The Nickel Plate Trail exists because people care.
When you adopt a segment, you’re not just helping with upkeep—you’re becoming a steward of a place that connects communities, supports healthy living, and creates everyday moments for thousands of trail users.
Whether you’re an individual, a family, a business, or part of a group, this is a simple, meaningful way to make a lasting impact.
What is Trail Adoption?
Trail adoption is a hands-on way to give back.
Adopters choose a section of the trail to look after, visiting it regularly to check conditions and take care of basic maintenance. It’s flexible and manageable—do what you can, and let us know when something needs extra attention.
If you’re 18 or older and care about keeping the trail safe, welcoming, and enjoyable, you’re ready to get started.
Who Can Adopt a Segment?
Everyone is welcome.
- Individuals and families
- Schools and youth groups
- Scout troops and churches
- Community and service organizations
- Local businesses
Adopting a segment is a great way to spend time outdoors, build community, and take pride in something shared.
How is a Segment Defined?
The trail is divided into 27 segments, typically 1–2 miles long (some are shorter). Most have easy access points, making it convenient to visit and maintain your section.
What Does Stewardship Look Like?
Monitoring
Keep an eye on your segment and let us know what you see—surface issues, vandalism, damaged signs, or anything that needs attention.
Basic Maintenance
Help keep the trail clear, safe, and inviting:
- Remove sticks, rocks, and debris
- Trim small branches
- Cut back overgrowth
- Pick up litter
No need to do everything—just what you can. Every effort helps.
What Tools Will I Need?
- Loppers or hand pruners
- A rake
- A weed trimmer
- Work gloves
Why It Matters
There’s something special about walking or riding a stretch of trail and knowing, “I help take care of this.”
Trail adopters play a vital role in keeping the Nickel Plate Trail open, safe, and beautiful for everyone who uses it.
How to Get Started
Choose an available segment below and sign up—it’s that simple.
Trail Segments
| NORTH SECTION | |
|---|---|
| SEGMENT | ADOPTED BY |
| 2 mile Lovers Lane – 300 | Noel Shafer |
| 2 mile 550 – Denver (Emmon) | |
| 1 mile Emmon – 800 | Kris Main |
| 2 mile 800 – 1000 (Deedsville) | |
| 1 mile Deedsville – 1100 | Pat O’Neil |
| 1 mile 1100 – Birmingham | Jeff Kassebaum |
| 1 mile Birmingham – 1350 (Macy) | Bill Wilson |
| 1 mile 1350 – 1500 | Doug Martin and Bill Shewman |
| 400 S to 1500 N | |
| East County 300 South to 400 South | Joel Wilson |
| Wabash South to East County 300 S | Teresa Houser, Alan Fulton, Vicki Onstott |
| Wabash North to Wabash South | Ted Cox |
| 1 mile Wabash North – Mitchell Dr. |
| SOUTH SECTION | |
|---|---|
| SEGMENT | ADOPTED BY |
| 1/2 mile Walnut – Main St. | John & Julie Schwartz |
| 1/2 mile Main – Riverside | Paul Frye |
| 1/2 mile Riverside – 300 | |
| 1 mile 300 – 400 | Monica Hollars |
| 1 mile 400 – 500 | |
| 1 mile 500 – 600 | Bill and Donna Percy |
| 1 mile 600 – 3rd St. (Bunker Hill) | Bill and Donna Percy |
| 1 mile 3rd St. – 800 | |
| 1 mile 800 – 900 | Tim Finster |
| 1 mile 900 – Blake (Miami) | Philip Hart |
| 1 mile Blake – 1150 | Susan Fitzpatrick |
| South 1150 – IN 18 | Kathy Snyder |
| 1 mile IN 18 – 1350 | |
| 1 mile 1350 – Cassville | |
| 1.5 miles Cassville – Trailhead at US 35 |
| MAC TRAIL SECTION | |
|---|---|
| SEGMENT | ADOPTED BY |
| Bunker Hill Town Park to East 800 South | |
| East 800 South to South Strawtown Pike | |
| South Strawtown Pike to South 200 East | |
| South 200 East to McGrawsville |