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 with nature, winding along Lick Creek and Beech Creek. It also connects to city parks, to schools, and neighborhoods, providing a safe alternative to driving to get around the city. A second phase of the trail has been funded and will pick up where the existing trail ends on Emerson Avenue. Construction of this 1.1-mile segment is expected to begin in 2024.
Parking is available at Sarah T. Bolton Park (1300 Churchman Ave, Beech Grove) or Don Challis Park (1100 S 9th Ave, Beech Grove).
I skated this trail on quads and absolutely loved it. There’s a variety of slopes and flats, nice scenery, and smooth terrain. Bridges are a little annoying because my skates won’t roll them - way too uneven and bumpy, but the railings are stout and I pulled myself across easily enough. Kids enjoyed it on bikes and scooters.
Great clean fun new trail! Very easy to follow. Includes a park one can ride around in.
This trail is new, actually still has some finishing work being done. It has four bridges that cross over the two creeks. Most of the trail is in wooded area or in one of the two city parks. Good signage along with several pet clean up bag polls. Three rest stations with benches and trash cans. The 9th Ave crossing has manually activated warning lights. the trash cans.
Scenic, safe, and wonderful.
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