For a long time, I've been getting some of my exercise by walking the Monon. Sometimes it was a stretch in Broad Ripple from 54th up to near 70th. Sometimes it was hunting public art from 21st down to 10th. Maybe it was a stroll after dining in Broad Ripple or some place new in Carmel. It doesn't really matter: Wherever you are, you can count on there being a wide, paved trail with a center line letting users to know they should be on one side or the other to allow others to pass or be passed. It's that simple. There are long stretches where the trail is shaded which offers relief from the heat on summer days. There also stretches where there isn't much to look at, so it motivates you to push on so that you can find some more cool stuff! There are times when you will feel it's almost too crowded due to its popularity. And there are times you might wish to see a friendly face because as twilight sets in and you are surrounded by woods, it can seem a little creepy without adequate lighting. So know your limits and your comfort level before heading out. There are some watering stations and restrooms along the way, but unless you are familiar with the area, you might miss them. Review #1178 read more

So thankful for the Mono Trail! Last fall I was training for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, and I have to say- I could NOT have trained without this gem! The Monon Trail starts at 10th Street and goes all the way up to Carmel (maybe even beyond?) I used to have to run 8-20 miles a DAY and this trail was perfect for it. Plenty of greenery, friendly people (walkers, bikers, other runners AKA MY COMPETITION!). I loved swinging by Local Grown Gardens on the Monon. I do wish that there were more coffee shops and options directly off of the Monon trail. And yes there are unfortunately a couple of sketchy-ish areas. But I always felt safe. You can even continue on the Monon Trail to the Cultural Trail downtown! Love the walk-ability (or run-ability) of Indianapolis! read more

Monon Trail - View from house - Hiking Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The Monon Trail is a wonderful addition to the city of Indianapolis. Whether you are a cyclist, a runner, or just looking for a place to walk, the Monon is for you. It does get very crowded at times, especially on the weekends and during warm weather. I have found that if we go south on the Monon towards downtown, it is less crowded and more enjoyable than if we head north towards Broad ripple where it gets pretty congested. read more

Monon Trail - Train mural along the Monon starting at 52nd Street. - Hiking Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

After I completely annihilated a Cuban Sandwich at taste of Havana, it was starting to get dark and cold so I started peddling toward home. On the way up I took the bike lane on Illinois, and decided it was getting to dark to ride in the street so I burned it up from broad ripple ave to 20th. The scenery N of 38th is very nice and is almost a park like setting, and I really dug the colorful advertisements on the barrier wall. As it was getting dark, I started to get into the zone S of 38th of abandoned houses, factories, and the smell of what smelled like burning sawdust. I work around construction all day so I like that smell (of progress), others didn't. I saw a guy riding no hands on the bars with a shirt pulled up over his nose:). Whatever floats your boat! Now the cool thing about this section is it allows to to get from mass ave to broad ripple without having to stop for traffic lights, just make sure you DO stop at every stop signs as some cross streets are especially busy. Also noticed were the emergency call boxes every so often which are always good to have on any trail. Overall the 6 miles I rode were very enjoyable, and I can't wait to ride the southern portions!! I'll be back. read more

Monon Trail - Hiking Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

If you want a trail to walk/run/bike/rollerblade/whatever, then this is the trail! I went around 7pm on a Tuesday & it was slightly crowded but if you watch out for the people on any amount of wheels, it's not bad at all. Beautiful scenery, small little creek, & lovely bird nests everywhere! Dogs are welcome! read more

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This new mommy was thrilled to see the recently smoothed-over curbs on the Monon near Brics & Broadripple Brewpub. It makes for a super smooth ride for our little dude in his stroller! There are also some new benches made out of halved logs which I'm fairly certain will make for a great feeding spot in the future when the weather is warmer. read more

I was visiting a friend in Indianapolis and had to get in a 7-mile run for my training plan. A little research led me to the Monon Trail, which was only about 1/2 a mile from her front door. I enjoyed every mile I ran on this trail - it was wide enough that it never felt crowded and flat as can be. It was fun running behind people's backyards and being nosy and there were fun murals to look at along the way. The trail crossed a few roads along the way, so I was able to duck off of it and hop into a store to buy a small bottle of water instead of worrying about carrying it with me on the run. (Though, someone had put out a jug of water and some cups at one spot along the trail, which was awesome!) If I lived in Indy, I'd probably run on this trail all the time. read more

