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Jason “Deep Dive” Lord • • About the Author
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Indiana Rail-Trails & Campfire Nights: A Deep Dive

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Indiana Rail-Trails & Campfire Nights: A Deep Dive

Indiana Rail-Trails & Campfire Nights: A Deep Dive into Slow Travel at Kil-So-Quah

By Deep Dive AI Workflow Solutions

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Welcome to the Wild Corners of Indiana

There’s something deeply satisfying about a camping trip with no itinerary beyond waking up with the sun and following a winding trail. This is the story — and the practical guide — to slow-traveling Indiana’s countryside by e-bike, with basecamp set at the peaceful, first-come, first-served (FCFS) campground of Kil-So-Quah S.R.A., nestled beside Huntington Lake.

You’ll get the best of both worlds: minimalism and mobility. We brought along two e-bikes — the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser and the Ride1UP 500 Series Teal, hitched to our Flyer Explorer trailer. Alongside this gear, a little planning and the right setup turned a weekend into a memorable deep dive into Indiana’s quiet trails, quirky history, and sunset cookouts.

The Campsite: Kil-So-Quah S.R.A., Site 33

We camped at Site 33 — a shaded electric site at Kil-So-Quah State Recreation Area, located within the J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area. It’s an entirely FCFS campground — no reservations accepted. Here’s what makes it a hidden gem:

✅ Pros:

  • 41 electric & 20 primitive sites — all FCFS
  • Clean pit toilets and seasonal water spigots
  • Lake access with a boat ramp for fishing
  • Peaceful surroundings, often ranger-patrolled
  • Dog-friendly, minimal light pollution

⚠️ Watch-outs:

  • Electric sites have less shade than primitive
  • Sites are dirt, not gravel — can get muddy
  • Trash was occasionally left by past campers
  • Noise from a distant gun range may be heard
  • In Spring 2025, some closures due to flooding were reported

Despite those minor setbacks, Site 33 offered the quiet escape we needed. One of our best decisions was bringing these field-tested gear items:

The Ride: Cardinal Greenway Trail (Gaston to Muncie)

Stretching 62 miles across East-Central Indiana, the Cardinal Greenway is Indiana’s longest rail-trail and a Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame inductee. For this trip, we tackled a manageable but rewarding section: Gaston to Muncie and back — roughly 50 miles round trip.

📍 Trailhead:

Start at the Gaston Trailhead, located about 35 miles southeast of Kil-So-Quah. This starting point avoids the 11-mile road gap farther north and keeps you on a smooth, paved trail.

🚴 Trail Surface & Ride Quality:

  • Mostly asphalt, ideal for Class 1 & 2 e-bikes
  • Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser handled bumps well with wide tires and upright posture
  • Ride1UP 500 Series Teal was agile and faster on straights

🛑 Notable Stops Along the Way:

  • Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge — historic iron truss structure
  • Weiser Street Depot — beautifully restored 1901 station & trail HQ
  • White River Greenway — optional 5.6-mile spur through wetlands

Navigating the Trail: Tips for a Smooth Ride

⚠️ Road Crossings:

Especially in Muncie, road intersections can be busy. One in particular was flagged as "the trickiest on the trail." Remain alert, use mirrors, and dismount if needed.

🧭 Mile Marker Mystery:

Don’t be alarmed if you see markers like Mile 112.5 on a 62-mile trail. Legacy railway markers are still in place — quirky, but part of the charm.

🦆 Unexpected Sightings:

  • Goose crossings (with signs!)
  • A tree with a smiley face carving
  • Alleged "Fruit Earth Rovers" — possibly part of local robotics research

Restrooms, Recharge & Real Talk

  • Seasonal restrooms available at most trailheads
  • Bring a backup power bank or solar station — cell signal can vary
  • You’ll likely get 4G (sometimes 5G) from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile
  • Best travel windows are early morning and post-3pm to avoid heat

Cardinal Greenway: Community-Supported, Not State-Funded

This trail is maintained entirely by a nonprofit, not the state. They operate via:

  • Donations
  • Merch sales (including an Etsy store)
  • Volunteer support
  • Local business partnerships

Consider grabbing a souvenir at the Weiser Street Depot or donating online to keep the trail thriving.

Final Thoughts: Slow Miles, Lasting Memories

Our experience combining e-bikes and camping in Indiana gave us something priceless: quiet miles, lakeside sunsets, and trails that feel like a story unfolding beneath your tires. The key was blending good planning with just enough openness to be surprised by what the trail offered.

Before you go, remember to:

  • 🔄 Double-check for flood alerts and trail closures
  • ⚡ Use Class 1/2 e-bikes only
  • 🧼 Pack out what you pack in
  • 🎯 Embrace the little surprises — even the smiley trees

We’ll be back to explore more of Indiana’s hidden corners. Until then, may your trailer be level, your Dutch oven hot, and your tires full.

Want more guides like this? Subscribe to Deep Dive AI for weekly explorations into slow travel, camping tech, AI-assisted workflows, and authentic gear reviews.

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