April 8, 2021 - Residents utilized our trail system this March more than any March on record with 78,679 counts logged. Almost all of the trails in the nearly 125 mile trail system experienced an increase in use. The second highest March trail count was in 2012, with 50,824 counts logged. In March 2020, when events were cancelled due to the beginning of the pandemic, 46,759 trail counts were logged.
Trek the Trails family-friendly bike rides have returned for the season as well, offering residents even more opportunities to explore trails. Rides depart promptly at 6:10 p.m. Participants are asked to wear helmets and bring water.
Upcoming Trek the Trails Rides:
- April 27, Engle Rd. Trailhead, 9 miles
Meet at Towpath Trailhead at Engle Road and Statesmans Way, near 7001 Engle Rd.
- May 4, Deer Ridge Elementary, 6 miles
Meet at school parking lot, 1515 S. Scott Rd.
- May 11, Pufferbelly Trail, 8 miles
Meet at Cookie Cottage parking lot (behind the building), 620 W. Washington Center Rd.
- May 18, SportONE Fieldhouse, 8 miles
Meet at parking lot at 3946 Ice Way, near Fernhill Ave.
- May 25, Johnny Appleseed Park, 8 miles
Meet at trailhead near Coliseum Blvd., 1722 North H.W. Baals Dr.
Six infrared trail counters were added to the network beginning in 2021. The City now has a total of 20 trail use counters.
The growth of the trail system is one of Mayor Tom Henry's top priorities in an effort to help Fort Wayne be the healthiest city possible and position the community for new jobs and talent attraction and retention.
The City of Fort Wayne’s Greenways began as part of the Parks and Recreation Department. From 1975 to 2005, the Parks Department built the Rivergreenway. In 2005, as interest grew and more residents began using the trails, the current City Greenways and Trails Department moved to the Public Works Division, a fitting move as the community’s view of trails shifted from recreation to active transportation.