Find the top rated trails in Indianapolis, whether you're looking an easy walking path or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The 146th Street Trail is a linear pathway that follows its namesake roadway across Westfield, which lies on the northern outskirts of Indianapolis. At Rohrer Road, the pathway connects to the Monon Trail, ...
The B&O Trail, which is being developed along a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad corridor in Indiana, is planned to one day stretch more than 60 miles from Indianapolis to Montezuma. The segment in Brownsburg, ...
The B-Line Trail in Bloomington runs for 3 miles between Adams Street (near the tracks) and West Country Club Drive. The trail passes through downtown Bloomington and by a railroad switchyard. The trail ...
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The Big 4 Rail Trail will one day stretch 50-plus miles across Boone County, from the northern suburbs of Indianapolis to Lafayette. The Big 4 in the trail name refers to the old Cleveland, Cincinnati, ...
The Big 4 Rail Trail will one day stretch 50-plus miles across Boone County, from the northern suburbs of Indianapolis to Lafayette. The Big 4 in the trail name refers to the old Cleveland, Cincinnati, ...
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The Big 4 Rail Trail is a developing trail route across Boone County that will one day span 50 miles. Currently, two disconnected segments of the rail-trail are open. The name is a reference to the Big ...
The Bloomington Rail-Trail is a 2-mile segment of crushed stone that runs through a suburban wooded corridor. The trail extends between W. Country Club Drive in the north and Church Lane in the south. ...
The Bridgewater Club Trail surrounds an upscale neighborhood of the same name, providing residents with easy access to the community's many amenities, including a golf course, fitness center and spa. The ...
The Carey Road Trail offers a straight north-south route through southeastern Westfield. It parallels the eastern side of the roadway through rural areas and residential communities, including the Bridgewater ...
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The Centennial Trail lies in a pleasant neighborhood of the same name in southwestern Westfield, about 15 miles north of Indianapolis. The trail crisscrosses a broad stretch of open space along Liberty ...
The Central Canal Towpath, also known as the IWC Canal Greenway, features two 19th-century iron bridges that cross the waterway, designated an American Water Landmark. As you follow the tree-lined, crushed ...
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Bloomington's Clear Creek Trail runs between Tapp Road in the north and the Blooming Rail-Trail in the south, linking with the latter just north of Church Lane. Although the Clear Creek Trail is wheelchair ...
The Columbus People Trail offers an easy and convenient way for residents in this small Indiana city to get around by bike or on foot. The network comprises more than 15 miles of sidewalks, on-road bike ...
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Providing a slice of scenic beauty in an urban setting, the Fall Creek Trail follows the titular creek along a quiet, forested corridor in northern Indianapolis. Offering a variety of recreation opportunities, ...
The Greyhound Trail is sandwiched between a residential community and the Carmel High School Stadium. A portion of the trail follows the former North Indianapolis Electric Interurban Railroad, and a highlight ...
Although less than 2 miles long, the Hagan-Burke Trail provides valuable connections to three other trails in the city of Carmel: the Monon Trail (an 18-mile RTC Hall-of-Famer that stretches to Indianapolis), ...
After six years under construction, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail (ICT) was well worth the wait. The trail is a definite boon for the city and also ranks among some of the country’s nicest urban routes ...
Kokomo's nickname is the "City of Firsts" and the Industrial Heritage Trail celebrates its progressive and inventive past with public art and signage highlighting the historic significance of some of the ...
The Landersdale Trail is a 10-foot-wide, paved asphalt path that runs adjacent to and parallel to Landersdale Road in northern Morgan County. The western end of the path connects the fringe of the town ...
The Lenape Trace Trail is a short connector path that links a newer residential development in Carmel, Indiana, with both the Sunrise Golf Course and the popular Monon Trail. Residents of the neighborhoods ...
Much of the Midland Trace Trail is still in the planning and development stage; however, three short, disconnected segments totaling nearly 2.5 miles have been constructed as of 2013. When complete, ...
The Monon Trail is a colossus in the world of Midwest rail-trails. The trail is attractive and well designed, with an astonishing practicality as an urban transportation corridor. The trail stitches together ...
The Natalie Wheeler Trail provides a straight north-south route along Union Street/Westfield Boulevard in the Indianapolis metro area. Although it parallels the roadway, the trail's western side is pleasant ...
