Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Enjoy the serenity of Indiana’s Amish Country and the scenic, changing fall leaves along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Pumpkin Vine was the name of the railroad operated by Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, a route that carried passengers and mail between the towns of Goshen and Middlebury, Indiana. Today, it’s an asphalt trail that visitors can explore by bicycle while traversing the third-largest Amish settlement in the United States.

Unlike other straight rail trails, the route meanders with twists and turns that resemble a pumpkin vine, hence its name. The entire trail spans 17 miles and connects the communities of Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana. Visitors can either bring their own bike or rent one at locations in each of these three towns.

Start the trail from Goshen to travel east to Shipshewena, or vice versa. Pedaling one way takes about 60 to 90 minutes and allows travelers the chance to take in a landscape dotted with farmstands and charming small towns.  

In the city of Goshen, riders can take a half mile detour off the trail to stop for Amish-made hot pretzels and homemade phosphates. Directly along the trail in Middlebury, bicyclists can relax at Krider’s “World’s Fair” Garden, which was originally designed for the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair. In Shipshewana, stroll the downtown shops, ripe with handcrafted wares and fresh-baked goods. 

What makes the Pumpkin Vine Trail unique is that all these activities are all connected to the trail. Along the route, visitors pass public parks, all of which offer restrooms and scenic spots to take a break. For an overnight stay along the way, Middlebury’s Essenhaus Inn is directly accessible from the trail. 1302 E. Lincoln Ave., Goshen, Indiana 46528, pumpkinvine.org