NEWS

Dearborn Trail Offers Scenic Option for Exploring Historic Places

Along a 4.5-mile trail from Aurora to Lawrenceburg and Greendale, travelers pass landmarks including nineteenth-century bridges and picturesque downtown districts.

Dearborn Trail, Dearborn County

Happy Trails

Southeast Indiana’s Dearborn Trail checks a lot of recreational boxes: a bicycle and pedestrian route that combines public health, recreation, green thinking, and historic preservation—all with a view of the Ohio River.

The 4.5-mile trail extends from Aurora to Lawrenceburg and into Greendale, much of it along the former path of the New York Central Railroad. It’s one of many rails-to-trails projects that have converted decommissioned railroad lines into pedestrian walking, running, and biking trails, using the relatively flat and gentle curves of former rail beds to create easy, accessible pathways.

Along the Dearborn Trail, travelers pass a number of landmarks, including nineteenth-century bridges and picturesque downtown districts.

George Street Bridge, Dearborn Trail, AuroraIn Aurora, the George Street Bridge serves as an impressive gateway to the city’s historic downtown. An 1887 Whipple through-truss span listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge still carries passenger traffic today, with a pedestrian and bike path along the north side.

At the other end of the trail, a former railroad bridge crosses Tanners Creek in Lawrenceburg. Stabilized when the trail was developed, the 1882 Pratt Truss-style metal bridge is now the focus of local preservation efforts.

Once the trail splits from the historic railbed in Lawrenceburg, it climbs to the ridge of the city’s levee. Travers along this section have a bird’s eye views of the Ohio River on one side, and Lawrenceburg’s historic downtown on the other, including the 1870 Greek Revival Dearborn County Courthouse and an 1885 Queen Anne fire station, rehabbed as a multilevel restaurant.

Dearborn County Courthouse

Dearborn County Courthouse in Lawrenceburg (Photo: Lee Lewellen)

The Dearborn Trail is a fine launching point for further explorations in the region, as well. Heading north out of Lawrenceburg, trailgoers can continue on to Oxbow Nature Conservancy to explore the flora and fauna of the Ohio River wetland. And just south of downtown Aurora, Lesko Park is a popular riverside spot with picnic tables and a playground.

Aurora and Lawrenceburg share maintenance responsibilities for the trail, and officials in both cities are excited about additional amenities designed to enhance the popular route, including the new River Cities Bike Share program. Through the program, riders can rent one of the 30 7-speed bikes from multiple app-operated rental stands to explore the trail and downtowns.

Dearborn County bikeshare

“The River Cities Bike Share Program continues to be a community recreational asset connecting the cities of Lawrenceburg and Aurora along the Dearborn Trail with beautiful Ohio River views,” says Lawrenceburg Mayor Kelly Mollaun.

Whether it’s for exercise, reduced gas emissions, or simply enjoying the historic connection between these cities, we recommend a trip along the Dearborn Trail as an adventure for all ages.

To learn more, visit www.indianatrails.com/dearborn-county-trail.

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