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Incredible proximity to arts, culture and tourist attractions set the Monon Trail apart from other bicycle trails and destinations.
The Monon Trail is a rails-to-trails paved path spanning through Central Indiana, connecting to downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The Monon Trail starts in Hamilton County, Indiana at the 96th Street trailhead in Carmel and stretches more than 25 miles north through Westfield and Grand Park to the town of Sheridan. The Monon Trail has been named to the “Rail Trail Hall of Fame” by the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy and is part of USBR35, an official bike interstate starting in upper Michigan and extending through Kentucky.
The Monon Trail is named for the Monon Railroad, which formerly used the land the Monon Trail is on now. The rail line ran the length of Indiana to link Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville and smaller towns and cities, and it was named for Monon, Ind., the northwest-Indiana town where some of the railroad’s main lines converged.
Opened in 1999 as a 10-mile bike-and-pedestrian pathway, the Monon Trail quickly became a national model for rail-to-trail conversions. Today the paved pathway stretches more than 20 miles (with more on the way) to connect you to the area’s hottest destinations, a great workout or simply a pleasant outing.
Face it, not everyone rides to achieve a personal best in time or distance. For many, it is the opportunity to breathe in fresh air and encounter new experiences that drives them to ride. The Monon Trail is unique in that it bisects and connects cities and neighborhoods that invite riders to take a break and explore. Below are just a few things you can look forward to along the way.