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The Henry County segment of the National Road Heritage Trail runs for nearly 5 miles over two segments. One runs from N. West Street in Raysville east to CR 425 W in Ogden (2 miles); the other between ...
The P&E Trail begins at the corner of Main Street, 16th Street and Crawfordsville Road in Speedway, Indiana, an enclave of Indianapolis. This eastern endpoint of the trail is just a stone’s throw away ...
The straight, paved Pennsy Trail—not to be confused with the Pennsy Greenway located farther north in the Chicago suburbs—occupies a portion of the old right-of-way of the Pennsylvania Railroad (“Pennsy” ...
The Pleasant Run Trail travels along both the creek and road of the same name as it courses through eastern Indianapolis, although the trail is located on sidewalks in certain areas. In the north, the ...
Bloomington’s Polly Grimshaw Trail is a short rail-with-trail that provides a crucial link from the city’s east side to State Route 45, close to Indiana University. The trail runs between apartments and ...
The Sugar Creek Trail meanders on the southwestern outskirts of Crawfordsville through suburban back yards, wooded parks and cultivated fields. It follows part of an old Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago ...
The Tracy Trail is a short suburban greenway in the town of Greenwood. The trail runs northsouth between Summerfield Park and just north of Woodman Park near Southwest Elementary School. The open corridor ...
The Vandalia Trail is the longest open component of the National Road Heritage Trail, a proposed border-to-border trail stretching between Terre Haute and Richmond, Indiana, a span of more than 150 miles. ...
White Lick Creek Trail is the north-south spine of the Plainfield trail system, connecting several parks and the Plainfield Recreation and Aquatics Center. On its northern end, the trail meets the Vandalia ...
The White River Greenway in Anderson, IN is approximately 4.89 miles paved (with a small section of boardwalk) along the White River and continues approximately 1.7 miles unpaved. It links multiple parks, ...
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One of a handful of trails following the White River in Indiana, Carmel’s White River Greenway parallels the scenic waterway for much of its journey through the eastern part of the city. Along the way, ...
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The White River Greenway in Muncie follows the course of its namesake river through the city between W. White River Boulevard at W. River Road and N. Gavin Street at Bunch Boulevard. The trail corridor ...
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A restored covered bridge that dates back to 1837 is the centerpiece of Noblesville’s White River Greenway, which opened in 1999. The level to gently rolling asphalt trail, which hugs the banks of the ...
The White River Wapahani Trail is nearly 7 miles long, stretching from 38th Street at Riverside Regional Park south to W. Raymond Street. Near downtown Indianapolis, the trail provides access to White ...
Wilbur Wright Trail will one day extend from New Castle (in Henry County) to Losantville (in Randolph County), where it will connect to the Cardinal Greenway, the longest rail-trail in Indiana. The route ...
The 146th Street Trail is a linear pathway that follows its namesake roadway across Westfield, which lies on the northern outskirts of Indianapolis. At Rohrer Road, the pathway connects to the Monon Trail, ...
The B&O Trail, which is being developed along a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad corridor in Indiana, is planned to one day stretch more than 60 miles from Indianapolis to Montezuma. The segment in Brownsburg, ...
The B-Line Trail in Bloomington runs for 3 miles between Adams Street (near the tracks) and West Country Club Drive. The trail passes through downtown Bloomington and by a railroad switchyard. The trail ...
The Big 4 Rail Trail will one day stretch 50-plus miles across Boone County, from the northern suburbs of Indianapolis to Lafayette. The Big 4 in the trail name refers to the old Cleveland, Cincinnati, ...
The Big 4 Rail Trail will one day stretch 50-plus miles across Boone County, from the northern suburbs of Indianapolis to Lafayette. The Big 4 in the trail name refers to the old Cleveland, Cincinnati, ...
The Big 4 Rail Trail is a developing trail route across Boone County that will one day span 50 miles. Currently, two disconnected segments of the rail-trail are open. The name is a reference to the Big ...
The Bloomington Rail-Trail is a 2-mile segment of crushed stone that runs through a suburban wooded corridor. The trail extends between W. Country Club Drive in the north and Church Lane in the south. ...
