Places to Run in and Around Indianapolis
Updated on 07/12/2010 at 7:51:12 PM (Tags: places to run, locations, paths, trails, canal )
Central Canal Towpath
The Central Canal Towpath is a scenic, mostly dirt and crushed limestone path. Good starting points include Butler University (just down the sidewalk from Hinkle Fieldhouse along 52nd street), and farther north at the intersection of Broadripple Avenue and College Avenue (park in the Revco lot). The path is best maintained in the middle third between 52nd and Michigan Road, which is right in the heart of the Butler campus. This area is also the most popular section of the Canal. Continuing south is still very nice, but not quite as pretty to look at. It is much less crowded. The northern third can get a bit narrow, but it's quite nice. You are likely to run into a gaggle or two of geese, but they are harmless.
The round trip from Broadripple to 30th street and back is about 10 miles. At 52nd street is a very nice stone marker showing many landmarks and the distances between them. This path can also be an easy extension to south end of the Monon Trail.
Fall Creek Trail
The Fall Creek Trail is a narrow asphalt path that runs along the creek. It is popular with families and many runners and skaters. The scenery is dominated by large trees and the trickle of the creek. The south end of the path is around 43rd street and it goes north to just past Emerson and 56th street. The course is 2.75 miles from end to end (including a 1/10 mile trek along the road on the north end to make up the difference). It is marked at 1/4 mile increments in white paint. The southern end even as the occasional portable toilet.
Eagle Creek Park
The site of many running events during the year, Eagle Creek Park is the fourth largest city park in the nation. The park is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis and includes 5K, 8K, and 10K certified road courses along with an uncertified 7K course that all begin near the beach parking lot (yes, there is a beach). Each course is clearly marked with road signs. The terrain is flat in places and gently rolling in others.
There are also many miles of dirt trails for the off-road crowd. Ask for a map at the gate so you can plan your distances. And speaking of the gate, there is a charge for admission : $5 per car, $3 for bikes and pedestrians as of 2010. Eagle Creek Park hours vary during the year.
Monon Trail
The Monon Trail is the main "Rails to Trails" path from Indy Parks. It is open from dawn to dusk. The path is exceptionally smooth asphalt, lined with trees on both sides. There are two beautiful bridges and countless backyards into which to peek. The northern endpoint is in Westfield at 161st street. The southern endpoint is near 10th Street in Indianapolis. While the entire trail should be safe during the day, it is recommended that women running alone stay north of 52nd Street.
The smoothness and "hipness" of this path brings out everyone within a bike ride or skate of any access point. So on the weekends and nice evening, the path is packed with families cruising along, shoulder to shoulder, walking off dinner. So if you are out for speed, go during off hours. But if you are out for people watching, you will be quite entertained. So take your time, start and end in Broadripple, and when you're done, plop down on one of the benches and shoot the breeze. Then maybe walk over to the Ice Cream Shop for a little reward.
[The Monon Trail is scheduled to be extended further north into Westfield and possibly into Sheridan.]
Pleasant Run Trail
The Pleasant Run Trail is a paved 6.9 mile trail located on the southeast part of town between Ellenberger and Garfield Parks.
White River Wapahani Trail
The main section of the White River Wapahani Trail runs from 38th Street south to White River State Park, with several more miles planned, and it will eventually connect to many other trails. Currently, it links with the Central Canal Towpath, the southern segment of the Fall Creek Trail, and the Downtown Canal Walk, and it will eventually link to the Eagle Creek Trail and possibly the Pleasant Run Trail. Trail users can also get to the Monon Trail via the Central Canal Towpath or a cross town connection on St. Clair Street.
Canal Walk - The Zoo Loop
The zoo loop is another popular race route, but it is also a wonderful "Heart of the City" run. There are 2 routes, a 3.3 and a 5 miler. Start at the corner of Capitol and Washington, go west to the zoo, then north along the White River Parkway. For the 3.3 loop, turn right on New York and go past the IU Track stadium, and the Natatorium. For the 5 miler, turn right on 10th street, past Wishard Hospital and the Canal Overlook and then loop around Monument circle. If you can find it, take the limestone walkway behind the zoo.
Fort Ben
Fort Benjamin Harrison , formerly a military installation since 1903, is now a State Park and Nature Preserve. The park is located on the northeast area of Indianapolis and is most easily accessed from 465, and going east at 56th street. The park entrance is at the intersection of Post and 59th Street where you should be able to pick-up a map of the roads and trails. Note that there are restricted areas, but still plenty of nice running. The Loop around the Duck Pond is paved and has some good hills. The Fall Creek Trail is scenic and has a couple of very steep hills. The Lawrence Creek trail is a bit more friendly with its wide path and moderate terrain.
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