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The Monon is so much more than a place to get exercise . . . it is a conduit to Indy's Cultural Arts and Industry. I'm an ex-dominatrix who fought local government in Indy's media in three David vs. Goliath battles that took place in 2006/2007. Although it can be argued I won all three, I emerged wounded and crippled from the fight. The stress caused me to gain 100 pounds and I suffered from fibromyalgia that left me hobbling and depressed. I carried the weight for five long years and then I lost it . . . because I started replacing meals with raw organic smoothies stuffed with healthy raw organic greens and fruits. Then I started riding The Monon Trail everyday. Thanks to juicing and The Monon Trail, my health problems are a memory. Indy is a great city to offer this incredible rail to trail resource. Weight loss is 70% diet and 30% exercise. When I started writing my book, "Spanking City Hall: Dominatrix to Political Activist" in December 2012, my legs were not good enough for the book's cover art concept and we discussed hiring a model. By fall 2013, after five months of riding The Monon, my legs were in good shape and I did my book's cover shoot with Dave Fulton who won an Emmy in 2013 for his local documentary, Naptown Rock Radio Wars. Dave lives close the Monon and I can almost see his house from my favorite bridge on the trail. I'm never bored on The Monon. Time your ride in the summer at dusk through "The Forest of The City" just north of Broad Ripple and south of 86th Street to see the gorgeous firefly display which glimmers throughout the surrounding woods. Pull over at the Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple to look at the sculpture garden. Ride the path west along the canal in Broad Ripple over to Holcomb Gardens to see the "Octagon of Truth and Freedom" and the 19th century Persephone bronze. . . . and south of 38th street you'll find a couple beautiful bridges and urban murals that brighten an unavoidable and important industrial area to our city. Rent one of the easily accessible Pacer's Bikes downtown and ride eight miles north to Broad Ripple and then on to 86th street to experience it for yourself. Feel free to stop and talk along the way. You never know who'll you will meet. #SpankingCityHall read more

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I've ridden the length of the Monon Trail quite a few times, and when I lived in Broad Ripple, I biked on the Monon 5 days a week, without fail. I LOVE it. I even miss it...like you miss a familiar friend when you change jobs or move away. It is paved, which I totally appreciate as a cyclist. It also connects to several other trail systems within the city, such as Fall Creek, the Canal Trail, and Carmel's greenway AND to multiple parks. As a bonus (to me anyway) there is gravel along either side of the pavement (in Broad Ripple anyway), which allows me to run without hurting myself. I just can't run on pavement...my joints are janky. There are several bike shops along the Monon (Bike Line, DG Bicycles) and even a couple fitness centers...which makes for all the better work out when you ride your bike back and forth to the gym. In Broad Ripple (52nd-64th-ish) there are many businesses along the trail in including restaurants and bars, and again in Nora (82nd St) you will find restaurants (Snooty Fox) and businesses. You can also commute up to St. Vincent's Hospital (86th St) via the Monon. The trail essentially starts around Mass Ave/College Ave intersection and there are tons of shops and restaurants down there too...this is where the trail joins up with one of downtown's cultural trails. Parts are shaded by tall trees and flanked by small creeks, butterflies, the Blind School, and large yards. Other parts back up to the State Fair Grounds, the Deaf School, and a LOT of garages, apartment buildings, and alleys. There are times when riding through Broad Ripple is annoying (weekends, 5-7:30pm on weekdays) because of the heavy usage, but for the most part I'm glad to see people getting outdoors and being active. I would like to see a little bit better trail etiquette (I'm talking to YOU, woman who runs down the lane line in the very center of the trail, and YOU roller blader with a poorly trained Jack Russell on an extension leash) but that's an issue with the people on it, not the trail itself. To those who gravitate towards the Monon horror stories: The trail is safe. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people use it every day...for work, for fun, for exercise. The few people who have been hurt by other people (AKA jumped) were by themselves, usually in the dark (you can get a ticket for being out there in the dark-it's illegal), generally carrying something "worth stealing," and on a very small, isolated stretch of the trail. I always felt safe...as a woman, by myself, I rode my old bike in kinda ratty clothes during the middle of the day, and didn't carry anything with me besides my phone and ID. I seldom rode south past 42nd unless someone was with me. Be sensible people, and you'll be fine. Statistically, I'm sure you're much more likely to be in a car wreck. Ergo, the Monon Trail is safer than driving. read more

