The groundbreaking for the Vernon Next Level Trail project is at 1 p.m. Friday at the Vernon Commons.

The Town of Vernon was awarded roughly $1.1 million through the Department of Natural Resources’ Next Level Trails grant program.

The trail will connect to the county’s Muscatatuck Park near the historic Vinegar Mill and continue for nearly 1.5 miles along the river and through the town of Vernon, ending at the state’s first public park, the Vernon Commons.

The trail will feature trailhead parking, an overlook of the river near the town’s gymnasium and sports complex and a new restroom at the Commons.

Project construction is expected to take approximately one year. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled at the town’s annual Sassafras Tea Festival in April 2025.

Additional information about the trail project can be accessed at the Town of Vernon website at vernonindiana.org.