My husband and I rode this trail Thurs Aug 26. Although the trail was busy in places, it is wide enough to acommodate heavy traffic without feeling crowded. Also, a big thumbs up for the people who live there and use this trail. No one throws garbage down, everyone was extremely polite, kept their dogs leashed, and understood trail etiquette. The trail itself was wonderful--well maintained and well marked for road crossings and a few spur trails. It is in tree cover with filtered sun 3/4 of the time with the rest being full sun. Several parks, tunnels, bridges, creeks and woodlands will enhance your ride. We parked in Carmel and rode South toward Indy. We had been warned that it could be dangerous going further than Broad Ripple, but there were plenty of other bikers and it felt ok until just south of the fairgrounds. The bike traffic had thinned to hardly anyone and the surroundings were getting very run down looking. We turned back at that point and calculated we only skipped the last mile or so which we made up off of one of the spur trails later. There are plenty of restrooms and eating places along the way. We had lunch at Bub's Burgers and it was great. I tried an elk burger which was supposed to be much leaner and healthier. Tasted like beef to me. The burgers run large so be careful. The 1/4 lb one was huge. Be sure to try the waffle fries. They are lightly dusted with a slightly spicy cornmeal. Different and very tasty. We purchased our bikes in March and have over 800 miles on them. This was undoubtedly the best 35 miles we have done to date. We live just outside of Louisville and had a 2 1/2 hour drive to get there. It was so worth it and we will be returning soon. I think we will compare all future trails to the Monon and it will be hard to beat.

This is my second visit to the Monon. I started at the 96th St. parking area and rode north towards Carmel. I really enjoyed the numerous long stretches of shaded trail, especially welcome on a hot August day! I noticed two new tunnels, complete with lights and security observation. There were ample restroom facilities, in addition to the local eateries adjacent to the trail. The town of Carmel is just delightful with many residential buildings adjacent to the trail. What a great benefit! The two statues on the trail in Carmel are so life-like! I rode to the end of the trail, a section closed to construction, a total of 6.68 miles from 96th St. I was impressed with the signage along the trail, including the RTC Hall of Fame Trail. What really impressed me was that I did not see a single piece of litter at all on the trail! How do they accomplish this? Unfortunately, litter has become commonplace on the other rail trails that I ride. The only negative observation I have is that none of the other bikers I encountered on the trail today used any type of warning when overtaking pedestrians or other bikers. I thought this is just good bike etiquette. Overall, the Monon is a top notch trail, and one I will ride again.

The new section from 146th street in Carmel to 161st in Westfield is partially complete. A new paved section extending 2 plus miles north available as of March 2009.

Visited Indy several times a few years with my hybrid bike. Found the trail system there to be the best imaginable. The MOMON was only one of many bike routes in Indy. Truly one of the highlights of my life.

"My friends and I spend endless hours on this trail.... There is no better place to meet friends than the ""half circles"" in Broadripple.... Where the canal path and monon meet...
If you like to people watch this is the spot as well "

The abandoned Monon railroad was a peaceful quiet place. Runners and cyclists talk very loud. The trail disturbs the peace we once had.

"In college I did an independent study course about rails to trails and used the Monon as my main inspiration. That was in '98, the trail was still in its infancy, and I was not even into biking. In the past year I have really gotten into riding rails-to-trails. Finally this past Independence day weekend I got my chance to ride the mighty Monon. Although it was a four hour drive from my home, the trip was well worth it. At 10 years old the Monon has become a classic rail to trail. It contains all the aspects of a great rail trail: paved surface (in great shape), small destination towns along the trek, beautiful bridges, neighboring land owners that connect to the trail, shops/restaurants, and connections civic attractions (fairgrounds, Central Park, downtown Indy). I'd recommend starting in the middle of the trail at broad ripple. From here you also have quick access to the Canal Tow Path which starts in broad ripple too. North from b.r. to north Carmel is a wonderful ride. Very crowded.
Overall I am extremely impressed with this trail. Indy residents need to keep funding this trail for future extenstions! Dont let your jewel get tarnished."

"I enjoyed every bit of running I did on this trail. I would have liked to have ridden my bike but unfortunately I didn’t bring it. People are friendly, the trail is clean, the landscaping is nice and there's easy access to nearby shops.

I would recommend early morning or early evening because of trail traffic. It's very scenic along the way but be careful on cross roads in the Broad Ripple area."

"The new extension past Carmel is great. I haven't skated south of Broad Ripple, but from Broad Ripple north there is really only one boring section (86-91st). The rest of trail is pleasant and FAST!. Nice wide trails and not overly crowded.

For out of towners, this trail is worth the trip. "

"When I was a kid growing up at 84th and College Ave in Nora, I would listen to the freight trains on the Monon as they passed through my neighborhood late at night, wondering where it came from and where it was going on its long journey. Now whenever I get back home I can ride it at my leisure and see my childhood world from a perspective that once I could only dream about! What a wonderful use of the old right of way! I love it!"

"This was the first rails to trail that we'd ever been on, and it was so nice. It's also been expanded up to 146th St. Very enjoyable bike ride. It was busy, but everyone was very considerate. You could go at whatever pace you wanted to, whether slow or fast, walkers or runners or bikers. Great way to people watch!! "

"The Monon is very busy. It is used by walkers, runners, bikers, in-line skaters, etc. In fact it is so busy I prefer the canal tow path that takes off from the Monon in Broadripple and runs all the way downtown to the NCAA plaza and Art Garden at the zoo."

"I am a hard core runner, this is a nice wide trail, but it seems very busy at all times. This trail can be more crowded than the I-465 loop freeway, only without the cars."