Winona Lake Trail Indiana Trail Reviews

Winona Lake Trail

Average Rating:

(4.89 of 5)

No. of Reviews: 9

Winona Lake what can I say? This is a gem of a trail. We are so lucky to have a trail like this in Indiana. The builders of this trail set the example for how trails should be built in this part of the country. Some of the ideas used there have served as inspiration for new trail designs such as those used at Avon and Westwood (both in Central Indiana). I first had the chance to ride Winona Lake in a Dino race a few years back. After the race my buddies that I went up there with couldnt come up with enough good things to say about the trail. It has a great mix of technical and flat-out fast. My favorite part is the upper section that goes through the woods slightly downhill for what seems like a mile or more and uses the trees as a slalom ski course would. Its exhilarating to go as fast as your nerve will let you, brushing your shoulders on big tree trunks as you slice and dice your way through the twisty wooded trail at 20 mph! Think chase scene through the trees in Star Wars Return of the Jedi and you get the idea of what it feels like to ride this part of the trail. How to make a great trail in the flatlands? Winona Lake is the answer. (And its not all that flat to be perfectly honest). The only problem with the trail is that its sort of in an out-of-the-way part of Indiana. Its a bit of a hassle to get there from Indy. Take I-69 to Ft. Wayne and turn left (the long way) or go up through the middle of the state on two-lane highways? Whatever the case, if youre ever within a 100 miles of the place make a point of riding there and then I dare you to say we dont have great mountain bike trails in Indiana.

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Latitude	41.21469160434873
Longitude	-85.81541061401367
Trail Directions	Winona Lake is about an hour west of Fort Wayne. Take US 30 to the East side of Warsaw. Turn South / West on Center St. (Bob Evans at this intersection). Proceed for 2 more lights on Center and turn left on to Argonne Rd. Go to the stoplight, under the viaduct and straight through the intersection. The road becomes Park Ave. Follow Park Ave into the village of Winona Lakes. Continue on Park Ave. over a bridge, to the next road on the left (Boys City Dr.) Follow Boys City Drive to the main entrance of the (former) Boys Club.
Trail Length	8 or 9 miles
Trail Level	Intermediate
Trail Type	Singletrack
City/County	Warsaw

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Reviews 1 - 5 (9 Reviews Total)

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Review Date November 16, 2011 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5 Technical Difficulty 3 of 5 Ridden Trail: Once a year Rate this review?		Reviewed by: Nathan L , Cross Country Rider Summary: Great little trail system! Well marked, good use of available terrain (it is northern Indiana, so that's a feat!), fun little technical sections with well marked ride arounds. Every time I ride this trail I leave with a huge smile. A+! Wish I could give it more in the aerobic or technical section, but it's not big in either of those, don't let that fool you though, it's big in the fun. Recommended Route: The marked one, riding the black technical options. They aren't too hard, just fun little distractions to the otherwise flowy XC course. Other recommended trails in the same area: So far the only one I've really liked is this one... Would you like to Comment? Join MTBR for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Review Date March 17, 2010 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Aerobic Difficulty 4 of 5 Technical Difficulty 4 of 5 Ridden Trail: Once a month Rate this review?		Reviewed by: acarboneau , Weekend Warrior Summary: This trail is great for any type of rider! I live in Warsaw, which is right next to Winona Lake, and I find myself going there to ride at least once or twice a week in the summer. There are a few jumps, some fast downhills, and a creek crossing. There are bridges built over the creek that flows through the area in a couple of places. After a rain shower it can get decently muddy in the low areas, but my tires are wide enough to not sink too much. One piece of advice is to watch out for people walking the trails, especially small kids. Some of the bends make it hard to see walkers and runners and I have had a few close calls. Other than that, the trail is perfect and well maintained. I would recommed it to anyone! Also, if you have time stop by the Trailhouse bike shop. They are family owned and operated and offer great service, much of which is free of charge, and usually there are a few experts hanging around that can guide you through the trails thouroughly. They also have trail maps available in the store. Recommended Route: Coming from Indy: Take I69 North to IN 218 (which is just north of Marion), head west on 218 until coming to SR 15 then take 15 north into Warsaw. This Route cuts off about 20 minutes from any other route I have driven from Indy. I go to school in Terre Haute so I make the drive often. Ft. Wayne: IN 30 West, then follow the signs for Village at Winona. Would you like to Comment? Join MTBR for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Review Date July 4, 2008 Overall Rating 4 of 5 Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5 Technical Difficulty 3 of 5 Ridden Trail: Once a year Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5, 1.00 votes Rate this review?		Reviewed by: jonezz25 , Weekend Warrior Recommended Route: If going to this trail from Indy.... I'd recommend taking 37 North (from 69 Near Noblesville) through Marion and then getting on 15 North. Wouldn't suggest going to Ft. Wayne (this is a bit out of the way). I haven't ridden this trail yet but plan to do so soon..... Seems like it's getting good reviews. To be continued...... Would you like to Comment? Join MTBR for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Review Date December 5, 2006 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Aerobic Difficulty 4 of 5 Technical Difficulty 4 of 5 Ridden Trail: Ridden Once Rate this review?		Reviewed by: dombrosky14 , Weekend Warrior Summary: I got my start in biking on this trail. I loved it! I've been on many trails now and have yet to find one as rough and tough as this one! Great trails for beginners and experts. there is a partial trail they closed off and its WELL HIDDEN, but it consists of a huge downhill over a 5 foot(approx.) jump. If anyone tells you Indiana Ain't got trails they obviously haven't been to Winona. The "Trail House" bike shop has rentals and does full service and sales. A+++++ service there, Super friendly! Would you like to Comment? Join MTBR for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Review Date August 12, 2006 Overall Rating 5 of 5 Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5 Technical Difficulty 4 of 5 Ridden Trail: Once a week Rate this review?		Reviewed by: tg6392 , Racer Summary: Skip down Recommended Route: What you need to know: Go into the parking lot, follow the pavement to the right. Should be a creek on the right of you. Stay on the pavement until it ends. Should see a trail on the left. Take it. Follow it a ways...eventually take a "y" to the right. Follow it. Eventually you will loop around a come to a 4 way intersection. Keep going the same way...straight. Come around the curve at full speed!!! Go over the road you were just on, pull up on the ledge, and have fun!!! Sorry if thats hard to understand it is the best thing there! Would you like to Comment? Join MTBR for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Reviews 1 - 5 (9 Reviews Total)

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