monon trail

It was a cold and snowy day, but needed to get out of the house. The trail was quiet and peaceful( for a change). We love the monon trail and are regular walkers/riders

The Trail is completely paved and extends from about 10th Street near downtown Indy all the way to 151st Street in Westfield. The section just north of 16th Street passes through some sketchy neighborhoods (there have been a few robberies over the years) but there are emergency phones along the trail and park rangers patrol the area. At about 25th Street it becomes more secluded and beautiful as it crosses Fall Creek on a rather tall bridge and then a viaduct over 30th Street. North of 38th street, the trail becomes progressively prettier as it skirts the Indiana State Fairgrounds, until you reach the Broad Ripple area (52nd up almost to 86th) where the trail is tree-lined as it passes through leafy neighborhoods and eventually crosses the White River on a high bridge with an overlook. The Broad Ripple part is the most popular, with numerous small shops and restaurants within walking distance. Bicycling through that section can be problematic in good weather due to the proliferation of baby strollers and dogs on long leashes, so you should take it slow, there. The mile from 86th to 96th traverses some mundane apartment complexes, but from 96th all the way to the end it seems quite rural, even the part that passes through downtown Carmel. When I lived downtown in Indyfor a time, I would ride up the Monon to Broad Ripple and stop for lunch or a beer, then ride the lovely Canal Towpath and White River Greeenway trails back to downtown.

The Monon Trail is wonderful for running, biking or walking ( bring your dog). Beautiful in the fall or any time of year it's always busy. It's very scenic and runs from south of Broad Ripple Village to well north of Carmel with numerous areas to stop and relax or eat.

Something for everyone here. Being the only major crosstown pedestrian thoroughfare that traverses several communities presents some challenges and benefits. Great people watching and well maintained paved trail attracts bikers, hikers, kids, skaters, strollers and runners... And it is wheelchair accessible in parts. It can be crowded and competing interests present challenges. As you might expect Weekends and after work can be crowded. Mostly Lined with trees, there are several Retail passages that make for a nice suburban experience. I tend to seek a more off road experience but you can find peace and quiet including birds and fresh air and good exercise on this trail and it can lead you to other park trails that are a bit more remote. Enjoy!

Great place with a safe atmosphere to walk and ride a bike. A good place for the family. We go often

Beautiful, well maintained trail ideal for running! Especially lovely in the fall, but worth checking out when snow covered as well.

A great place to people watch while getting in some exercise. Depending on the time of year - the leaves can be in full color, or in summer canopy the trail. Try a bike ride - there are rentals available if you don't visit. Stop by the Carmel Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.

A wonderful rail-to-trail. One sign designated that it is in the R-t-T "hall of Fame" and we understood why. I can't say enough good things about this … we spent about 2 hours either on it or near it in Carmel arts area. Would go there man, many, many times if we lived in the area.

The Monon Trail is an EXCELLENT place to walk besides being very safe. I would always use the buddy system anyway because this trail is long and there can be safety issues in some areas of it, very rare, but it has happened. There is so much to see and do along it, restaurants, stores, and very friendly folks. I usually start in the Broad Ripple area and walk north. Family walks are encouraged, signage along the way to let you know where you are. Bikers are usually very courteous to walkers/runners vice versa. A great place to get your exercise routine in. I highly recommend to avoid crowds early mornings and during the week instead of weekends is best.

If you love company the weekends are made for you! Stop by the Carmel Farmers Market Saturdays May through September from 8-11:30am and refuel...lots of great products!!! If you are a loner or like to really move make sure you enjoy the trail early mornings...

I use the trail to ride my bike on and the section is Carmel is fantastic. Lots of stores and restaurants to stop at and it's never too crowded to take a bike down.

I was staying in Arden Hills neighborhood through an Airbnb host. She loaned me her bike and a helmet and off I went! It was nice to bike stopping when I wanted to enjoy art along the trail and also stopped for lunch. I entered the trail near the INdianapolis Art Center which is lovely with several art pieces in the park. My favorite was the blue tile sculpture piece in which beautiful sayings, affirmations and quotes were written. It was a great ride!

I grew up in Indianapolis and sure wished the Monon Trail existed at that time. It is a superb non-motorized trail and a terrifi amenity for Indy, Carmel, and Westfield. Very nice recent additions include bridges and underpasses at some of the busier crossings, a bicycle fixit station and restrooms. Well done!Definitiely give the Monon a whirl when you are there!

Hiked the Monon trail from various locations. This is urban planning at its' finest! Paved trail that was planned 100 years ago that runs through the heart of Indianapolis and suburbs. If you like to bike, walk, or run, this is where to go!

Great place to run , bike or walk! Start in Carmel- lots of great restaurants and shops.Try Woodys library on the Porch!