Columbus, IN Birding Trails and Maps

268 Reviews

Looking for the best Birding trails around Columbus?

Find the top rated birding trails in Columbus, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
35 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

B&O Trail

11.7 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

B-Line Trail

3.1 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Bloomington Rail Trail

2 mi
State: IN
Concrete, Crushed Stone

Blue River Trail (Shelbyville)

3.5 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Concrete

Central Canal Towpath

5.23 mi
State: IN
Crushed Stone

Clear Creek Trail (IN)

2.4 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Fall Creek Trail (IN)

6.9 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Franciscan Trail

2.2 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Franklin Greenway Trail

3.4 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Heritage Trail of Madison

2 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Dirt, Grass, Gravel

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

9.1 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Karst Farm Greenway

7.27 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Landersdale Trail

1.5 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Limestone Greenway

1.7 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway

10.3 mi
State: IN
Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Monon Trail

27.1 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Pennsy Trail (IN)

14.5 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Tracy Trail

1.5 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Vandalia Trail

19 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel

White Lick Creek Trail

3.5 mi
State: IN
Asphalt
Accordion

Whitewater Canal Trail

11 mi
State: IN
Crushed Stone, Gravel

Bicentennial Trail

2 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Columbus People Trail

15.7 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Concrete

National Road Heritage Trail (Henry County)

8.2 mi
State: IN
Crushed Stone

Pogues Run Trail

2.3 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Progress Parkway Trail

4 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Ronald Reagan Parkway Trail

3.2 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Concrete

White River Wapahani Trail

6.85 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Eagle Creek Trail

7.1 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Boardwalk

P&E Trail

2 mi
State: IN
Gravel

Pleasant Run Trail

6.9 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Amos Road Trail

1 mi
State: IN
Asphalt

Polly Grimshaw Trail

0.65 mi
State: IN
Concrete

White Lick Creek Trail (Avon)

