Monon Trail

Indiana

54 Reviews

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Monon Trail Facts

States: Indiana
Counties: Hamilton, Marion
Length: 27.1 miles
Trail end points: Opel St. and E. 236th St. (Sheridan) and E. 10th St. and Bellefontaine St. (Indianapolis)
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6031736

Monon Trail Description

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 the intersection of Opel and 236th Streets. Heading south the trail passes the city of Westfield and crosses over a pedestrian bridge on 146th St.

As the trail continues south towards Carmel, trail users can find the Carmel Monon Depot, built in 1833 but since relocated. Also in Carmel, trail users can find a Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings and the Palladium, Carmel's Center for the Performing Arts and based on a grand 16th-century villa.

South of Carmel, the trail crosses the busy 86th Street and then meanders through quiet neighborhoods and then over two bridges, one over a canal and the other over the White River.

6.2 miles from the southern endpoint, the trail reaches the gateway to Broad Ripple, a community that practically vibrates with culture, offering eateries, galleries, breweries, and shops.

The southern end of the trail in Indianapolis is undeniably urban, as it travels beneath the ramps of I-70 and I-65, as well as residential area and light industrial zones before reaching its southernmost terminus.

Connections

In Westfield, the trail intersects with the Midland Trace Trail.

In Carmel, it intersects with the 146th St. Trail and the Hagan Burke Trail.

In Indianapolis, it connects with the Lenape Trace Trail, Central Canal Towpath, and Fall Creek Trail.

At the Monon Trail's southern endpoint, it connects to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

Trail History

Railroads helped Indianapolis grow into a transportation hub and manufacturing center beginning in the 1850s. One of those early railways that shaped the city’s future is remembered today along the Monon Trail, which follows a line whose tracks are long gone. It serves as a transportation corridor that stitches together Indianapolis neighborhoods, Carmel, and the northern suburbs of Westfield and Sheridan.

The 27-mile paved path follows a former section of the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railway, whose lines formed an X as they crossed in Monon. The railroad adopted the train’s popular nickname, the Monon, as its official name in the 1950s. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad acquired the railroad in 1971, but by 1987 parts of the line were no longer used, including a section that launched the Monon Trail in 1999. The town of Monon itself, located 90 miles northwest of Indianapolis, is not part of the route.

Parking and Trail Access

The Monon Trail runs between Opel St. and E. 236th St. (Sheridan) and E. 10th St. and Bellefontaine St. (Indianapolis), with parking available at the northern end.

Parking is also available at:

  • 1275 Rohrer Rd (Carmel)
  • 1430 E 96th St (Nora)

There are numerous parking options available, see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.

Monon Trail Reviews

Round trip 54 miles

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.

fun Monon trail

Love this trail when we visit Carmel

Haved loved this trail for 20+ years

I've been riding this trail for many years, and after checking out other trails (in-state and out), I am always feeling grateful that we have this amazing amenity in our state. The previous comment describing the Monon Trail as "boring" is laughable, unless you find riding through vibrant midwest towns with art galleries, breweries, restaurants, lovely countryside etc. nearby boring!

One of the best things the state of Indiana has ever done.

Inline skated from Grand Park north to the end of the trail - the path is wide, smooth, and not crowded. Then turned around and skated through Carmel, down to 86th. it gets crowded near Carmel, but the path is in great condition all the way.

Inline skated from Grand Park north to the end of the trail - the path is wide, smooth, and not crowded. Then turned around and skated through Carmel, down to 86th. it gets crowded near Carmel, but the path is in great condition all the way.

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