The Dearborn Trail in Aurora is well worth the visit!

Story by The 812's Valerie Weston

Valerie Weston is a summer intern for The 812 who enjoys not only writing, but also hiking and biking! She recently visited the Dearborn Trail in Aurora:

(AURORA, Ind.) – I recently went biking through the Aurora portion of the Dearborn Trail with a 4.5 mile path that goes from Aurora to Lawrenceburg to Greendale. 

The Dearborn Trail offers a scenic view for walking, running, biking and rollerblading along the Ohio River and it also offers small town charm!

When I arrived at the entrance to the trail without a bicycle, that was no problem.

Conveniently located at the entrance is a hub where visitors can rent bikes. The entire process is through an app called Movatic. This contactless rental eliminates worries related to lines and business hours.

Through the app, users can find the bike station and rent and pay for up to four bikes at a time. The first hour of the rental is $3 and each additional hour is only $2. The bikes are also equipped with baskets to hold personal belongings while riding. When the ride is completed the app ensures returning the bike to any station is simple.

The trail itself is easy to navigate. It is mostly paved for smooth riding and offers wide paths for large groups and easy passing. Minimal hills provide a leisurely, enjoyable biking experience.

The tree-lined trail is home to many birds and other forms of wildlife for riders to admire.

Along the trail, many bridges provide a clear view of the Ohio River. Rest points, benches and picnic tables, located throughout the trail allow users to rest, eat, or birdwatch.

I also took time to tour downtown Aurora on my bike ride. The roads offer an easy-to-follow trail route that also alerts drivers to be cautious of potential bikers to ensure safety.

While downtown, bikers can stop and explore the beauty of Aurora through a variety of shops and restaurants.

Other trails and offshoots branch off of the main course for visitors to navigate and tour.

During my ride I also explored the Lesko Park Bike Path along the Ohio River Scenic Byway which is easily accessible from the downtown route. This path offers a clear view of the river and many places to stop and take in its beauty.

The Dearborn Trail is a great option for anyone looking for an exciting way of slowing down and exploring nature.

The 812's Valerie Weston loves exploring Southeast Indiana's trails, parks and towns! Where would you like her to go next? Send an email to news@812now.com