Growing Pains - Parking
(EDITED March 2, 2017 to remove the GSP west barn from the parking areas. See the blog post.)
Everyone loves being successful. The satisfaction at doing something that is very popular and that everyone loves is wonderful. This feeling drives us forward.
We love seeing the use that our newest section of the Fishing Line is getting. But with success, we do have a small problem. Parking!
It's weird how human nature sometimes makes us behave. When we don't know something, we often make what seems to us to be the obvious decisions, not knowing some of the issues or results that we initiate.
That's the way with Noble Trails, too. As our trail has become popular, it has become very apparent to us that we haven't adequately shared with all of you where to park to enjoy the trail! That has lead to a few dangerous situations, as people are parking on the shoulder of the road, or in the middle of driveways. Or even on the trail itself!
So where should you park? We have t̶h̶r̶e̶e two areas that are available for you to access the Gene Stratton Porter section of the Fishing Line Trail between CR 850N and CR 450E, through the wonderful support from two groups.
(Image replaced)
First, Gene Stratton-Porter State Historical Site has offered the use of t̶w̶o̶ one parking areas. Y̶o̶u̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶ ̶p̶a̶r̶k̶ Gene Stratton Porter asks that you do not park in the grassy lot at the barn on the east side of CR 350E near the Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau's Sauer Farmhouse. Please keep the driveway clear, and respect GSP's property by not disturbing the barn or parking in this area.
(Image of GSP barn area removed)
Second, you can park in the main lot for GSP off of Pleasant Point. You can access the trail by the grassy path across CR 850N.
Through the kind agreement from the congregation of Iglesia Cristiana Cristo Mi Roca (Christ My Rock Christian Church), you can also park in the gravel lot on the northwest corner of CR 450E and CR 800N. The trail is about 600 feet north along CR 450E. Please respect church activities.
Wait. I heard some of you. "We have to walk to get to the trail?" Think about that for a moment.
So, yes, get out and walk the trail. Enjoy, and let others enjoy as well. Please park in these designated areas, and avoid those problematic parking places, and we can make room for all of us!