The Bridgewater Club Trail surrounds an upscale neighborhood of the same name, providing residents with easy access to the community's many amenities, including a golf course, fitness center and spa. The ...
The Carey Road Trail offers a straight north-south route through southeastern Westfield. It parallels the eastern side of the roadway through rural areas and residential communities, including the Bridgewater ...
The Centennial Trail lies in a pleasant neighborhood of the same name in southwestern Westfield, about 15 miles north of Indianapolis. The trail crisscrosses a broad stretch of open space along Liberty ...
The Central Canal Towpath, also known as the IWC Canal Greenway, features two 19th-century iron bridges that cross the waterway, designated an American Water Landmark. As you follow the tree-lined, crushed ...
Bloomington's Clear Creek Trail runs between Tapp Road in the north and the Blooming Rail-Trail in the south, linking with the latter just north of Church Lane. Although the Clear Creek Trail is wheelchair ...
The Columbus People Trail offers an easy and convenient way for residents in this small Indiana city to get around by bike or on foot. The network comprises more than 15 miles of sidewalks, on-road bike ...
Providing a slice of scenic beauty in an urban setting, the Fall Creek Trail follows the titular creek along a quiet, forested corridor in northern Indianapolis. Offering a variety of recreation opportunities, ...
The Greyhound Trail is sandwiched between a residential community and the Carmel High School Stadium. A portion of the trail follows the former North Indianapolis Electric Interurban Railroad, and a highlight ...
Although less than 2 miles long, the Hagan-Burke Trail provides valuable connections to three other trails in the city of Carmel: the Monon Trail (an 18-mile RTC Hall-of-Famer that stretches to Indianapolis), ...
After six years under construction, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail (ICT) was well worth the wait. The trail is a definite boon for the city and also ranks among some of the country’s nicest urban routes ...
Kokomo's nickname is the "City of Firsts" and the Industrial Heritage Trail celebrates its progressive and inventive past with public art and signage highlighting the historic significance of some of the ...
The Landersdale Trail is a 10-foot-wide, paved asphalt path that runs adjacent to and parallel to Landersdale Road in northern Morgan County. The western end of the path connects the fringe of the town ...
The Lenape Trace Trail is a short connector path that links a newer residential development in Carmel, Indiana, with both the Sunrise Golf Course and the popular Monon Trail. Residents of the neighborhoods ...
Much of the Midland Trace Trail is still in the planning and development stage; however, three short, disconnected segments totaling nearly 2.5 miles have been constructed as of 2013. When complete, ...
The Monon Trail is a colossus in the world of Midwest rail-trails. The trail is attractive and well designed, with an astonishing practicality as an urban transportation corridor. The trail stitches together ...
The Natalie Wheeler Trail provides a straight north-south route along Union Street/Westfield Boulevard in the Indianapolis metro area. Although it parallels the roadway, the trail's western side is pleasant ...
The Henry County segment of the National Road Heritage Trail runs for nearly 5 miles over two segments. One runs from N. West Street in Raysville east to CR 425 W in Ogden (2 miles); the other between ...
The P&E Trail begins at the corner of Main Street, 16th Street and Crawfordsville Road in Speedway, Indiana, an enclave of Indianapolis. This eastern endpoint of the trail is just a stone’s throw away ...
The straight, paved Pennsy Trail—not to be confused with the Pennsy Greenway located farther north in the Chicago suburbs—occupies a portion of the old right-of-way of the Pennsylvania Railroad (“Pennsy” ...
The Pleasant Run Trail travels along both the creek and road of the same name as it courses through eastern Indianapolis, although the trail is located on sidewalks in certain areas. In the north, the ...
Bloomington’s Polly Grimshaw Trail is a short rail-with-trail that provides a crucial link from the city’s east side to State Route 45, close to Indiana University. The trail runs between apartments and ...
The Sugar Creek Trail meanders on the southwestern outskirts of Crawfordsville through suburban back yards, wooded parks and cultivated fields. It follows part of an old Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago ...
The Tracy Trail is a short suburban greenway in the town of Greenwood. The trail runs northsouth between Summerfield Park and just north of Woodman Park near Southwest Elementary School. The open corridor ...
The Vandalia Trail is the longest open component of the National Road Heritage Trail, a proposed border-to-border trail stretching between Terre Haute and Richmond, Indiana, a span of more than 150 miles. ...
