As our communities of Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and the Northern Towns start transforming into a picturesque canvas of red, orange, and gold, the Monon Trail offers the perfect way to enjoy fall’s splendor. From Carmel to Sheridan, visitors can pedal or stroll along the tree-lined path, offering a scenic alternative to the typical fall road trip.
Those who do take to the trail for fall outings will find that the Monon continues to deliver with easy access to amenities that make for a great getaway.
Cruising, strolling, or running along the paved pathway that extends from 96th Street to Sheridan, trail users pass under long stretches of the leafy canopy as they make their way through a smoothly alternating mix of urban, suburban, park, and agricultural landscapes. Even on the longest adventures, folks who get out on the Monon are never far from nature, dining, places to take a rest, shopping opportunities, cultural amenities, and more, and they’re sure to find plenty of colorful leaves overhead, underfoot, and all around.
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How to Access the Monon Trail
You can access the Monon from any number of places, but if you want a starting point with plenty of parking, restrooms, and other amenities, choose from the trailheads at 96th Street, Carmel’s Central Park, Rohrer Road, Greyhound Pass, Quaker Park just off of State Road 32 and around Westfield’s Grand Park Sports Campus. The best part? All of these places give you a great place to begin your leaf peeping, as they’re all located near long sections of tree-lined trail. You’ll feel like you’re passing through an autumnal tunnel.
Monon Trail Amenities in Carmel
In Carmel, enjoy pathways through the Arts and Design District and Carmel Midtown. The resulting 140-foot-wide “multi-modal boulevard” offers separate trails for pedestrians and cyclists, and also adds new artwork and other amenities. Enjoy water features and more seating options, too. The results have been an even better experience for those spending time in or passing through Carmel on the Monon.
It also, of course, has created an even more inviting way to access the city’s amenities, including Hotel Carmichael, which sits immediately adjacent to the trail near the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. A short distance away, Sun King Carmel offers food and drink from four restaurant partners in a dining-hall setting, along with fun and games for the whole family.
Other restaurants in the area include: Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream, Bazbeaux Pizza, Garden Table, Java House Coffee Bar, Social Cantina and Wine & Rind. And so many more Carmel Restaurants!
If you don't have a bike with you, rent one from Carmel Bike Share. There are several bike share stations conveniently located near the Monon Trail.
Interested in seeing the fall colors at a bike’s pace but not sure you’re up for all that pedaling? No problem: Pedego Electric Bikes Carmel will set you up with a set of wheels that will do most of the work.
Monon Trail Amenities in Westfield
For many trail users, this extension from Grand Park to Sheridan feels like fresh terrain to the trail experience by coursing through farm fields that previously had been just beyond the trail’s end. Bordered by a stirring array of oaks, elms, maples, and more, the farm fields offer up their own changing fall pallet as crops fully ripen and get harvested and the fields begin to settle in for the winter.
The bridge also makes it easy to access a number of (chain) eateries at the busy crossroads, and local favorite, Grindstone on the Monon, where an outdoor patio tucked away from the bustling roadway gives you a front-row seat to Monon users and fall colors.
Or, turn onto the Midland Trace Trail that heads into the City of Westfield, and you’ll find more local eateries. Restaurants located near the Midland include: Chiba, Greek’s Pizzeria, Italian House on Park, Nyla’s, Rivet Coffee Bar & Roastery and Something Splendid Wine Bar.
In Hamilton County, you’ll always see something new from public art and parks to local shops and restaurants. Get out and discover the trails throughout Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield. It’s a perfect way to take in nature and explore these exciting communities.