Trail Project Gains Momentum in Parke County

 Phase 2 is under construction, bridges are prepped, and community support is growing
Parke County, Ind -- If you’ve driven near Rosedale or Jessup lately, you may have noticed some exciting changes: freshly cleared paths, construction equipment near fields and creeks, and even a few bright-orange safety vests moving around. That’s because the Parke Trails Alliance is hard at work on a long-awaited project—one that’s about to connect our communities in a whole new way.
We’re building something special here. “This trail isn’t just for hikers or bikers. It’s for everyone—families, seniors, kids, and even out-of-town visitors. It’s going to connect people to nature and to each other,” said Parke Trails Alliance Board Member Mark Davis.
Phase 2 Begins Construction
The trail effort reached a major milestone: construction officially began on Phase 2, a 2.5-mile stretch of trail that will include a new trailhead and a restored piece of Parke County and Indiana history, the Whipple Truss bridge.
The bridge, which has stood for over a century near Bridgeton, has been carefully removed, disassembled, and transported to Camden for full restoration. After its complete restoration, it was placed along the trail, spanning Little Raccoon Creek, as a scenic crossing point.
“It’s kind of like giving the bridge a second life. It’ll be safer, stronger, and even more meaningful now that it’s part of something the whole community can use,” Davis explained.
Local contractors Collom Excavating and S&G Excavating are leading the bridge and trail work, helping keep the project rooted in the community.
Progress on Other Phases
Meanwhile, work continues on other parts of the trail. Phase 1, which connects the Parke-Vigo County line to Big Raccoon Creek, is nearly complete. A repurposed railcar bridge has been prepped, painted, and installed.
In Phase 3, tree clearing was conducted, and early survey and design work has begun for Phase 4, which will include a covered bridge crossing, a nod to Parke County’s rich heritage. 
Challenges and Community Commitment
Like many projects across Indiana, this one hasn’t been immune to inflation. Since 2019 when the project was put together, the cost of materials like gravel, asphalt, concrete, and steel has more than doubled in some cases. Labor and engineering costs have also risen, pushing Parke Trails Alliance to get creative. To make the budget stretch, they’ve scaled back on asphalt, simplified plans for some trailheads, and increased reliance on volunteer support. They’re also working closely with landowners to adjust trail routes as needed.
“We’ve had to make some tough calls. But every change we’ve made keeps the focus on our goal—getting more trail miles open for the public to enjoy,” Davis explained.

Want to Help Build the Trail?
Volunteer with Parke Trails Alliance!
The trail is powered by people like you. Whether you’ve got tools in your garage or just an afternoon to spare, volunteers are always welcome for:

• Trail clearing
  
  
• Landscaping and planting 
  
  
• Painting signs or helping with events 
  
  
• Mowing
  
  
  

No experience necessary—just bring a smile!
To get involved, email [email protected] or send a message on Facebook.