White Lick Creek Trail is the north-south spine of the Plainfield trail system, connecting several parks and the Plainfield Recreation and Aquatics Center. On its northern end, the trail meets the Vandalia ...
The White River Greenway in Anderson, IN is approximately 4.89 miles paved (with a small section of boardwalk) along the White River and continues approximately 1.7 miles unpaved. It links multiple parks, ...
One of a handful of trails following the White River in Indiana, Carmel’s White River Greenway parallels the scenic waterway for much of its journey through the eastern part of the city. Along the way, ...
The White River Greenway in Muncie follows the course of its namesake river through the city between W. White River Boulevard at W. River Road and N. Gavin Street at Bunch Boulevard. The trail corridor ...
A restored covered bridge that dates back to 1837 is the centerpiece of Noblesville’s White River Greenway, which opened in 1999. The level to gently rolling asphalt trail, which hugs the banks of the ...
The White River Wapahani Trail is nearly 7 miles long, stretching from 38th Street at Riverside Regional Park south to W. Raymond Street. Near downtown Indianapolis, the trail provides access to White ...
Wilbur Wright Trail will one day extend from New Castle (in Henry County) to Losantville (in Randolph County), where it will connect to the Cardinal Greenway, the longest rail-trail in Indiana. The route ...
The 146th Street Trail is a linear pathway that follows its namesake roadway across Westfield, which lies on the northern outskirts of Indianapolis. At Rohrer Road, the pathway connects to the Monon Trail, ...
The B&O Trail, which is being developed along a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad corridor in Indiana, is planned to one day stretch more than 60 miles from Indianapolis to Montezuma. The segment in Brownsburg, ...
The B-Line Trail in Bloomington runs for 3 miles between Adams Street (near the tracks) and West Country Club Drive. The trail passes through downtown Bloomington and by a railroad switchyard. The trail ...
The Big 4 Rail Trail will one day stretch 50-plus miles across Boone County, from the northern suburbs of Indianapolis to Lafayette. The Big 4 in the trail name refers to the old Cleveland, Cincinnati, ...
The Big 4 Rail Trail is a developing trail route across Boone County that will one day span 50 miles. Currently, two disconnected segments of the rail-trail are open. The name is a reference to the Big ...
The Bloomington Rail-Trail is a 2-mile segment of crushed stone that runs through a suburban wooded corridor. The trail extends between W. Country Club Drive in the north and Church Lane in the south. ...
The Bridgewater Club Trail surrounds an upscale neighborhood of the same name, providing residents with easy access to the community's many amenities, including a golf course, fitness center and spa. The ...
The Carey Road Trail offers a straight north-south route through southeastern Westfield. It parallels the eastern side of the roadway through rural areas and residential communities, including the Bridgewater ...
The Centennial Trail lies in a pleasant neighborhood of the same name in southwestern Westfield, about 15 miles north of Indianapolis. The trail crisscrosses a broad stretch of open space along Liberty ...
The Central Canal Towpath, also known as the IWC Canal Greenway, features two 19th-century iron bridges that cross the waterway, designated an American Water Landmark. As you follow the tree-lined, crushed ...
Bloomington's Clear Creek Trail runs between Tapp Road in the north and the Blooming Rail-Trail in the south, linking with the latter just north of Church Lane. Although the Clear Creek Trail is wheelchair ...
The Columbus People Trail offers an easy and convenient way for residents in this small Indiana city to get around by bike or on foot. The network comprises more than 15 miles of sidewalks, on-road bike ...
Providing a slice of scenic beauty in an urban setting, the Fall Creek Trail follows the titular creek along a quiet, forested corridor in northern Indianapolis. Offering a variety of recreation opportunities, ...
The Greyhound Trail is sandwiched between a residential community and the Carmel High School Stadium. A portion of the trail follows the former North Indianapolis Electric Interurban Railroad, and a highlight ...
Although less than 2 miles long, the Hagan-Burke Trail provides valuable connections to three other trails in the city of Carmel: the Monon Trail (an 18-mile RTC Hall-of-Famer that stretches to Indianapolis), ...
After six years under construction, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail (ICT) was well worth the wait. The trail is a definite boon for the city and also ranks among some of the country’s nicest urban routes ...
