Erie Lackawanna and Marquette Greenway Loop

The route combines sections of the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Marquette Greenway, offering varied terrain. The Erie Lackawanna Trail is mostly flat and asphalt-paved, following a former railway corridor, though some sections may have bumps and dips. The Marquette Greenway features a mix of paved asphalt and some potentially unpaved sections, with notable elevation changes in areas like the Salt Creek segment near Portage, which includes an ADA-accessible switchback.

This loop is designed for race bikes and covers approximately 54.8 kilometers (34 miles). On average, cyclists can expect to complete it in about 2 hours and 24 minutes, depending on their pace and stops.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for cycling this route, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially through the wooded areas and the Indiana Dunes. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible, but some amenities like seasonal water fountains may be unavailable, and trail conditions could be affected by snow or ice.

Yes, the route offers several points of interest. You'll pass through Wolf Lake Memorial Park, which provides scenic views. The Erie Lackawanna Trail section winds through diverse landscapes including wooded corridors, prairies, and wetlands. Along the Marquette Greenway, you'll experience picturesque views as it travels through the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, with opportunities to see hardwood forests, wetlands, and rolling dunes.

Both the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Marquette Greenway have multiple parking access points. For the Erie Lackawanna Trail, parking is available at various points along its 17.7-mile stretch. For the Marquette Greenway, access points are continuously developing, particularly around the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. It's advisable to check local park websites for the most current parking information near your intended starting point.

The route is rated as 'moderate' due to its length and some varied terrain, particularly on the Marquette Greenway sections. While the Erie Lackawanna Trail is largely flat and easy, making it suitable for many, the full loop might be challenging for absolute beginners or very young children. Families with some cycling experience should find it manageable, especially if they plan for breaks. Consider shorter sections if you're unsure.

Yes, this route is part of an interconnected regional trail network. The Erie Lackawanna Trail connects to paths like the Monon Trail and the Little Calumet River Levee Trail. The route itself utilizes significant portions of the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail and the Oak Savannah Trail, and integrates with sections of the Marquette Greenway. It also passes through parts of the official '36 (Indiana)' and 'ADT - Indiana (North) - G - Seg 3' trails.

Generally, dogs are permitted on leash on multi-use trails like the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Marquette Greenway. However, specific rules can vary by park or section, especially within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Always keep your dog on a leash, clean up after them, and respect any posted signage regarding pet restrictions in certain areas.

No, typically you do not need a permit or pay an entrance fee specifically for cycling on the Erie Lackawanna Trail or the Marquette Greenway. These are public multi-use trails. However, if you access certain state or county parks directly from the trail, standard park entrance fees might apply for vehicle entry, but not usually for trail users on foot or bike.

The diverse landscapes along the route offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. On the Erie Lackawanna Trail, especially near natural preserves, you might spot bald eagles, deer, and herons. Along the Marquette Greenway within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, common sightings include various water birds, deer, and lizards, among other local fauna.

Amenities vary along the route. The Erie Lackawanna Trail has benches and seasonal water fountains, but restrooms are limited. The Marquette Greenway, being a developing trail, has amenities that are continuously being added. It's always a good idea to carry sufficient water and plan for restroom stops, especially during off-peak seasons when seasonal facilities might be closed.