The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Shepherds of Griffin Bike Park today celebrated the opening of several new mountain bike trails at Griffin Bike Park in Vigo County.

The 5.75 miles of new trail were constructed by the Shepherds of Griffin Bike Park, Inc. with help from a $554,241 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. The three new mountain bike trails, including the Buffaloes, Lake Loop, and the Foxtrot trails, add to the 8.75 miles of trail at the park that opened last year.

The extensive list of project partners includes Union Health, MacAllister Machinery, NIPSCO, Sunrise Coal, and numerous additional corporate and individual contributors.

“With the support of Next Level Trails and a range of local partners, Hoosiers have lots of options as they’re considering new places to make connections—both with communities and with nature,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner. “These new trails at Griffin Bike Park are a great destination for outdoor recreation, giving mountain bikers of all abilities a vast new place to explore.” 

The most recent trail openings include a connection to camping facilities at nearby Fowler Park and 4.5 miles of adaptive mountain bike trail designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. The project also includes several miles of single-track mountain bike trails for intermediate to expert riders, as well as trailhead facilities with drinking water and restrooms. 

"What a privilege it's been to see so many give so much to turn a family's loss into a state's legacy,” said Gene Griffin, chairman of the Friends of Griffin Bike Park. “Our park was conceived to honor and remember those who have given their all so that we might enjoy the precious freedoms and liberty we all enjoy.

“Our vision, from the start, has been to grow to be a world class venue where our next level would be that our park would be considered a memorial park. Thanks to our family, friends, and community, along with this DNR grant, our family's dream has become a reality!"

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 Griffin Bike Park, 21 of the 75 NLT projects are complete, totaling more than 68 miles of trail built since the program’s inception.