About Us

The Vermillion Trails Alliance (VTA) was launched in the spring of 2017 by a group of local citizens.  Over the course of that first year we developed a mission, a vision and a strategic plan.  We also adopted a set of bylaws and became incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit. 

Vision

We envision a prosperous Vermillion County that values healthy lifestyles, embraces a conservation ethic and respects our cultural heritage; a place where people are connected with the outdoors, and communities are connected with each other. 

Mission

Our mission is to grow and connect the people of Vermillion County by expanding our network of trail and recreation opportunities.

About Our Trail Projects

Our Beginnings
Our journey began with a vision to repurpose an abandoned railroad grade across the Wabash River floodplain near Hillsdale, Indiana. This initiative aimed to extend the B&O Trail using one of only four pedestrian bridges across the Wabash River in Indiana. Partnering with a group in neighboring Parke County, we capitalized on their successful decking of an abandoned railroad bridge over the Wabash, owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Through a combination of land purchases, donations, and affidavit transfers, we secured the entire abandoned railroad grade on the Vermillion County side and transferred ownership to the Vermillion County Commissioners. With the support of a $150,000 grant from the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission—and thanks to patience, persistence, local donations, and the hard work of dedicated volunteers—we officially opened this completed trail segment with a ribbon cutting on September 24, 2022.

Next Level Expansion
In 2022, the Vermillion Trails Alliance (VTA) was awarded a transformative $1.1 million Next Level Trails grant to extend the B&O Trail. This extension will cross a creek and connect to a new trailhead at a public railroad crossing. This milestone brings us closer to our long-term vision: linking trail segments across Vermillion, Parke, and Vigo counties to create a three-county trail loop—a potential destination for trail enthusiasts statewide.

VTA remains committed to identifying new opportunities to connect communities and inspire citizens to explore the outdoors.

Trailhead Park and Rail-to-Trail Initiative
Another key focus is the development of Trailhead Park, part of a rail-to-trail project on land owned by the Vermillion County Commissioners. Located just south of Newport, the county farm includes pastureland, woodland, and an abandoned rail bed. At our request, the Commissioners designated two acres of this property for park development.

Over the past five years, we’ve transformed the area into a vibrant community space. Trailhead Park now features:

• A parking area

• A picnic shelter

• A paved, ADA-accessible walking trail lined with native Indiana trees

• A storybook trail for children

Additionally, we’ve converted the adjacent rail bed into a half-mile walking trail, with plans to extend it by another mile. Our long-term vision includes:

• Woodland trail loops connecting to the humane shelter

• A naturescape playground and nature discovery area

• Prairie restoration projects

This project has not only highlighted the value of trail development but also fostered collaboration among local groups, inspiring greater community engagement and pride.