Natural Beauty: Morgan County's White River Greenway offers views of fields and forests

Lawrence, Morgan and Owen counties are full of locations where local folks can enjoy some time with Mother Nature. Because of this, the Times-Mail, Reporter-Times, Mooresville-Decatur Times and Spencer Evening World has started a monthly feature promoting some of these outdoor spots. This story marks the first in that series.

MORGAN COUNTY — Morgan County is known for a lot of things.

From its 200-year history to its famous sons and daughters, area residents can often find something to explore.

One thing Morgan County known for that many folks around the region may not realize is its geography.

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Thousands of years ago, the Wisconsin Glacier began retreating in south central Indiana, including in Morgan County.

The glacier carved through portions of northern Morgan County, but much of southern portions of the county remained hilly.

From the large forested areas, wetlands and the White River, the county has a number of outdoor opportunities for folks looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.

One location is the White River Greenway Trail near Waverly in northeastern Morgan County.

The 2-mile-long path, which begins at its trailhead in Old Town Waverly Park, meanders through the trees along the banks of the White River and includes picnic areas, fishing spots and ample opportunities to view some of the area's wildlife.

Volitta Fritsche, who previously served on the Morgan County Parks Board and currently leads the community corrections crew — which helps maintains the county's parks — said the trail is a hidden gem for area residents.

"That is such a beautiful place that most people didn't even know we have in Morgan County," Fritsche said. "So, I think it is important to give people greenspace to share, so that they can get out and they can be part of nature."

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A ribbon cutting for the trail occurred in September 2017, but pavement had yet to be added to the path.

By September 2018, that pavement was down and local folks could enjoy an easy hike along the river.

While there are several beautiful spots along the trail, Fritsche noted one area in particular that she enjoys.

"I think the most breathtaking is when you first come out of the first part of the woods," Fritsche said. "You're walking along the bank, but it is steep and we can't clear that out. But, we decided to clear out that first picnic area because that is your first place that you can see, and I think it is kind of breathtaking because you're not expecting that."

She also pointed to an area around the 1.5 mile-marker where the White River turns a bit.

"When you take a picture of that area, you can't get a bad picture of that area because the sky and the river is just beautiful and you can see it coming and going," she added.

Fritsche said Morgan County Commissioner Kenny Hale, who has been instrumental in the development of both Old Town Waverly Park and the greenway, first took her back to the 1.5-mile point of the trail before it was cut.

"That's what we worked toward getting open for the public, because that area was so beautiful," Fritsche noted.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources also recently installed a public-access boat ramp near the trailhead.

"So the people that love to canoe and kayak, it is wonderful for them because that's a nice ramp, it slopes off easy and they can get in and out kind of easy," Fritsche noted.

She believes the White River Greenway Trail is one of the most beautiful in the area.

"We have the wildlife, we have the different terrain, we have woods, we have prairie and we have water," Fritsche added.

Some of the wildlife that can be seen includes eagles, herron, squirrels and several species of fish.

Parking spots and the trailhead for the greenway is located at Old Town Waverly Park, 8425 Main St., Martinsville.

Contact Reporter-Times, Times-Mail and Spencer Evening World editor Lance Gideon at lgideon@reporter-times.com or 765-342-1543. Follow him on Twitter: @LanceOGideon.

This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: White River Greenway Trail gives locals a chance to get outdoors