Statewide – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner announced 18 communities and non-profit organizations will receive a combined $29.6 million for 70 miles of new trail development as a part of the second round of the Next Level Trails program on Thursday.
Combined with the 17 projects announced as part of the first round in May 2019, the Next Level Trails program has awarded $54.3 million in funding for more than 112 miles of trail throughout Indiana. The grants awarded in the second round include 10 regional projects and eight local projects. The list of awards includes two trails in southeastern Indiana.
The Southeastern Indiana Mountain Bike Association will add 8 miles of natural-surface trail open to mountain bikers and hikers to the trail system at Versailles State Park. The project includes a 0.5-mile mountain bike connection along County Road 25 South from the Town of Versailles toward the Busching Covered Bridge, near the park entrance. The remainder of the new trail will be built in an area of the park that was formerly Hassmer Hills 4-H camp, taking advantage of 180 feet of elevation along the planned route.
The town of Vernon in Jennings County will build 1.25 miles of new trail consisting of two contiguous but distinct segments. A 0.5-mile natural-surface mountain bike and hiking trail will connect the Town of Vernon to Vinegar Mill Overlook in Muscatatuck Park. Within Vernon, a 0.75-mile asphalt trail will connect Vernon Gym to Vernon Commons, a historic park. Partners include Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department, and Jennings County Community Foundation.