Kokomo's nickname is the "City of Firsts" and the Industrial Heritage Trail celebrates its progressive and inventive past with public art and signage highlighting the historic significance of some of the ...
The Landersdale Trail is a 10-foot-wide, paved asphalt path that runs adjacent to and parallel to Landersdale Road in northern Morgan County. The western end of the path connects the fringe of the town ...
The Lenape Trace Trail is a short connector path that links a newer residential development in Carmel, Indiana, with both the Sunrise Golf Course and the popular Monon Trail. Residents of the neighborhoods ...
Much of the Midland Trace Trail is still in the planning and development stage; however, three short, disconnected segments totaling nearly 2.5 miles have been constructed as of 2013. When complete, ...
The Monon Trail is a colossus in the world of Midwest rail-trails. The trail is attractive and well designed, with an astonishing practicality as an urban transportation corridor. The trail stitches together ...
The Natalie Wheeler Trail provides a straight north-south route along Union Street/Westfield Boulevard in the Indianapolis metro area. Although it parallels the roadway, the trail's western side is pleasant ...
The Henry County segment of the National Road Heritage Trail runs for nearly 5 miles over two segments. One runs from N. West Street in Raysville east to CR 425 W in Ogden (2 miles); the other between ...
The P&E Trail begins at the corner of Main Street, 16th Street and Crawfordsville Road in Speedway, Indiana, an enclave of Indianapolis. This eastern endpoint of the trail is just a stone’s throw away ...
The straight, paved Pennsy Trail—not to be confused with the Pennsy Greenway located farther north in the Chicago suburbs—occupies a portion of the old right-of-way of the Pennsylvania Railroad (“Pennsy” ...
The Pleasant Run Trail travels along both the creek and road of the same name as it courses through eastern Indianapolis, although the trail is located on sidewalks in certain areas. In the north, the ...
Bloomington’s Polly Grimshaw Trail is a short rail-with-trail that provides a crucial link from the city’s east side to State Route 45, close to Indiana University. The trail runs between apartments and ...
The Sugar Creek Trail meanders on the southwestern outskirts of Crawfordsville through suburban back yards, wooded parks and cultivated fields. It follows part of an old Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago ...
The Tracy Trail is a short suburban greenway in the town of Greenwood. The trail runs northsouth between Summerfield Park and just north of Woodman Park near Southwest Elementary School. The open corridor ...
The Vandalia Trail is the longest open component of the National Road Heritage Trail, a proposed border-to-border trail stretching between Terre Haute and Richmond, Indiana, a span of more than 150 miles. ...
White Lick Creek Trail is the north-south spine of the Plainfield trail system, connecting several parks and the Plainfield Recreation and Aquatics Center. On its northern end, the trail meets the Vandalia ...
The White River Greenway in Anderson, IN is approximately 4.89 miles paved (with a small section of boardwalk) along the White River and continues approximately 1.7 miles unpaved. It links multiple parks, ...
One of a handful of trails following the White River in Indiana, Carmel’s White River Greenway parallels the scenic waterway for much of its journey through the eastern part of the city. Along the way, ...
The White River Greenway in Muncie follows the course of its namesake river through the city between W. White River Boulevard at W. River Road and N. Gavin Street at Bunch Boulevard. The trail corridor ...
A restored covered bridge that dates back to 1837 is the centerpiece of Noblesville’s White River Greenway, which opened in 1999. The level to gently rolling asphalt trail, which hugs the banks of the ...
The White River Wapahani Trail is nearly 7 miles long, stretching from 38th Street at Riverside Regional Park south to W. Raymond Street. Near downtown Indianapolis, the trail provides access to White ...
Wilbur Wright Trail will one day extend from New Castle (in Henry County) to Losantville (in Randolph County), where it will connect to the Cardinal Greenway, the longest rail-trail in Indiana. The route ...
