The DeKalb County Trail was constructed in 1976 and is referred to as Indiana's first rail-trail. It runs between the City of Auburn and the Town of Waterloo.
At its southern end, the trail starts by Greenhurst Commons (1740 N Main St, Auburn), an urban preserve that is home to a variety of wildlife, a pond, and 1.25 miles of paved, accessible trails.
From Greenhurst Commons, the trail runs along the east side of Main Street and then Wayne Street/County Road 427 to the southern limits of Waterloo through farmland and the occasional private residence.
Also known as the Auburn/Waterloo Bike Path, the trail runs parallel to Rieke Trail, which runs along the east side of Rieke Park (1800 Indiana Ave, Auburn).
There is no designated parking for this trail, but you can park at
The trail is getting widened so it will no longer be a glorified sidewalk. The surface will be asphalt. I can't wait to give it another chance!
Do not go out of your way to ride this one. No Trailhead on the north end. The trail runs directly next to a busy State Road, and it is one of the bumpiest sidewalks I have ever been on! Parked at the south end where there happens to be a golf course turned into a city park. THAT was a peaceful, beautiful and quick ride. However, some of the paths in the park dead end because of bridges being out. Better than the actual trail though!
very disappointed. narrow and bumpy.
I recently started riding bike for exercise and have had some great riding experiences. Today, I decided to ride from my home in Auburn, Indiana to Waterloo and use the DeKalb county Trail.
While I appreciate the fact there is off-road access for cyclists, I was dismayed at the beginning of the trail in Auburn and the section that is east of DeKalb High School.
This section is poorly maintained if at all and is treacherous for riders. If you are riding with someone, you are putting you and your friends at risk by riding this section.
Northbound, I chose to ride on the shoulder of 427, but southbound was another story and I was (and am) appalled at the condition of this trail.
What entity is supposed to care for this? Waterloo City, Auburn City, DeKalb County? or is there another group? How much red tape would have to be cut to get something done to fix this up? Could it be a United Way Day of Caring project or is the scope too wide for this?
Please help! I really want to continue riding but this portion almost makes it prohibitive to ride this trail!
Please contact me at my email if you can answer some of these questions or you may contact me through the Waterloo Library.
Thank you,
Bobbie Lee
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!