The Monon Trail is a colossus in the world of Midwest rail-trails. The 15-mile trail is attractive and well designed, with an astonishing practicality as an urban transportation corridor. The trail stitches together neighborhoods, recreational facilities, cultural centers, and schools between Indianapolis and the northern suburb of Carmel.
Beginning in Indianapolis, at the trail's south end, the Monon is undeniably an urban trail. You will travel beneath the ramps that comprise the intersection of interstates 70 and 65, passing a mixture of residential areas and light industrial zones. After 2.7 miles, you come upon the first of this trail's bridges; the fire-engine red, transformed railroad trestle is a true marvel. After crossing a bridge and a couple overpasses, you will arrive at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, an enormous complex with a popular annual fair that many people bike to via the Monon Trail.
Beyond the fairgrounds, the trail travels along the backyards of suburban Indianapolis through a corridor lined with a ribbon of trees and green space. Local artwork placed randomly along this stretch add a unique flavor to this trail, with pieces ranging from bright community murals to a network of pipes painted on the sides of a utility storage building.
At 63rd Street, (mile 11), you reach the gateway to Broad Ripple, a beautiful village with a bright red bridge. This town practically vibrates with culture, offering many eateries, galleries, breweries, and shop-a must-stop destination on your Monon trip.
After crossing two more impressive red bridges, the trail meanders through quiet neighborhoods for another 2.5 miles before crossing busy 86th Street. From here, it is just one short mile to the trailhead at 96th Street which marks the beginning of the trail's Carmel section. Interstate 465 looms overhead just beyond the trailhead, but soon you again travel past lovely backyards. Some wonderful trailside displays and rest areas-sponsored by local residents and community associations-provide nice spots for respite along the trail.
At 111th St., you reach the Monon Center, a new development with a water park, fitness center, skate park, and meeting facilities. The trail then cuts through downtown Carmel, where you may want to take a detour to shop along bustling Main Street. From here, the Monon Trail's end at 146th St. is just 1.5 miles away.