I only give it three stars for a variety of reasons even though portions of the trail are beautiful to ride on. We ride this trail frequently as part of our commute to work in downtown Indianapolis. The north section of trail between Skiles Test Park and 56th Street/Emerson is very nice. It has fairly new asphalt, sits up out of the flood plain, and is wide enough to provide for safe passing of pedestrians. The southern section of the trail from approximately Fall Creek Pkwy and Allisonville Rd to Fall Creek Pkwy and Central Ave is also in good shape but you have to cross the river via the 38th St Bridge (on the busy road or on the pot hole/light pole filled sidewalk). The trail currently dead-ends at Central Avenue due to road and bridge work. The portion of trail between 56th/Emerson and Allisonville/Fall Creek needs a major upgrade. It is narrow, bumpy, curvy, and floods or holds water when it rains. Because it is within the flood plain, silt tends to collect which makes for slick going after a rain event. Once this section is upgraded and they finish the 38th St Bridge crossing it will be a very nice trail to the near northeast side. It will be even better if they ever continue it all the way downtown.
I rode and my daughter ran the Cultural Trail in September 2016. It is mainly a large square around the downtown area with a few branches which in some cases connect with other trails (the Monon and Pleasant Creek Trails). We found the trail to be very well marked and easy to follow with many opportunities for stopping at a cultural venue or a quick bite to eat or to relax at an outdoor park. A highlight of the trail is the portion that dips below street level along The Canal and connects with the White River Wapahani Trail which goes by the Indianapolis Zoo. The trail is easy to negotiate and quite flat. That said, this is not the trail for a training ride as there are many streets to cross and the trail is shared in some places with walkers occasionally making for crowded conditions. It is a trail very well-suited for a leisurely ride with easy access and parking, and definitely rates very highly among urban trails.
I have walked this trail many times just for the exercise. It is well kept, paved and level. Kokomo has done a lot for the trail system and I, as a senior resident appreciate it very much.
The trail intersects with the Walk Of Excellence trail which runs east and west and if you choose to do them both it will total more than eleven miles.
The IHT runs N. & S. and if you go the full length is almost three miles long. It goes past several of Kokomo's former industries, not many of which survived progress but it is still worthwhile to explore. And don't miss the downtown section with its new businesses and bricked paved walkways. Take a few minutes downtown to explore all the changes.
Please keep the trail clean and report all instances of vandalism which are many.
I live near this trail and love the connection between the Clear Creek Trail and the B-line. :)
The canopy of hardwoods, the beauty of farmland and the peace of solitude all await you here. Probably need something bigger than 23mm tires though.
I rode this trail end to end on a fat tire bike and it was a little slice of heaven.
My wife and I rode this entire trial on July 23, 2016. This was are first trial of the Rail- Trail Hall of Fame book we got from this website. There are 29 Trials in all. Our goal is to ride all of them in the years to come. We Started this trial from sothern trial point in Indianapolis and rode notrh to westfield. Trial is all paved and in good shape. there is alot of cross streets in sothern part so be carefull. lots of places to eat and shop on the way. So get out ride.
I've ridden the entire length of the Monon Trail and although I like it, I can think of a number of similar trails (Boise River Greenbelt, GAP and 3 Rivers Heritage Trails in Pittsburgh, North Cedar Lake Trail, Grand Rounds and Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis) that are far superior. The problem is the road crossings. It's not just that they exist, but that they're very poorly designed. Take 86th Street, for example. It requires you to detour east to an intersection to cross this busy arterial. I understand budgetary constraints, but at the very least a dedicated signaled crosswalk seems appropriate here. It just feels wrong, as if no cyclists were consulted in the design. Lately, crime has been a bit of a problem along the Monon as well. If you live in Indy, this is a fine resource and, as the description states, a potential transportation corridor. That's good. With a few design improvements, it could be much better. If you're from out of town, there are other trails I'd travel to before the Monon.
Overall a nice peaceful trail
Went for a 10 mile ride (5 out and back) starting at Lebanon trail head behind Menards. First 2.5 miles are newly paved and we'll maintained, after that I would recommend off road bike. My remaining 2.5 miles traveling north were a mix of old grumbles of asphalt,fine limestone, and grass. One small section about a city block long was deep small stone, the kind that doesn't compact and you just sink in. That all being said it was a nice ride with typical Indiana flat land views of fields.
