The Monon Trail is part of a growing trend in the U.S. of turning former railroad tracks into trails for running, biking and walking. In Indiana The Monon Railroad was a life source for over 100 years. It literally traveled the state, from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River.
Originally used as a support line for Union soldiers in the Civil War, the railroad became a freight and passenger line which was used for decades. It was the route between Indianapolis and Chicago. Students who attended Indiana University, Butler University, Purdue University and Wabash College were able to get to and from campus on the train. The devotion to schools was so strong, passenger cars were painted in the IU colors, and freight cars were dedicated to Purdue.
When we talk about The Monon now, we are talking about the refurbished trail which extends from Westfield, IN to the north, running south to downtown Indianapolis. There are approximately 18 miles of trail. Along the route, you encounter Westfield, downtown Carmel, Broad Ripple, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and the center of downtown Indianapolis.
There are two things I love about the trail: the flat nature, and all the trees. No one will be challenged running on the Monon. There are no hills. It is flat. For someone like me, that is perfect.
The trees provide so much shade, you feel you are in the woods at times. Many times I just slow down and take in all the nature around me. Along the way I see birds, squirrels and the occasional deer or raccoon.
To give you a sense of my route, here is a brief video taking you on a tour of The Monon.....
I love running this trail as much as I loved running on the Lakefront Path in Chicago.
As I said walkers and bikers use this trail as well, and of course there are the usual battles between runners and bikers. Usually though everyone uses the trail well, and we all coexist in harmony.
Charlie
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