Explore Nearly 30 Miles Of Indiana Countryside On The Epic Monon Rail Trail
By Tori Jane|Published August 11, 2021
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Hiking is fun. No matter what time of the year it is, it’s always a good idea to get out and hike. The Hoosier State is home to more than 4,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and walking, and every mile has its own special appeal that makes each hike one of a kind. Today, we’re taking a look at a trail that extends nearly 30 miles across Indianapolis and beautiful countryside. The best part? It’s paved the entire way, and, other than the stamina required to do it all at once (and who says you need to?), it’s easy as pie. The Monon Rail Trail is one of the best long hikes in Indiana, and it’s accessible by the vast majority of interested hikers.
Lace up those walking shoes - we're going on an adventure!
It runs from Sheridan, Indiana, almost due south through Indianapolis, ending at the eastern end of Mass Ave. Along the way, you'll go through several types of environments, from the busy hustle of city life to the quiet solitude of the country.
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Hikers, walkers, runners, and bicyclists are all welcome on the Monon, and there are several areas to park bikes for free along the way.
The best thing about it - other than the breathtaking views you'll end up traversing through - is just how accessible it is. Folks with mobility devices and parents with strollers will find this trail to be simple, pleasant, and easy, even if it's a bit long.
There are numerous areas along the length of the Monon Rail Trail to park your car (also for free!), so there's an array of potential starting and ending points.
Create your own adventure! Start in Sheridan and do the entire thing from north to south, or simply hop on at any point along the way and exit whenever you feel like it. Either way, you're in for a treat.
In days gone by, the Monon Railroad was one of the major train lines connecting Indianapolis to Chicago.
Eventually, the popularity of rail travel waned, and it was gradually abandoned. In the late 1990s, it was decided to convert the line to a walking trail, and over the decades, plenty of additional miles of delightful pathways have been paved. In that sense, we suppose it's still a "living" trail; it's well cared for and nicely maintained, and it's always in flux - you never know when it'll be extended next!
Should you choose to do the entire thing, you'll pass some notable points of interest, like the Carmel City Center in beautiful Carmel, Indiana, and the Indianapolis Art Center.
You'll cross over creeks and a river, and you'll be dazzled by beautiful, dense forests surrounding the trail on all sides at many parts. During the late spring and early-to-mid summer, the wildflowers surrounding the trail are a major attraction. Hoosiers come from all over to walk the trail and take in the natural beauty.
We certainly feel that the Monon Rail Trail is one of the best long hikes in Indiana; if not for its length and high level of accessibility, then definitely for the perfect ratio of city-to-nature you'll experience along the way.
Currently, there are numerous places you can park to start your journey just about wherever you want. A few of the starting points with free parking include those on 91st Street, 86th Street, and so forth down to 49th Street. There are also free lots at Westfield Boulevard, Broad Ripple, and the state fairgrounds. Come see why we feel it’s one of the very best long hikes in Indiana!
What are your favorite hiking trails in the Hoosier State? Send us your ideas and you might see yours featured someday!
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