Connecting People, Nature, and Community
46.9 miles • 11 communities • 3 counties
One welcoming, accessible trail for people of all abilities to walk, ride, or roll.
Built along a historic railroad corridor, the NPT features a smooth, gentle route through shaded tree canopies, open farmland, quiet towns, and scenic waterways. Each mile reveals a new rhythm—whether it’s the hush of trees, the openness of the countryside, or the charm of a small-town stop.
What Trail Users Say
Towns Along the Nickel Plate — North to South
Rochester
Known as the “Round Barn Capital of the World,” Rochester is the perfect blend of small-town warmth and lakeside energy. Shaded stretches into town take a windy turn at the Gazebo for the final leg to 9th Street. Options abound—continue on the Rochester Pathway or explore a walkable downtown packed with amenities including restaurants and coffee shops. With Lake Manitou, the scenic Eel River, and lodging nearby, this northern anchor of the NPT is an inviting spot to refuel and relax.
Macy
A quiet rural gem, Macy offers open skies, farmland views, and peaceful surroundings. Limited services mean it’s more about soaking in the calm than stopping for supplies—but that is exactly what makes it memorable.
Birmingham
This tiny countryside stop is all about serenity. Surrounded by farmland, Birmingham offers uninterrupted views and a deep sense of stillness. It’s an ideal stretch to coast, breathe, and enjoy the rhythm of nature, though amenities are minimal.
Deedsville
Deedsville greets trail users with classic rural Indiana charm—grain elevators, open fields, and quiet roads. Think of it as a scenic pass-through with a relaxed, unhurried feel. No services but lots of charm.
Denver
Denver has a friendly, laid-back vibe, with a bit more activity. It offers a few local eateries and basic services, with some options available only seasonally. Trail users might even spy a local ballgame in action, offering a glimpse of classic Americana.
Peru
A scenic and culturally rich highlight of the journey, Peru is known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” home to the annual Peru Amateur Circus and birthplace of Cole Porter. The trail passes near parks, restaurants, and historic sites, with the Wabash River adding to the setting. Trail users can also connect to the Peru Riverwalk along the Wabash. With dining, lodging, and cultural attractions close at hand, it’s an ideal stop to rest and explore.
Bunker Hill
It may be small, but Bunker Hill serves as a hub along the NPT, surrounded by scenic farmland and open landscapes. A handful of local services make it a convenient place to rest, and a seasonal restroom is available at Bunker Hill Town Park. Just south of town, the Bunker Hill Dragstrip adds a dash of adrenaline—if timing is right, you may even hear or catch a glimpse of the action from the trail.
Miami
More of a rural waypoint than a full town, Miami is a great place to spot wildlife and settle into a steady rhythm. Amenities are limited, but the quiet scenery makes it a refreshing part of the ride.
Bennett’s Switch
Steeped in railroad history, Bennett’s Switch feels like a step back in time. Today it’s a quiet, tucked-away stop. The lack of services keeps the focus on nature, but the area’s history and setting offer a sense of rural Hoosier life that predates the trail.
Cassville
What Cassville lacks in amenities it makes up in wide rural views. It’s a peaceful checkpoint where the journey itself takes center stage. The community’s agricultural roots add a touch of history, and an insight into Indiana’s longstanding connection to the land.
Kokomo
Known as the “City of Firsts” for its engineering and automotive innovations, Kokomo provides a striking contrast to the rural stretches of the NPT, offering full-service comfort for trail users. The trail connects directly to the Industrial Heritage Trail, opening easy access to the city center. Kokomo blends urban amenities with greenspaces, including parks, public art, and bike-friendly stops, while restaurants, breweries, and lodging make it an ideal place to rest, refuel, and explore.
Towns Along the MAC — Bunker Hill to McGrawsville
Bunker Hill
It’s easy to navigate the few blocks from the NPT to Bunker Hill Town Park to the starting point for the MAC Trail. Enjoy!
McGrawsville
The trail from Bunker Hill Town Park passes by Maconaquah High School before arriving in McGrawsville, the current endpoint of the MAC Trail. Amenities are limited, but the open landscape and quiet surroundings make it a calming and satisfying finish to the journey.