwaters Park, conveniently located in downtown Fort Wayne where the perfect picnic spot can be enjoyed along the bank of the river!

Can’t decide which one to do? Try them all and have some fun with our three rivers this summer.

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This is part one in a seven-part series detailing the opportunities Fort Wayne Trails offer.

New this year, trail maps and itineraries are available online for visitors to the Fort Wayne area. Use one of these guides to plan your next visit. Fort Wayne and Allen County are home to more than 65 miles of trails for biking, hiking and kayaking. In addition, these pathways connect visitors to the area’s attractions, downtown, nearby parks and eateries.

• Downtown Fort Wayne Trail: Start by parking at East Swinney Park, located just east of downtown. Follow the St. Mary’s River pathway northeast. A drinking fountain and restrooms are available at Lawton Park. Follow the trail under Harrison Street and go up a small hill. At the top you will find a bench that faces the river and downtown — offering a beautiful view of Fort Wayne’s waterways and the downtown skyline.

Pair this trail with a visit to Science Central, the Old Fort park, a meal at Fort Wayne’ own Coney Island or a trip to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. This trail is 4.5-miles round trip.

Click here to visit the Downtown Fort Wayne Trail map and to use it as a resource for your next journey. A full city map of all trails is also available online. Individual trail maps and itineraries are also available. See you on the trails!

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I wouldn’t consider myself or my husband to be avid mountain bikers, but we do enjoy getting out on the trails as much as possible.  We have been to a few outside the Fort Wayne area but never to the Franke Park trails located near the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.

So one Wednesday afternoon we ventured out to experience this course we had always heard about. I noticed right away how well marked the trails were for easy, moderate, and hard.  After all, I’m not prepared to end up on the hard trails, yet.  The arrows on the post were easy to read, although there were a few times I wasn’t paying attention and enjoying the beautiful scenery and missed them. Speaking of the scenery, it kind of makes you think you’re out in the middle of the forest instead of the middle of Fort Wayne. It was enchanting with the sun peaking through the tall trees and the aroma from the variety of plant life drifting by.

We tried the easy trails first which were well maintained and enjoyable with a few small hills and bridges.  It is a great choice for beginners.  The moderate trails I thought were pretty tough, but I loved the challenge. They were full of large hills, some logs covering the trails, and narrow twist and turns.  I do believe these trails, known as Twitch Ditch, Rollercoaster and Log Jam, would challenge both beginner and elite riders.

With the sounds of wildlife coming from the zoo and the river running alongside of the trails, you really do forget that you’re in a city.  These trails are a must for any mountain bike enthusiast and its free!

If you would like to learn more about mountain biking the park hosts Mountain Bike Ride every Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Mileage:                             East        West

-Easy Loop                         1.0           2.5

-Moderate Loop                  2.0          3.8

-Hard Loop                         2.2           4.1

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