Nickel Plate Trail's extension completion celebrated with ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday

Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 2:03 PM

By Shelby Lopez

The Nickel Plate Trail's extension completion through Rochester was made official Thursday, July 3, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce.

The newest extension added eight-tenths of a mile from its former end at the gazebo near 18th St and Wabash Ave, Construction cost was around $330,000 and was paid for by a 80/20 grant thanks to help from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation.

Nickel Plate Trail board communications coordinator Dan McCarthy spoke during the ceremony and explained the economic impact the trail extension would make for Rochester. McCarthy said the trail brings visitors from not only across the state of Indiana, but also the country. The Nickel Plate Trail conjoins with the Great American Rail Trail that runs from Washington DC to the state of Washington and is about half complete in its connection coast to coast.

McCarthy said not only is the trail extension a positive addition for visitors, but also for family's in the community to enjoy as well, giving access to residents. The trails extension runs north into Rochester to Race St and connects to the Rochester Pathway that runs along the Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek and Woodlawn Hospital trail.