Active Kit: Happy Trails

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ACTIVE KIT

HAPPY TRAILS

By Ria Rebein + Illustrations by Sophie Fleetwood

Late summer and early fall bring brisk mornings, sunny afternoons and crisp weather that’s ideal for hiking, biking and enjoying nature. Our city offers so many trails, it can be overwhelming to choose. Fear not — we’ve narrowed the field to a list of our favorite places to absorb autumn’s beauty, by pedal or foot. There's so much to know and love about our local trails.

BIKING BEYOND THE MONON

HIKING SCENIC STROLLS CLOSE TO HOME

WHITE RIVER GREENWAY

NOBLESVILLE, 5.9 MILES KNOW: This pleasant paved trail runs along the banks of the White River and through forests, fields and a restored covered bridge. LOVE: Pack a picnic for the beach at Morse Lake, accessible at the northwest end of the trail.

TOWN RUN TRAIL PARK

INDIANAPOLIS, 6.9 MILES KNOW: This urban mountain biking haven just north of I-465 is one of the few places mountain bikers can get their wheels dirty close to home, and its packed dirt trails are forgiving for beginners. LOVE: Funky and encouraging signage brightens the hilly path, and challenges like the wooden wall ride, where bikers can coast along a raised wood embankment, make the park a unique playground.

CENTRAL CANAL TOWPATH

BROAD RIPPLE, 5.23 MILES KNOW: The crushed limestone path meanders alongside the canal from Broad Ripple Village to the old Naval Armory on 30th street. The gravel can be slippery, but the flat terrain is manageable for less experienced riders. LOVE: Plan for some playtime along the way at the topsy-turvy yellow benches and larger-than-life “Funky Bones” sculpture at the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park.

INDIANAPOLIS CULTURAL TRAIL

DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS, 8 MILES KNOW: This urban walkway and bike trail celebrates and connects Indy’s six downtown cultural districts and welcomes pedestrians, bicyclists, runners, families and people in wheelchairs. LOVE: The Pacers bikeshare makes it easy to explore downtown and stop for a meal, snack or sip in some of Indy’s most eclectic hotspots. Fountain Square’s Chilly Water Brewing Company and Mass Ave’s Sub-Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream are a couple of our favorites.

HOLLIDAY PARK

BROAD RIPPLE, 3.5 MILES KNOW: Moderate trails crisscross the 94-acre park near the White River, conveniently connecting the playground, pond, rock garden and nature center. LOVE: Snap some photos at the shimmer fountain near revitalized historic ruins and sculptures relocated from New York City. STRAWTOWN KOTEEWI PARK

NOBLESVILLE, 8 MILES KNOW: It’s the largest park in Hamilton County (800+ acres!) with diverse ecosystems from woodlands to wetlands.

LOVE: Take in a homeschool history lesson with a visit to Koteewi Trace, a replicated Native American village, and test both your agility and bravery with archery or a treetop ropes course.

SOUTHEASTWAY PARK

NEW PALESTINE, 2.5 MILES KNOW: A combination of earthen and paved trails overlook Buck Creek and wind through a maple forest. LOVE: Explore the sugar bush, learn how syrup is made and even get a taste of the park’s own maple syrup during sugaring season in February and March. SHOEN CREEK TRAIL

LAWRENCE 3.3 MILES KNOW: A hilly trek through Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park dips down to Fall Creek and up to wooded vistas and butterfly-covered prairies. LOVE: Wildflowers like asters, goldenrod and white snakeroot line this trail in late summer and early fall.