Love the Monon Trail and am so thankful to live close to it! I just wish there the amenities on parts of it were actually available, like the park restrooms are always closed, bicycle tools are broken, and water fountains do not operate. I know I can go into local restaurants and shops along the way, but I wish the actual trail had a few more things to offer. Over than that, it's great and I will continue to frequent! read more

Looking for a fun way to safely travel via bike, roller bladers, or foot from the downtown area to the northside? The Monon is definitely the way to go. This gives the Cultural Trail a run for its money because of the length and distance the Monon travels. Not only does it span from downtown to just north of 169th Street, it passes by tons of wonderful stores, shops, venues, parks, and all that you would need to satisfy an entire day outside on the trail! The Monon sets the pace for what all trails should be like in the Indy area. Although it doesn't get the special treatment of stopping traffic signs just for trailgoers like the Cultural Trail does, I do overall feel safe when using the trail. One thing that would make this trail 6 out of 5 stars? Lighting! I know it's a ton of path to cover, but it would be so nice having some lighting along the trail for early morning or evenings when the sun is setting. For safety, and so you can see in general! Overall, one of my favorite trails in the city! read more

Allrighty! Put me down as a fan. I'm a jogger and a biker. For the Monon Trail in Carmel (Hamilton County, north of 96th Steet), Yelp has another entry, see: www.yelp.com/biz/monon-greenway-trail-carmel-carmel If you want to stay in the shade, stay north of 54th Street, and you'll get almost 100% shade, except for around the time when the sun is at peak (the sun peaks between 1:30pm to 2:00 pm during the Daylight Savings hours in Indianapolis.) North of 64th Street, you get almost total shade most of the way, even at sun's peak. There is partial shade from 54th Street down to about 50th Street. South of 50th, it's very open, and no shade. Sometimes I drive to Broad Ripple Park, and park my car there. BR Park parking lot is exactly .52 mile from the trail. Be careful where you park in Broad Ripple, as there are many signs in various parking lots that say you get towed if you're not patronizing a business associated with that lot. I was on the trail in the early afternoon and in the 4 mile segment (8 miles round trip!) that I jogged (BR Avenue down to 30th), I saw 2 police cruisers cruising (they actually drive on the trail itself), 1 park ranger biking on a bike, and 1 park ranger in a Parks Dept squad car. Check out the Monon Trail web site, and see the other trails that it connects to: the Monon Greenway of Carmel, Fall Creek Trail/Greenway, and the Central Canal Towpath. In Marion County (ie, Indianapolis), Mile marker 0 is at 96th Street, and the miles are counted SOUTH, going to approximately mile 10.25 at 10th Street. At 10th Street, you can get on the "Cultural Trail", and from there, basically most of Downtown Indy. In Hamilton County (Carmel, Westfield), Mile marker 0 is also at 96th Street, and the miles are counted going NORTH, to approximately mile 9.6, at 186th Street, where the pavement ends at that mega sports complex. So, the Monon proper is a total of almost 20 miles (10.25 + 9.6) from 186th Street (Westfield) to 10th Street (downtown Indy.) read more

SO great! Such an awesome thing for a city to have. I love using the Monon to travel on my bike, instead of riding on roads. It's also great to exercising or taking a stroll. It's great to see people being active in the city, to see families together, people walking dogs, couples hand in hand - whatever! It's simply stellar! Sometimes it's inconvenient that it closes at dusk (which is probably for safety reasons so I understand), otherwise, it's super. It's one of the best features of Indianapolis, in my opinion. read more

The Monon Trail - a pedestrian's dream byway that connects you to the best of Indy. This is one of the most unique features of the Indianapolis civil infrastructure; a two-lane, paved path that extends from the downtown district to the far north-side, while running right through the heart of Broad Ripple. There are many trail-side businesses scattered along the way and the Monon connects other pedestrian paths around town as well, including the Canal Tow-Path and White River Trail. I use the Monon quite frequently when commuting around town by bike, or heading out with friends when driving isn't the best option. The Monon Trail can become quite busy at times, especially on nice spring/summer days during the weekend. Although there is posted speed limit signs (15-20mph), competitive cyclists and triathletes commonly use the trail for training or getting to and from training points. As a cyclist myself, I understand how useful the Monon is for this purpose, but cyclists should keep in mind that this is a multi-use trail and yield to foot traffic. Get out of your aero-bars, you look ridiculous. Great trail, great location - get out there and enjoy it! read more