2.3 mi
State: IN
Asphalt, Concrete
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Overview The B&O Trail follows a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad corridor for 11.7 miles in Indiana, in two distinct segments.  About the Route On the western outskirts of the capital, the...
IN 11.7 mi Asphalt
The B-Line Trail in Bloomington runs for 3 miles between Adams Street (near the railroad tracks) and West Country Club Drive. The trail passes through downtown Bloomington and by a railroad...
IN 3.1 mi Asphalt
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...
IN 2 mi Concrete, Crushed Stone
Crossing from one end of Shelbyville to the other, the Blue River Trail provides a safe way for residents to walk or bike to a number of parks whilst enjoying the proximity to the city's beloved...
IN 3.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
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,...
IN 5.23 mi Crushed Stone
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...
IN 2.4 mi Asphalt
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...
IN 6.9 mi Asphalt
The Franciscan Trail provides over 2 miles of walking and biking routes through Beech Grove, part of the Indianapolis metro area. The 12-foot wide, two-lane asphalt path allows residents to connect...
IN 2.2 mi Asphalt
The Franklin Greenway Trail (also known as the Franklin Historic Trail) is 3.4 miles of paths threading through Franklin’s parks while connecting community amenities such as schools, community centers...
IN 3.4 mi Asphalt
The Heritage Trail of Madison connects the downtown of Madison, Indiana, with its steep hilltop section. Begin your journey at the intersection of Vaughn Drive and Vernon Street along the Ohio River....
IN 2 mi Asphalt, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
Located in the heart of vibrant downtown Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an ideal way to experience all the city has to offer. The trail links five cultural districts flush with...
IN 9.1 mi Asphalt
The Karst Farm Greenway is a paved, multiuse trail that runs for 7.27 miles from Karst Farm Park in the City of Bloomington to Campbells Park in the Town of Ellettsville. The parks along the...
IN 7.27 mi Asphalt
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...
IN 1.5 mi Asphalt
The Limestone Greenway follows the former Illinois Central Railroad for 1.7 miles south of Bloomington. It's a smooth, asphalt trail that's easy enough for people of all ages to enjoy. The pathway...
IN 1.7 mi Asphalt
The Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway (also known as the Milwaukee Trail) will one day stretch 20 miles through southwestern Indiana from Bedford to Indian Springs. The region’s rural beauty will...
IN 10.3 mi Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel
Overview The 27.1-mile Monon Trail stretches across central Indiana between Indianapolis and Sheridan, to the north. About the Route The trail's northern endpoint is located in Sheridan, near...
IN 27.1 mi Asphalt
Overview The Pennsy Trail is currently open in two main segments. About the Route The western segment leaves off from the eastern side of Indianapolis, linking the Irvington neighborhood with...
IN 14.5 mi Asphalt
The Tracy Trail is a short suburban greenway in the town of Greenwood. The trail runs north–south between Summerfield Park and just north of Woodman Park near Southwest Elementary School. The open...
IN 1.5 mi Asphalt
Overview The Vandalia Trail currently consists of two disconnected segments west of Indianapolis that total 19 miles. The first segment runs nearly 12 miles between Greencastle and Amo. The second...
IN 19 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
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...
IN 3.5 mi Asphalt
Accordion
The White River Greenway brings residents of Martinsville to the river, for rest, for relaxation and for education. The asphalt trail begins at Old Town Waverly Park, and follows the river's course...
IN 2 mi Asphalt
Running along a former rail bed, the Whitewater Canal Trail parallels the Whitewater Canal as it takes hikers and cyclists through the heart of the Whitewater River Valley in Franklin County.  The...
IN 11 mi Crushed Stone, Gravel
This linear recreational trail allows residents of Avon to connect to the B&O Trail in neighboring Brownsburg without having to drive to it. The trail starts on Country Road 100 and takes a straight...
IN 2 mi Asphalt
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...
IN 15.7 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Henry County segment of the National Road Heritage Trail runs for 8 miles over two segments. One runs from Big Blue River in Raysville east to SR 3 west of Dunreith (4 miles); the other between S...
IN 8.2 mi Crushed Stone
Pogues Run gets its name from one of the earliest pioneers to the area, a blacksmith named George Pogue who settled on the banks of the creek now bearing his name in 1819. The corridor itself predates...
IN 2.3 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt
The Progress Parkway Trail is a flat, hardtop shared-use path running along the east edge of Shelbyville, Indiana. Despite its name, the trail actually starts along Lee Boulevard, on the east edge of...
IN 4 mi Asphalt
This trail travels 3.2 miles atop an asphalt path beside the Ronald Reagan Parkway in Avon, Indiana. Starting at County Road 300 N, the trail heads south connecting to the B&O Trail via an underpass....
IN 3.2 mi Asphalt, Concrete
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...
IN 6.85 mi Asphalt
This 7-mile Indianapolis trail is worth keeping an eye on: the vision for the Eagle Creek Trail is a 16-mile corridor reaching from the hills of Eagle Park to White River. The greenway will provide...
IN 7.1 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
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...
IN 2 mi Gravel
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...
IN 6.9 mi Asphalt
The Amos Road Trail contributes a mile to Shelbyville's growing trail network. The trail is located in the southern reaches of the city. It is a flat shared-use path on the side of Amos Road, taking...
IN 1 mi Asphalt
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...
IN 0.65 mi Concrete
White Lick Creek Greenway is a paved hike-and-bike trail in the Town of Avon, Hendricks County. The trail makes an asset of the creek and its riparian woodlands, offering users a tranquil journey...
IN 2.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete

Recent Trail Reviews

B&O Trail

Michigan St. End

September, 2024 by currykimberly395

I rode the shorter portion and found it very different from the west end. The maintenance was absent with bushes growing onto the trail. Trash was also on, and right next to trail. It was a bit disappointing to see the difference in how each section is cared for.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

An energizing experience

August, 2024 by tarheeltim76

I hit the Indianapolis Cultural Trail around dusk, dog tired after a long drive from North Carolina. What a delight! The trail is broad, flat and easy to follow thanks to the colored pavers. The sections flanking the canal were stunning at nightfall and well lit after dark. Parks, restaurants, monuments, museums and the zoo are all easily accessible. It was an energizing experience to bike this trail. Highly recommended.

National Road Heritage Trail (Henry County)

finding the trailhead

July, 2024 by prr7443

Lovely trail, once I found it. Phone was a little confused. Could use better signage in the area to direct people to the parking area, which was well hidden. And very few locals seemed to have ever even heard of it. Perhaps TrailLink could provide more detailed directions/location?

Accordion

Monon Trail

Round trip 54 miles

July, 2024 by tjmodd

Rode the full length of this trail round trip. It’s well maintained and used by many people. Great surface for road bikes. Lots of places along the trail to stop and eat. Nice bridges. Lots of road crossings but many people were courteous and would stop for bike crossing, runners, and walkers. Equal mix of shade and sun. This is a great trail.

Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway

JUNE 27 2024 MILE MARKER 4.5 FROM BEDFORD TREE BLOCKING TRAIL

June, 2024 by john.ubelhor

JUNE 27 2024 MILE MARKER 4.5 FROM BEDFORD TREE BLOCKING TRAIL

White River Wapahani Trail

Beautiful, but …

June, 2024 by dmarkwillis

This would-be beautiful trail is ideally situated and features lovely vistas of Indianapolis, views of the White River and a curvy paved path through a shady, wooded landscape. Sadly, a good portion of it is marred by countless homeless encampments and the resulting undisposed of trash. A sad reflection on our city and its leadership. The trail was also dangerously scattered with river debris and thick loose sand in several low spots. Ride for curiosity’s sake, but with caution.

