The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Owen County Community Foundation opened the recently completed MyPath Riverfront Trail, which was funded with support by Next Level Trails (NLT).

The 0.88-mile asphalt multi-use trail was constructed by the foundation with help from a $639,483 NLT grant. The award was announced by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb in April 2022 as part of the third round of NLT grant funding.

“Trails are important for both the wellbeing of Hoosiers and our communities,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “Next Level Trails has taken that philosophy literally to the next level, making connections with more than 100 new trail miles throughout the state. It’s exciting to see this new trail section open for all to enjoy in Owen County.”

The project improves 0.88 miles of the previously natural-surface trail along the White River, connecting Pottersville Road to River Road south of Spencer. It links users to a lowlands reforestation project and pollinator garden, and establishes a new trailhead on the river’s west fork featuring an 80-foot ADA-accessible bridge over Elliston Creek.

“The community is excited to enjoy the first multi-use trail in the county. We are happy for the partnerships that have built this new, beautiful trail along the White River," said Janet Rummel, the foundation’s president and CEO.

As part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, NLT is the largest infusion of trails funding in state history. The $180 million program is administered by the DNR and facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities.

Including the MyPath Riverfront Trail, 36 of the 89 NLT projects are complete, totaling more than 102 miles of trail built since the program’s inception.  Several projects are under construction, with many more slated to break ground during the next year.

More information about the NLT can be found at on.IN.gov/NextLevelTrails.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.