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Hawpatch Trail

Connecting Communities

The Hawpatch Trail is all about bringing communities closer — safely. This ADA-compliant multi-use path will give walkers, runners and cyclists a safe, scenic way to travel from Topeka to Wolcottville or Millersburg. The 17-mile trail will ensure safety for pedestrians and motorists while opening new opportunities for recreation, connection and a healthier LaGrange County.

A Vision for Connection

Led by LaGrange County Trails, the Hawpatch Trail is transforming early momentum into tangible progress. The trail will follow the former Wabash Railroad corridor, creating a greenway that honors local heritage while building a stronger future.

This transformative $18 million investment will be completed in five phases through partnerships spanning LaGrange, Noble, and Elkhart Counties. Partners in Noble and Elkhart Counties will acquire their respective land segments, while land purchase in LaGrange County is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.

Once finished, the Hawpatch Trail will connect neighborhoods, parks, and towns across all three counties — inspiring healthy living, outdoor recreation, and community connection for generations to come.

Foundation Partnership and Fiscal Sponsorship

The LaGrange County Community Foundation is proud to be a key collaborator and fiscal sponsor of the Hawpatch Trail project. As fiscal sponsor, the Foundation provides financial stewardship and accountability, ensuring that every dollar contributed is directed toward trail development and long-term success.

All gifts for the Hawpatch Trail Project should be made to the Hawpatch Trail Fund at the LaGrange County Community Foundation.

$5 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.

In a major step forward, the Foundation received a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment in 2024 to support Phases 1 and 2 of the trail — approximately 10 miles in and around Topeka — with an estimated cost of $11 million. This investment ensures a strong start toward realizing the full vision of the 17-mile trail and reflects statewide recognition of the project’s potential.

Follow the Progress

As the Hawpatch Trail moves from planning to construction, you can stay updated on milestones, events, and opportunities to get involved.

Together, we’re building more than a trail — we’re creating pathways for connection, health, and community.

Key Milestones

  • 2019: LaGrange County Trails launches with a bold mission: build a network of hiking and biking trails that connect communities across the county.
  • 2020: Initiates negotiations with Norfolk Southern Railway to secure critical corridor access.
    • Trails secures $1.5 million from the Major Moves Fund, fueling early-stage development.
  • 2024: The Foundation secures $5 million from Lilly Endowment.
    • Trails sign land purchase, kicks off survey work, and starts the process of obtaining easements and legal approvals (6+ months).
  • 2025: Finalize land acquisition and launch trail design, clearing the path for physical development.
  • 2026: Break ground on construction, turning plans into progress.

Hawpatch Trail Fund

Support the development of the Hawpatch Trail and learn more about the initiative.

Give to the Hawpatch Trail Fund

How Hawpatch Got Its Name

The name “Hawpatch” originates from an area in northern Noble County and southern LaGrange County near Topeka. Originally, this region was covered with dense timber-walnut, sugar, and elm trees. The trees were tall, and the ground was carpeted with flowers and black haw bushes. Early writers described the Hawpatch as resembling the prairies of northern LaGrange County, except for the presence of forests. Black and red haw bushes and hawthorn trees grew among the virgin hardwood timber, hence the name Hawpatch.