My husband and I are 69 and, after some research, decided to visit Indianapolis in July for a 4 day bicycling mini-vacation. We left on a Wednesday morning and arrived around 1:00 at the downtown Courtyard Marriott. We enjoy casual, recreational biking, and not going much beyond 20 miles roundtrip. Indianapolis was a perfect destination! The hotel had valet parking, which we appreciated! Day one: The person at the hotel desk gave us bicycle maps and told us how to get to the Monan Trail, since we decided to go from Indianapolis to Broad Ripple that first day. We were to take the Cultural Trail through the downtown to get to the Monan. The Cultural Trail is amazing – It is a bricked trail dedicated to bicyclists, much of the time next to a sidewalk for pedestrians and totally separated from car traffic throughout the downtown area. All we had to do to get to it was cross the street! I have to admit, we got lost, but eventually found our way to the beginning of the Monan. The first part of that trail went through some industrial areas, that seemed somewhat “sketchy”, but it was sunny, there were other people along the way, and we felt safe. There is not a whole lot of shade in this area, so it was hot. We had an early dinner in Broad Ripple at a little pub, explored the area for a bit, and headed back. Total (included getting somewhat lost!) : just under 20 miles. After storing the bikes behind the front desk of the hotel, we cleaned up and rested a bit, and headed across the street to walk around the canal district. Beautiful area! A walking/biking trail goes around the whole area. Gondolas and pedal boats were going up and down the canal. Museums line the canal. We listened to a free concert and had a snack at an eating place along the way! Day two: We decided to explore downtown Indianapolis in more depth. We rode the entire Cultural Trail and found out how easy it should have been to find the Monan yesterday! We stopped and took pictures at several landmarks and public buildings. We stopped at the City Market, and walked around the stalls of food. We went inside Circle Center Mall, a shopping center with all your typical stores in the middle of the downtown. Then we rode along the canal district, which did not seem too crowded on a Thursday afternoon. As we rode by the Indiana History Center, we saw that it was free admission on Thursday, so we went in for a short visit. We only got in about 13 miles total on day two and went back to the hotel to rest and get ready for dinner in Zionsville at a restaurant we had heard about called the Salty Cowboy - great restaurant, cute town! That night we walked over to the Canal District to listen to a free concert in front of the Indiana History Center. We sat on the hillside across the canal from the venue and thoroughly enjoyed the music and watching people dancing along the canal! Day three: We put our bikes back on the car and traveled to Broad Ripple to continue on the Monan Trail and get to Carmel! This ride was almost totally through shaded areas – so nice for another hot day! Carmel is an upscale, beautiful area, with restaurants along the bike trail. If we go back, we would stop at Bubb's Burgers for a meal! Lots of fun statues on the trail, including a police officer directing traffic, a man helping a child ride a bike, and more. We would have explored longer, but it looked like we might be getting rain, so we headed back. About 18 miles round trip. We spent that evening with a relative... Day four: We got a late check-out time of 1:00, so we had time in the morning for some more exploring. We decided to take the Skywalk in the hotel to go to the center of downtown and have breakfast. The Indianapolis Skywalk goes all over the city, between hotels, to the Lucas Oil Stadium, to the City Center Mall, and more. It was pretty deserted, but it was interesting to follow. We came out at City Center Mall and ate breakfast outside at Cafe Patachou. We then walked the rest of the way back to our hotel, got our bikes and went back near the Canal area, but this time went towards the Indianapolis Zoo. So glad we didn't miss this area! We were able to ride via bike trail almost all the way around the zoo. We also discovered another connecting trail – the White River Trail. We turned back after a short time, but enjoyed the scenic ride along the river. Then we went on the other side of the zoo and rode on the White River Promenade quite a distance, a trail separated from the zoo by huge boulders stacked along the path. Beautiful! Total ride about 15 miles. Synopsis of why we loved Indianapolis for biking: 1. Trails were almost totally flat 2. Crossings were mostly easily done – crossing buttons at most of them, to stop traffic; drivers were used to bicyclists and stopped for you at crossing areas whether there was a button or not 3. Trails connected to almost everything and connected to other trails in the area. 4. We stayed right across from the Cultural Trail and had easy access. 5. It felt VERY safe. 6. It was VERY clean. 7. Lots to see and do.
I live within five miles of the Amo trailhead but until this week I have never been on the trail. What a pleasant change in perspective. I know the roads and communities along the trail in western Hendricks county but never at such a delightful pace. Coming back soon!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
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