Erie Lackawanna and Pennsy Greenway Loop

Both the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Pennsy Greenway offer various access points and parking options in the towns they connect. For the Erie Lackawanna Trail, you'll find amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, often with parking, in towns like Crown Point and Griffith. The Pennsy Greenway also has access points in communities such as Lansing, Illinois, and Munster and Schererville, Indiana. Look for designated trailheads within these towns.

Yes, both the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Pennsy Greenway are generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all trail users.

The best time to cycle this loop is typically during spring, summer, and fall. The flat, paved surfaces make it enjoyable in warmer months. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and often beautiful scenery, while summer is great for longer daylight hours. Be mindful of potential heat in peak summer and check weather conditions before you go.

No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle on the Erie Lackawanna Trail or the Pennsy Greenway. Both are public rail trails designed for community use.

Absolutely. This loop is considered easy and is very suitable for beginners, families, and cyclists of all ages. Both the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Pennsy Greenway are known for their remarkably flat terrain and smooth asphalt surfaces, making for a comfortable ride.

The terrain on this loop is predominantly flat and smooth. Both the Erie Lackawanna Trail and the Pennsy Greenway are former railroad corridors, resulting in minimal grades (less than 5% on the Pennsy Greenway). The surfaces are primarily smooth asphalt, though some sections of the Erie Lackawanna Trail, particularly around Hammond, might have bumpy patches.

The loop offers diverse scenery. Along the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail, you'll pass through small towns, parks, wetlands, prairies, and wooded sections, with opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can also see historic art installations and railroad remnants, including the restored 1911 depot in Griffith. The Pennsy Greenway connects suburban areas, residential neighborhoods, and features like Centennial Park and a golf course, providing an idyllic green space.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Erie Lackawanna Trail, Pennsy Greenway, and the ADT - Indiana (North) - G - Seg 3. The Erie Lackawanna Trail also connects to other local trails like the Monon Trail, Little Calumet River Levee Trail, Oak Savannah Trail, and Turkey Creek Trail, allowing for extended rides.

Yes, the Erie Lackawanna Trail is well-equipped with amenities. You can find restrooms, water fountains, picnic areas, and even solar-powered charging stations in some spots along its length. The Pennsy Greenway also passes through communities where facilities are generally accessible.

The full loop is about 41.9 kilometers (26 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete by racebike, according to komoot's estimates. This duration can vary based on your cycling speed and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or amenities.

Along the Erie Lackawanna Trail, especially in its more natural sections like around the Ivan Gatlin Nature Preserve spur, you might spot various birds, deer, and rabbits. The diverse landscapes of wetlands, prairies, and wooded areas provide habitats for local fauna.