Summerset Trail

The Summerset Trail is a multi-use "rail-trail" that starts at Carlisle and heads eleven miles south to end at Indianola. The first several miles follow a barely noticeable ascent out of the edge of Carlisle to travel through open fields and wetlands. Before the halfway mark, look for a small viewing tower just before the trail skirts the edge of Summerset State Park. There is a small parking area and restroom at the northwest corner of the park. Continuing on, you'll soon cross the Middle River. From here, the grade begins to gently increase as the remainder of the trail heads through grasslands and stands of trees until it ends in Indianola near the McVay Trail. In the reverse, the Summerset Trail is a pleasant hike downhill as you travel to the north.