Project Description

We call this section of the Pufferbelly Trail the "Golden Spike," because once finished, it will connect more than 125 miles of existing trails and because most of the trail will be constructed on the former New York Central Railroad corridor. The Pufferbelly Trail is part of the 81-mile long Poka-Bache Connector that will run from Pokagon State Park to Ouabache State Park (the trail is 50% complete). This 1.8 mile phase of the Pufferbelly Trail will be a 12-foot wide asphalt trail from Washington Center Road to the intersection of Lima Road and Ice Way and will provide connectivity to nearly 700 businesses, retail areas, restaurants and entertainment, including Glenbrook Square Mall, Glenbrook Commons, SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse and SportONE Parkview Icehouse. The City of Fort Wayne received a nearly $2.7 million Next Level Trails grant from the State of Indiana for this project. The City's non-profit partner will be contributing $300,000 in donor funds. This trail is the most important trail ever built in Fort Wayne because of the connectivity it will provide.

The trail will be bid out in late April with construction beginning as early as June. We are finalizing the landscaping plan, amenities and trail hub design. We will secure the four permits in May. Construction will continue until the summer of 2025.

Project Location

Pufferbelly Trail Golden Spike
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Trail Rules

  • No Motor Vehicles

    Trails are designed only for people-powered vehicles.

  • Leash your Pets

    Pets are welcome, but must be leashed. Remove and dispose of any waste.

  • Be Kind

    Be respectful of others. Always yield to slower trail users.

  • Safety First

    Obey all traffic signs and signals.

Mid-Block Crossings

As of February 2024, the Fort Wayne Area Trails Network consists of 142 miles of trails, with 101 miles inside City limits. Most of the trails in City limits are planned, designed, constructed, and maintained by the City of Fort Wayne under the leadership of Mayor Sharon Tucker.