The Monon Trail is the backbone of Indianapolis’ network of greenways, a paved former rail corridor that invites residents and visitors alike to explore the city on foot or by bike. Running from 10th Street downtown to 96th Street on the northern edge of Marion County, the Monon continues north into Carmel and Hamilton County, linking neighborhoods, parks and commercial districts along its 20+-mile length. Whether you’re training for a race, commuting on two wheels or looking for a family-friendly stroll, this trail showcases Indy’s urban core and tree-lined streets in equal measure.

Highlights Along the Monon
Starting near downtown, the Monon passes Frank & Judy O’Bannon Park (formerly the State Fairgrounds trailhead) and heads north through Mapleton-Fall Creek and Meridian-Kessler. Further up, you’ll roll past Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Frederick Douglass Park before skirting the Indiana State Fairgrounds and climbing into Broad Ripple Village. Broad Ripple’s section is one of the most lively, with coffee shops, breweries and restaurants steps from the trail. Continue north toward Nora and 96th Street to take in shady neighborhoods and cross over White River on a converted rail bridge.

Connecting Greenways
One of the Monon’s best features is how it connects to other paths. In Midtown, the trail meets the Fall Creek Greenway, which follows Fall Creek east past the Indiana State Fairgrounds and west toward downtown. Near 30th Street the Monon links to the Central Canal Towpath, a crushed limestone trail paralleling the historic canal from Broad Ripple south to Riverside Park. At 10th Street the Monon feeds into the White River Wapahani Trail, which heads south through White River State Park, past the Indianapolis Zoo and on to Raymond Street. Beyond the core, other greenways such as the Pleasant Run Trail on the east side, the B&O Trail on the west and the Pennsy Trail to the east offer even more mileage for riders and walkers seeking variety.

Tips for Hikers & Cyclists
The Monon Trail is paved and mostly flat, making it accessible for users of all abilities. To ensure a smooth outing, follow posted etiquette: keep to the right except to pass, signal when overtaking and yield to pedestrians. The trail is open dawn to dusk and is patrolled by Indy Parks rangers. For those without a bike, Pacers Bikeshare stations can be found along the downtown and Midtown portions. Bring water and sunscreen during the summer; there are drinking fountains at major parks but amenities thin out north of Broad Ripple. Remember that the trail can get crowded on weekends and during morning commute hours, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter ride.

Side Trips & Trail Parks
One of the joys of the Monon is the chance to stop and explore Indy’s neighborhoods. Families can cool off at the splash pad in Frank & Judy O’Bannon Park or play basketball at Frederick Douglass Park. Broad Ripple Park offers river views, playgrounds and a dog park a short detour off the trail. Just off 54th Street, the trail passes near the historic Alice Carter Place Park and the shops of 54th and Monon. At the northern end in Nora, the trail connects to the popular 96th Street trailhead where you can continue into Carmel or head west on the Hagan-Burke Trail. Don’t forget to leave time to stop at local businesses — a coffee in Meridian-Kessler, a slice of pizza in Broad Ripple or ice cream near 86th Street make for a perfect outing.

Planning Your Greenway Adventure
To plan your ride or walk, consult the Indy Parks and Recreation website for maps, parking information and alerts about construction or closures. Popular starting points include the trailhead at 10th Street near the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare hub, the parking area at 54th Street and the large lot at Broad Ripple Park. If you’re new to the trail, consider riding south to White River State Park via the Cultural Trail — an eight-mile downtown loop that connects the Monon to Fountain Square, Mass Ave and other cultural districts. For a longer adventure, combine the Monon with the Fall Creek Greenway for a scenic loop through wooded stretches and quiet neighborhoods. However you choose to explore, the Monon and its connected greenways offer a safe, car-free way to experience Indianapolis’ natural beauty and vibrant communities.