I love the Monon trail! It has to be one of the best running/walking/biking/rollerblading/dog walking/jogging/strolling places in the city! LOVE that there are so many little shops and restaurants right off of the trail, and even water bowls for the pets!!! For the most part all participants are SO friendly and for the most part it is safe! I am sorry to hear of recent muggings and shootings... Lets just keep frequenting this trail as safety comes in numbers!!! And thanks to all the patrol who frequent this trail to keep us all safe as possible!! read more

I love the Monon and frequent it with my bike often! Biking from Carmel to Broad Ripple takes only an hour and they have really boosted side attractions. Love that I can get a beer along the way! There are some awesome trails off the Monon as well, especially around the Community Center. It is illegal to be on the trail at night and I was just advise against it due to everyone paranoia with robbery. But I have heard of some altercations so I'm not interested in becoming one of the statistics! I love it during the day... all day long :) read more

The Monon Trail. Oh, how I love thee. Living practically on the trail was probably the best decision I made in apartment hunting. So convenient. It stares me in the face everyday and practically begs me to get on my bike or go for a walk with my dog...if my dog isn't begging me already. I can't wait to experience the Monon in the fall. Lined with trees, I expect I'll be out there enjoying the scenery as much as possible before all the leaves are gone. So here's to getting out and getting active before winter brings her icy blast. read more

I can't lie, I love running. But it's hard to find good places to run that are safe, clean, covered and scenic. This is that trail. I went for a 12-mile run from around 92nd street near Carmel down through Broad Ripple. Along the way, there were loads of people running, folks walking their dogs and bikers trolling along. Near Broad Ripple, there are little cafes and such to stop -- if you're into that type of thing. I haven't made it north to the end of the trail yet (although I hear that's the least scenic part), but I'll report back. For now: if you're looking for a place to run in the city, this is the place to do it. So: Go Frakking Do it! read more

This trail is awesome. The only thing missing are regular water fountains so BYOW! You can travel from 10th St off the Cultural Trail to Carmel and it continues through Carmel all the way up to Westfield. There are regular stops for streets and especially be careful at 16th and 38th Street. Some drivers are so friendly they will stop in the middle of the street and motion you to cross. But beware of the car coming behind them since they are likely to switch lanes and come on across the trail. Some of the scenery is industrial but much goes through neighborhoods and is very interesting. Different people and groups have left some decent artwork along the trail too. There are even some repair stations along the way which is super cool. They have wrenchs and specialty bike tools for the public use. read more

The Monon Trail is both convenient and beautiful. Whether it's the view or how it cuts right through the heart of Broad Ripple and Indianapolis, there is something about the trail that will have you frequently visiting during nice weather. The Monon is great for an afternoon jog, an early evening bike ride, or in my case, easy access to Broad Ripple without the hassle of finding a parking spot. With it being accessible from about 1-2 blocks from my house, it really makes the prospect of visit Broad Ripple for lunch a lot more appealing. I've traveled all over the country for work and honestly this is one of the nicer city wide trails I've run across ... no pun intended. For anyone who wants to take advantage of amazing summer weather while getting some exercise, the Monon Trail delivers. read more

When I lived in Broad Ripple, I'd make it a point to time my evening run with the sunset. It's beautiful in the summer or in the fall. Make your way to the Indianapolis Arts Center while you're there. Try not to get too hungry while you run/walk by La Piedad and the other great restaurants by the trail! read more

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I cannot say enough wonderful things about this trail. Also, I cannot believe that I am reviewing a trail... Sporadically on a Sunday, we walked the Monon before going to BRICS ice cream (also ah-mazing!). Even within the small portion that we walked- about a mile and a half- there were so many beautiful and neat things to see. A bridge over a river (plenty wide to stop and enjoy the gorgeous view), a learning garden with tons of different plants and herbs), beautiful little condos that reminded me of Charleston, and peaceful wooded areas. One of the neatest things is that you feel as if you have somehow escaped the city. The thing that I am most surprised about is that people talk about this trail very casually, like no big deal, but trust me it's A BIG DEAL!!! read more

One of my favorite places in Indy. This trail is a fantastic spot for getting out and seeing everything that the city has to offer. Perfect for biking, jogging,skating, or just a relaxing stroll. The city does an excellent job of keeping this path clean and smooth. Easy to read markers every half mile are great for measuring your distance. Several rest stations are available to use a restroom, grab some water, or tune up your bike. Access to many restaurants is easy as the trail often leads right up to their entrances, in case you feel the need for some ice cream or a beer. If you are new to the Indy area and looking for some outdoor recreation, this should top your list of things to check out. read more

Great place for a nice little walk, I love all the art along it! Not always the safest area, but it amazing during the day.

