Five towns can be found along the 22 miles of the trail. Enjoy the sights and sounds of these small Indiana towns.
The Town of Winamac is located in Pulaski County, Indiana.
Winamac was the name of a number of Potawatomi leaders and warriors beginning in the late 17th century. The name derives from a man named Wilamet, a Native American from an eastern tribe who in 1681 was appointed to serve as a liaison between New France and the natives of the Lake Michigan region. Wilamet was adopted by the Potawatomis, and his name, which meant “Catfish” in his native Eastern Algonquian language, was soon transformed into “Winamac”, which means the same thing in the Potawatomi language. The Potawatomi version of the name has been spelled in a variety of ways, including Winnemac, Winamek, and Winnemeg.
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Star City is a small town in Pulaski County. It was laid out in 1859 and was originally called Scarboro. That name proved to be unpopular and so it was renamed to Star City in 1861.
Thornhope is an unincorporated community located in Pulaski County. Orginally known as Parisville, Thornhope was laid out in 1853 when the railroad was extended to that point.
Royal Center is a small town in Cass County. It got its start in 1846 with the building of the railroad through that territory.
Kenneth is an extinct town in Cass County. It was a whistle stop on the railroad.
Trail Talk: Issue 42: 2025 Trail Highlights
As many of you may already know, the trail extension from Indiana State Road 14 to the new 17th Street trailhead in Winamac is complete. This newest section of trail is now open and has become popular with residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. For the truly adventurous, the trail now offers a continuous 23-mile non-motorized route south from 17th Street to Kenneth, Indiana—located near France Park along U.S. 24 in Cass County.
Work continues on the southern trail extension that will provide access to France Park. Land for the trail right-of-way is currently being acquired, and plans are underway to extend the trail approximately one mile to the park. The route has already been surveyed and laid out. If all goes as planned, this project is expected to be completed by years’ end.
Our popular bicycle ride, Moonlight Over the Tippy, will return again in 2026. Mark your calendars for Friday evening, June 5th. Registration information is available now at www.panhandlepathway.org/event/moonlight-over-the-tippy-2026/.
We extend our sincere thanks to the many volunteers who help keep the trail open, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Maintaining more than 23 miles of trail requires consistent, dedicated effort. Positive comments such as “the trail is well maintained” do not happen by accident. Volunteers regularly mow, clear downed trees after storms, cut back overgrown brush, and remove stones, twigs, leaves, and other debris from the pavement. This ongoing work ensures a safe and pleasant experience for all trail users.
Anyone interested in helping with trail maintenance or clean-up efforts is encouraged to visit www.panhandlepathway.org/volunteer-2/ for more information.
Happy Trails!
Thank you!!
It’s a beautiful trail
We are blessed to have such a beautiful trail to enjoy nature & get exercise!
My hope is one day that it will connect to Logansport and we can ride our bikes all the way from our small town out to the countryside!
You are welcome, I love taking care of it!
They surveyed the land at the south end of the trail at Kenneth quarry & are supposed to connect it near France Park. Work should start soon !