NEW TRAILS COMING TO NEW ALBANY LOOP ISLAND WETLANDS NATURE PRESERVE

The New Albany Loop Island Wetlands are a premier nature preserve located on the eastern edge of the New Albany Shoreline. The nearly 54-acre site provides stunning views of local wildlife year-round, and is accessible right along the Ohio River Greenway. The City is committed to this conservation effort to preserve this public nature sanctuary for generations to come.

A few years ago, the City of New Albany stabilized the ground and installed a trail system through the area, so nature enthusiasts and hikers could enjoy the scenic views provided by the Wetlands. Now, those trails are being expanded further, nearly doubling the size of the current trails.

“We are committed to improving access to some of the most beautiful areas in our city within the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “These lands are, and will remain, owned by the people of New Albany and open for public access year-round. This additional trail system will expand access to the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands and offer even more scenic nature views and wildlife watching, and the site is just a stone’s throw from our downtown.” 

HISTORY OF THE SHORELINE

The City of New Albany has been expanding and improving its shoreline for over two decades now.

It all started with the plans for the Ohio River Greenway in 1994. This ambitious trail project would connect the communities of New Albany, Clarksville, and Jeffersonville, and the trail was finally completed in 2016 when the City of New Albany acquired the bridge over Silver Creek to make the final connection for the communities. Now, the 7.5 mile path is enjoyed by thousands of nature enthusiasts, bikers, runners, and families each year.

EASTERN EXPANSION OF THE SHORELINE

Since then, the City of New Albany has been adding new amenities and trails to the Greenway, expanding the Shoreline so that it can be enjoyed for decades to come. On the eastern side, trails have been completed at the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands, and the announcement today revealed that more trails are coming to this site.

Additional neighborhood trails have been completed leading to the site of Silver Creek Landing, a new kayak and boat launch into Silver Creek that was completed in 2023. Plans for this site were revealed in late 2016, and the City of New Albany was pleased to be the first to develop a Blueway along Silver Creek for kayakers, fisherman, and water enthusiasts.

WESTERN EXPANSION OF THE SHORELINE

Along the western side of the Shoreline, the City of New Albany added the “New Albany Flow Park,” a world-class skatepark. The City of New Albany, in partnership with the Carnegie Center for Art and History and the Southern Indiana Tourism Bureau, completed the New Albany Flow Park in late 2019, a one-of-a-kind skate-able work of art on New Albany’s Shoreline, enhancing the Ohio River Greenway. The New Albany Flow Park is a unique and ambitious project that integrates art with healthy living and quality of place initiatives.

Further along the western side, the New Albany Boat Ramp was opened in late 2023. This new access point to the Ohio River will allow for more boaters to access the river, and could open the possibility for fishing tournaments and other water sports to come to the area. The site surrounding the boat ramp is expected to be redeveloped into a greenspace and family fun park, with natural playgrounds and other amenities to be added soon.

SPRING IS COMING

“The City of New Albany will continue to improve access to some of our most scenic areas and natural amenities,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “These areas are owned by the people of New Albany, and we are committed to protecting our public lands and keeping them accessible to everyone in our River City.”