Pennsy Trail (IN)

After the monon and nickel plate trail this is the 3rd best in the region

June, 2024 by soluschristus01

After the monon and nickel plate trail this is the 3rd best in the region

B&O Trail

B&O Trail

June, 2024 by kevin.gruneisen

2024 - we live 1 mile from the trail and can get to it pretty easy. The ride is great. All asphalt and in great shape. Several main roads have to be crossed but all have signal lights to help. Tilden is no longer the end of the trail. There is another ~ 3 miles of new asphalt west of Tilden. A new parking lot was added at 300/900. Enjoy. It’s or go to for weekly rides.

Vandalia Trail

Vandalia

June, 2024 by kevin.gruneisen

June 10, 2024 Starting @ Amo, Indiana is a nice trail head with water and clean bathrooms. Heading West in Hendricks County is a well maintained asphalt path. I do t remember any breaks or bad spots like other trails where tree roots have caused the asphalt to buckle. The ride west takes you out of Hendricks County and into Putnam County. The ride (about 4 miles) is tree lined and well protected. When you cross the county line the path switches to crushed rock, maybe limestone. Regardless, it is easy to navigate. I’ve ridden a lot of trails outside of Chicago and am used to this type of path. In 3.5 miles is Filmore and turned to head back. Great ride. Highly recommended.

Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway

Our first rail trail!

June, 2024 by jasonahyer

My wife and I rode this in early June 2024 not knowing what to expect, but it was a wonderful experience! The trail is well maintained though the west half was not at the same level as the eastern half. Being a rail trail the inclines and declines were gentle, but given the terrain, constant. Make sure your ebike batteries are fully charged!

Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway

Nice trail in a remote area

June, 2024 by kcwyks_tl

We're in our 60s and like medium length rides that arent too strenuous.
We started our ride at the west end trailhead at Williams Indiana right by the dam. You have to take a very curvy highway 450 to get there, but the experience was worth it. When you get to Williams, as you exit 450 and head to the boat ramp, go slowly, look to the left and you will see the trail, but there is no signage. There is plenty of parking near the dam. Starting at the end, which is mile marker 10.5, we went 7 miles to mile marker 3.5 and turned around. Most of the trail is in shade through some beautiful hardwood forests with constant bird songs. Every half mile is marked on a post or boulder. Trail surface is compacted gravel in fair condition with a few small washouts to watch for. We dont have wide tires and did OK. Bridges and approaches in fair condition, some bridge deck boards will need attention soon. Weed control is good. Some small branches hanging low over the trail. The first 2 miles or so out of Williams are mostly uphill, about 2 percent grade, then some ups and downs, then about 3 miles of downhill to mp 3.5. These grades are a little steeper than we have encountered on other rails to trails. There are no services on this segment, and weak cellphone signal. And a note to E-bike riders: PLEASE announce your approach to other bikers from behind WELL IN ADVANCE because you typically travel much faster than us pedalers. Enjoy! by kcwyks of Missouri

Milwaukee Road Transportation Trailway

Nice trail in a remote area

June, 2024 by kcwyks_tl

We're in our 60s and like medium length rides that arent too strenuous.
We started our ride at the west end trailhead at Williams Indiana right by the dam. You have to take a very curvy highway 450 to get there, but the experience was worth it. When you get to Williams, as you exit 450 and head to the boat ramp, go slowly, look to the left and you will see the trail, but there is no signage. There is plenty of parking near the dam. Starting at the end, which is mile marker 10.5, we went 7 miles to mile marker 3.5 and turned around. Most of the trail is in shade through some beautiful hardwood forests with constant bird songs. Every half mile is marked on a post or boulder. Trail surface is compacted gravel in fair condition with a few small washouts to watch for. We dont have wide tires and did OK. Bridges and approaches in fair condition, some bridge deck boards will need attention soon. Weed control is good. Some small branches hanging low over the trail. The first 2 miles or so out of Williams are mostly uphill, about 2 percent grade, then some ups and downs, then about 3 miles of downhill to mp 3.5. These grades are a little steeper than we have encountered on other rails to trails. There are no services on this segment, and weak cellphone signal. And a note to E-bike riders: PLEASE announce your approach to other bikers from behind WELL IN ADVANCE because you typically travel much faster than us pedalers. Enjoy! by kcwyks of Missouri

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