The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Hancock County today opened the recently completed Pennsy Trail extension.

The 1.32-mile asphalt multi-use trail was constructed by Hancock County with help from a $670,803 Next Level Trails (NLT) grant. The award was announced by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb in March 2021 as part of the second grant round of NLT. Pennsy Trails of Hancock County is a key partner in the project.

“Through Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Trails initiative, there has been a major focus on closing gaps in our existing trail systems across the state just like this one here,” said Chris Smith, DNR deputy director. “Trails are an important investment in Hoosiers’ quality of life, and the DNR is proud to partner with Hancock County to further that investment.” 

The project adds mileage to the Pennsy Trail in western Hancock County, completing a gap in the trail between county roads 600 and 500 West. Combined with the existing Pennsy Trail to the west, and a 1-mile stretch to the east, the extension creates a nearly 11-mile continuous trail route between the Irvington neighborhood of Indianapolis and western Hancock County. The 500-600W extension works toward closing the remaining 2.5-mile gap in the corridor, with the goal of connecting the city of Greenfield and western Hancock County with Marion County.

The project is part of the statewide National Road Heritage Trail, a 160-mile visionary trail corridor through the state. The new trail is an important step toward completing the trail between Cumberland and Greenfield. The trail is named for the corridor of the former Pennsylvania Railroad. “Our Pennsy Trail has become a source of identity and pride for Hancock County,” said Bill Spalding, Hancock County commissioner. “The trail will allow those that use it an area to get physical activity while giving a dose of serenity and nature. It also establishes a standard for quality of life that people want when they choose a community in which to live.” As part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, NLT is the largest infusion of trails funding in state history. The now $180 million program is administered by the DNR and facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities.  Including the Pennsy, 20 of the 75 NLT projects are complete, totaling more than 62 miles of trail built since the program’s inception. An additional 44 miles is under construction, and more than 134 miles are in the preconstruction phase of development under the grant program. In May, Gov. Holcomb announced details for the fourth round of NLT, which will dedicate an additional $30 million to connect communities through more hiking, biking, and riding trails across the state.

The fourth round will award up to $22.5 million to regional projects and up to $7.5 million to local projects. The application period for the fourth round begins July 1 and ends Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. ET (4 p.m. CT). Eligible applicants include units of government or 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Applicants are limited to one application per round.

More information about NLT is at on.IN.gov/NextLevelTrails.