Winter Wonderland on the Fort Wayne Trails

Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2012

(Contributed by Amy Hartzog)

Winter is a great season for trail exploration!  Don’t lock yourself indoors because of a little snow or frigid temps.  With the right clothing and a positive attitude, outdoor exercise can be invigorating and enjoyable!  One of my favorite parts of being active outdoors when there is snow on the ground is being able to see the tracks made by humans and critters.  With snow cover, you have a very good idea about who is using the trails.  You may be surprised to see so many foot prints, paw prints and tire tracks!  Have you made your snow print on your favorite trail this winter?

While there are many beautiful sections of trail, one of my favorite places to visit on the trails, in every season but especially in the winter, is the Historic Wells Street Bridge which is a gateway to downtown for trail users on the St. Marys Pathway.  This is one of my favorite views of the downtown cityscape.  Need to warm up with some cocoa or tasty food?  Cross this historic threshold and venture into downtown for many dining options that can warm your soul and get you back on your way with a rejuvenated trailblazing spirit!  For another fabulous downtown view, head a little further east on the St. Marys Pathway below the Harrison St. Bridge and up a slight hill to a bench that overlooks Headwaters Park and downtown.  While this bench makes a good place for pause and reflection in other seasons, in the winter you may just want to quickly pause, possibly snap a picture and continue on your way! 

There are many other great winter trail vistas including the Towpath Trail near Eagle Marsh, the Pufferbelly Trail corridor, the Maumee Pathway in New Haven, and the list goes on!  What’s your favorite winter spot on the trails? 

Some things to know before you go:
In the winter, the Fort Wayne Parks Department plows snow from the following trails:  St. Joseph Pathway, St. Marys Pathway (including Foster Park), the first 2 miles of the Maumee Pathway and the Salomon Farm Park loop.  The New Haven Parks Department plows snow from their section of the Maumee Pathway too.  However, it may take 24-72 hours or more after a snowfall before the trails are cleared.  The majority of the Fort Wayne Trails aren’t plowed but with the right boots and gear, you can enjoy them year round!  But be sure to watch your step on icy patches.

Amy Hartzog is the City of Fort Wayne's Assistant Greenways Manager.

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