We love our Heritage Trail in Madison! Bob Greene does am excellent job keeping it up too! It's one of a few paths that will take you from the hilltop to historic downtown, one of the longest stretches of historic buildings in the US. It is super steep and hard to get back up, but if you're doing some cardio training, it's great. Going up the trail there are about 4 benches to rest on. I can usually get the kids up it using those. It has so many different and fun ways to hike it. You can continue following the railway tracks and go along the river all the way to the Madison-Milton Bridge and back again. You can go down it, then head up the old tracks back to the hilltop or you can also go down it, then head west and hook up with Clifty Falls SP. So many options!

This trail has been upgraded and is a wonderful trail. ( See my note below why I did not give it 5 stars). The trail begins at Meridian Street and Fall Creek and goes all the way to Benjamin Harrison state park in NW Indy, a distance of about 9 1/2 miles. The trail now crosses 38th street at the stoplight and a new section takes it along Fall Creek for a short way before crossing over a bridge to take it to the old trail section. New trail sections have been laid out with fresh asphalt just east of Keystone and are a major improvement along Fall Creek to 56th street. There it picks up the old section which is still in excellent condition and continues along the Fall Creek. A new section goes under Shadeland to continue on to Fort Ben. From 38th Street to Fort Ben there are no stops as all crossings go under the roadways. At Ft. Ben there is a 4 mile loop that can add to the mileage with a 100-150 foot hill. You are supposed to pay a $2 fee to enter Ft. Ben by bike, but there is no place to pay on this end. The trail is in a beautiful setting, great surface and very well done. Mileage markers are every 1/4 mile. While there are several trailheads, I only saw one port a potty just north of 38th street and that would be my only criticism. I reserve 5 star ratings for destinations trails like the Katy trail, GAP, Mickelsen, etc. . While the connecting Monon trail has some cool Indy history, and goes to Carmel, etc; for a joyous riding experience in a beautiful setting, this trail absolutely should not be overlooked. Congrats to the Indy Park department because this one is a gem.

Wide paved trail, fairly flat, lots of benches and restrooms. Even a dog park! View of the Ohio River and tug boats along sections of the trail. Beautiful trees through the trail. A definite do again trail!

Great trail

Very nice trail! It has a steep incline so it might be difficult for children, strollers or those not in good shape.

Perfect trail for walking, running or biking-2 miles out, 2 miles back. Beautiful scenery along the river with picnic tables along the way. Paved and flat.

We pedaled from Indy to Shelbyville to get some ice cream at the local Cow Palace. As the Palace is essentially at the center of this cute little trail we decided to check it out. The 'eastern reach' is very nice and much more what we expect for a paved bike trail with smooth pavement and some wooded areas. Great idea to connect city parks and the trail even goes through a portion of the county fair grounds. There are an impressive number of restrooms, air pumps and bicycle maintenance stations - a nice touch! A very attractive new "trail head" parking area with clean restrooms, etc. but it was not connected to the trail? Not a destination trail but if you find yourself in the area...

My husband and I did this trail in Labor Day. The path is paved with some sun and some shade. No hills. Fabulous for those looking for an easy stroll or bike ride. The River was clean. We saw a huge snapper turtle over a short cliff. There were a few gravel/sand bars where people were fishing or skipping rocks.

99% of trails are gravel, some of it very loose. NOT good for road bikes or trikes. Recommended off road bikes only!Very nice for bird watching, saw several different types.Good place to walk your dogs.Very little shade for walking or running.