I love the Monon Trail and miss it often after relocating to South Indy. I lived not far from the Fall Creek River trail, which connects to the Monon (about 25th and Fall Creek). I preferred to take the Fall Creek trail to the Monon connection (red bridge over Fall Creek and 30t) and walk to Broad Ripple (north) vs going south. My first time on the Monon, I walked south. However, I have not done is since. Mainly because I was a bit "concerned"; I did not see many people on this side of the trail and the area is just...not that safe for a young female to run/walk by herself. So I did not. In fact, I LOVED walking toward Broad Ripple. A few times, I even got so far to 70th street. The trail is well taken care of, clean, quiet and so pretty any time of the year. Murals in this area have been updated. Bikers and running respects each other. I'll find many people running, walking, biking and playing with dogs. Many people are good at keeping their pets on the leash. My only issue with this trail vs a few I've been on in life are there are not many water fountains along the trail. I do not like walking with water and find it helpful to have water fountains around, especially during the summer. My walks are usually pretty long; like 2 hours. I NEVER walk at night. The Monon is NOT lit, nor have I seen it being patrolled by police (another issue with it compared to others I've been to). So if you are walking/running by yourself, I would recommend trying to get off the trail by dusk. Not because I am scared, but because we live in an urban city. To be safe, I ask everyone to take this as a consideration. However, I have never had a issue on this trail, no matter which side I go on. Just use your common sense. I have not been able to find a trail in south Indy that I enjoy quite as much as I like the Monon trail (if you know of any, please let me know). As a result, I have driven back to the Monon trail from south Indy a few times. I still love it. read more

Easy to navigate, relaxing, and family friendly I went on an unusually warm Saturday in January and was pleasantly surprised. There were a lot of people out on the trail, but it made for a nice time. Once you move past the Broad Ripple area of shops/food/etc, it is nice and quiet. read more

We bike here all the time, bring guests in here to Brics when they come into town. Basically, this is one of the main reasons we love Broad Ripple! read more

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Was visiting friends in Westfield last month and needed to go for a run as I'm training for a marathon. I was just going to run around their neighborhood but they insisted I go to this trail. I only used a little bit of it, but from looking it up online before heading out I was already impressed at how extensive it was, and how many places nearby we could choose to get on it. I like that it was nice and wide, well maintained, and - this is a big one for me - had markers every 1/10 of a mile! Each mile was also marked in both miles and kilometers. Granted, I almost always have my GPS watch and know exactly how far I've run and when to turn around if I need to run a specific distance, but at times I don't and if you're going to come on a path at a random point, it's definitely helpful to not be far from a marker. Overall I thought it was a great trail with nice scenery. I'll probably run here again the next time I visit =) read more

As a former resident and current regular visitor to Indianapolis, I can say, with all due respect and a lot of familiarity, the Monon Trail is wonderful, terrific, great, and a breath of fresh air to this not-so-dazzling urbanite. Even though it runs through a big city, it feels like a return to nature. It relaxes me, fulfills me, and makes me hungry. It's an Indianapolis highlight. I never visit the city without taking at least a short walk on the Monon Trail. read more

This is the PERFECT trail for walking (dog walking), running, rollerblading, or riding a bicycle. I lived right off this trail for one year and it was the best thing that ever happened! Whether you are in the Broad Ripple area or out in Carmel, there are a ton of local restaurants and stores for you to enjoy. Optimal smooth and level paved trail. During warmer months, there is great tree coverage to keep you cool while walking and running! People are generally very friendly and helpful! read more

Love this place.... conducive for biking, running, walking, or just chilling. It is family friendly and lots of scenery. You must "share the road" but it's a great place to work out. Definitely a spot to try..... read more

Monon Trail - Awesome for biking - Hiking Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Very cool trail! I start in south broad ripple at 54 street and head north. Clean, exciting, scenic, diverse. Lots of excitement and I feel safe on the monon, On a pretty day packed, farmers market along trail, artsy and a happy place to be. Really enjoy! read more

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With apologies to the man who was shot on the Monon, it is still a very safe place. I ride every morning from BR to 161st and back. The last few days the path has been overwhelmed with police on foot, bike, car and motorcycle. I am sure in 2 weeks they will disappear again. I worry more about dogs on retractable leashes than I do with muggers. The best defense on the Monon is lots of people and common sense. read more

