Over the river and through the woods, from Indy to Carmel it goes....the Monon Trail, that is. What was once an abandoned portion of railroad tracks has been transformed into the Indianapolis area´s premier bicycle and pedestrian path, stretching 15.2 miles from downtown Indy to Carmel, where it becomes the Monon Greenway. Along the way, the Monon winds through scenic Indianapolis real estate, unique retail shops and restaurants, city parks and myriad area attractions. The trail is open year-round and, depending on the weather, activities range from recreational walking to cross country skiing. Area runners gather weekly to test their times, and cyclists can upgrade or repair their equipment at one of the many specialty shops along the trail. Bike rentals are available at many locations, including the Carmel Cyclery (www.carmelcyclery.com). 

   Plans to extend the trail along other segments of the former Monon Railroad are already under way, including a section north to Westfield from 146th Street to State Road 32 which could open as early as 2008.
       
   Not only does the Monon help boost the fitness level of Indy residents, it´s becoming a selling point for Indianapolis house hunters as well. Homes and neighborhoods with easy access to the Monon are hot properties in the Central Indiana real estate market. Developments such as Carmel´s Old Town on the Monon were designed specifically to integrate the trail into everyday life; residents can look out the window and enjoy beautiful views of the trail, or step out the front door onto the trail for a brisk walk. 

   For more information on the Monon Trail, including maps and special events, visit indianatrails.org.