Bloomington, Indiana is home to Indiana University and the many students who attend there. The city knows that these students need safe places to walk, ride bikes, jog, and rollerblade to get a daily dose of exercise and some fresh air when they are out of the classroom. For those who want to do a full workout or for the student who just wants to enjoy a relaxing stroll, there are several paved and natural trails for them to take advantage of within a short distance from the campus.
Clear Creek Trail is a 2 ½ mile paved trail that offers biking, hiking, roller blading, and jogging. This is also a great place for mothers to walk with their babies in strollers. Scenic woods and farm fields make this a very relaxing walk and for those who enjoy studying some history of the area, there is the 150 foot historic Warren Truss iron bridge that walkers enjoy getting to enjoy. This bridge connects the Church Lane trailhead to the Clear Creek Trail and the Bloomington Rail Trail.
The Bloomington Trail Rail is a graveled trail that is suitable for walking, jogging, and some bicycles. This trail is tree lined and has a very peaceful feel to it. This multi-use trail connects to other trails and offers all visitors the opportunity to explore other areas of places that they can walk, run, and jog.
For the students who enjoy mountain biking and a little more extreme hiking, there is the Wapehani Mountain Bike Park. This park is over 5 miles of trails that wind through the rolling hills of the area and all riders on the trail must wear helmets and sign liability waivers before being allowed on the trail. This trail is much more extreme than the others mentioned here. The local law also asks that no one ride the trail when it is wet as the trail can be dangerous when it is.
For the student who enjoys skateboarding or gliding along on in-line skates, Bloomington is pleased to offer Upper Cascades Skate Park. Upper Cascades is a public sports park that offers concrete ramps, rails, and other terrain that offers a unique ride for the skateboarder. There are not any bikes allowed on this trail and it is open from dusk to dawn. The park offers free admission as well.
Students, alumni, and visitors to the city will find these trails to be some of the best in town and the perfect place for getting their exercise. These trails will also give the students the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the campus life and a place to clear their heads and regain their composure.