Having been residing in Indy for the past 6 months, I can't believe this is my first time on the Broad Ripple Park monon trail. My bf and I decided to take a walk after having breakfast at Biscuits Cafe and this is just the perfect place to be. There are a lot of people jogging, walking cycling, some rollerblading. And my favorite part is overlooking the river on the bridge, and simply soaking up the sun and the river is clean and peaceful. For a moment, I felt like I was vacationing. read more

I love that I can ride from The Cultural Trail downtown to the Monon and ride that all the way up to Carmel.I have gone as far as 146th, but the majority of the time it's a turnaround at Broad Ripple or maybe a little past Nora. From downtown to Broad Ripple there are hardly any people around and I pass only the occasional biker or runner. I have talked to fellow cyclists that say they will not ride south of 38th, but I have had zero problems.I actually like it because most of the time it's as if I have my very own bike path. (Keep in mind I lived in Chicago for years where thousands are on the bikepath Every. Minute. Of. The. Day.) So the sparse population is actually, well, appreciated. I also love how once up north of Broad Ripple the path becomes predominately shaded, which was nice in the sweltering heat this summer!! Great way to get exercise, great way to commute and see Indy. read more

Yasss to the Monon! I love walking out here! Most of the areas I walk on the Monon are nice and shaded so that's always a plus!

Whos' afraid of the big, bad Monon Trail? Not I. After all this hullabaloo about the trail attracting crime, it's still not something that deters me from using it. Sure, it can happen and I take the necessary precautions, like not going out at night, of course. When I first moved to Broad Ripple, my friends and family warned me against living so close to the trail because of the negative attention it has attracted recently with stories of patrons being robbed. Pff! I say they're SOL if they pick me to rob. I have nothing steal except my old 12-speed and pair of generic trainers. What now? Stretching 18.5 miles from 171st St in Westfield to Downtown Indianapolis, you can be sure to rack up some cardio points (you know, for the zombie apocalypse). Not to mention, it's much safer than taking to the streets, and worrying about getting into an accident with a car. Yeah, my bike and I would lose that fight. I have cycled from Broad Ripple to Mass Ave or to Carmel many times, and I can get in about 14 miles in a trip. I don't feel unsafe taking the south trail because there is rarely anyone out there, and the path forms into more open fields and old houses. I've never had problems, but I don't go on the trail after dusk as a precaution. The trail offers so many cultural sites, giving you a back-alley-view of the city, the one you will never see while driving. Artwork is spread throughout the trail, sculptures, wall art, benches and maps for you to check your progress, shops along the way, water fountains, and lots of great natural sites to enjoy on the way. The trail is where its at! The Monon Trail is one of the things that make Indianapolis unique as a community. It gets us out of the house, free and open to anyone looking for a long stretch of pavement for cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, running, or walking. All sorts of great times are awaiting those who have yet to tread this beaten path, and more to come for those who have already been seduced by this paved, two-lane stretch. read more

There are too many double baby strollers being pushed by rollerbladers while walking dogs. And there are smelly, cranky old people walking 3 -5 wide , wearing headphones listening to AM radio. Is it too much to ask that these people be ticketed? read more

When the State Fair train first began in the 80s, I remember riding it on the Monon track down from the Carmel depot. When I moved to Sobro, we rode dirt bikes on the abandoned trail, wondering what would become of the overgrown pathway. The news of a proposed "urban rail trail" was greeted with both skepticism and hope. Then piece by piece, loved, feared, honored, the Monon Trail grew & grew. When streets were reconfigured & repainted to provide bike lanes crisscrossing the city, we thought they were just for show. Expansion of the trail systems connecting into the Monon was a nice bonus. But the blooming of the Cultural Trail into a destination has put Indianapolis & our bikeways in the spotlight. The most wonderful part of all this is - they're really being used! It's great to be able to get to your destination & not have to worry about parking your car. You can travel uptown, downtown, all around town and see parks, rivers & canals, wildlife; neighborhoods, friends, restaurants, events, shopping, museums. I see all kinds of people on the Monon, playing, exercising, commuting. Way to go, Indianapolis! Grab a bike, park your car & go for a walk, get a dog or two or three, & don't forget your friends. read more

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Throughly enjoy this trail. Currently planning a day trip to take the trail up north from downtown! I had no idea the trail connected to the cultural trail. The trail literally takes me from the square up to bripp! A quick stop at Public Greens is always a must, being just off the trail it's hard not to stop. read more