Goshen Running Routes: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, Millrace Canal Trail, MapleHeart Trail

This is a guide to the best places to run in Goshen, a city 25 miles east of South Bend and part of the South Bend–Elkhart–Mishawaka Combined Statistical Area. From the center of town, there’s some pleasant running on a couple of multi-use paths.

Maple City Greenway/Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Run up to 12 miles between Goshen and Middlebury! The trail starts at Dickerson Landing and goes for 1 mile before turning into the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. The trail is mainly paved, except for a 1.75 mile gravel section, and the terrain is a mix of residential (near the beginning), woods, and some open farmland. There’s a ~1 mile on-road section between miles 8-9. TRAIL INFORMATION    ROUTE MAP

• At the 1.7 mile mark, just past E Lincoln Rd., a spur heads south for 0.5 miles to Fidler Pond, which features a scenic 1.5 mile perimeter path.

Milltrace Canal Trail. Our favorite run in Goshen. This gravel trail runs along the Milltrace Canal for 2 miles, passing through Shanklin Park & Milltrace Park, ending at the northern end of Goshen Dam Pond. There are lovely views of the narrow canal. A nice 1.5 mile spur in Shanklin Park goes west to Mullet Park, adding 1.5 miles out & back. Route is 4 miles out & back or 5.5 miles with the Shanklin Spur. Pro tip: post-run brew at Goshen Brewing Company.  ROUTE MAP

• Add-Ons: Nice residential streets in the area just east of the trail, especially in Historic Southside.

MapleHeart Trail to Elkhart. Not the most scenic run, but a good way to clock in some flat, off-road miles. This paved trail is more of a sidewalk alongside busy County Road 45, and runs for 6.3 miles between Goshen and Elkhart. ROUTE MAP

Ox Bow County Park. Pleasant park between Goshen & Elkhart with 2-3 miles of trails, including hiking trails & a bicycle trail. PARK MAP