Trailway Adventures
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures in central Indiana this summer, Greater Indy Trailways has you covered. The Greater Indy Trailways network has more than 800 miles of connected trails and greenways spanning multiple communities and cities in and around the Indianapolis area. While mapping out walking, running or biking journeys, residents and visitors alike can visit hidden gems along the way, whether breweries, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, or cultural museums and exhibits.
The project of connecting all 800 miles of trailways has been part of a larger $190 million investment to enhance infrastructure for Hoosiers and visitors. Within the last few years, Indianapolis’ official destination marketing organization, Visit Indy, put together the Greater Indy Trailways website, which maps out all the trails throughout nine counties. According to Clare Clark, Visit Indy’s senior communications manager, the Trailways network has been a cross-county collaboration that took years of research and focus groups, all leading to the launch of the website.
“Our Central Indiana region has long been home to amazing trails,” Clark says. “And we saw a need for a way to not only connect these trails altogether, but also provide a way for residents and visitors to fully explore them in a more cohesive way. So now, with the Trailways, you’ll be able to go online and truly map out your adventure for how you want to spend an afternoon or morning on the trails.”
This summer, Greater Indy Trailways is excited to announce its Trailblazer Adventure Pass, a free rewards pass available to sign up for on any web browser. The Adventure Pass is a way for people to explore all 18 premier trails and win prizes. As you navigate each trail, you can use your phone’s GPS to check in at designated locations to earn points. As you explore trails and earn points, you can become eligible to win prizes like trail logo stickers, Trailways subway-style posters, Trailways totes and T-shirts. The pass is free to anyone who signs up, and it doesn’t require an app download. This seasonal pass is available through Oct. 31.
“As summer approaches and warm weather comes to Central Indiana, you’re going to want to get out and be one with nature and explore Central Indiana, and what better way than to do that from the backseat of a bike or on a nice family walk?” Clark says. “I think it gives you ways to challenge yourself to check out a new restaurant, brewery or museum and try to get there from the backseat of a bike. And this online resource will help you navigate from point A to point B if you live in one of those nine counties that encompass the Trailways.”
On thetrailways.com, all 800 miles of trails are mapped out and separated into three categories: premier trails, connector trails and access paths. Premier trails are off-street trails that run long distances, such as the popular 28.5-mile Monon Trail or the Indianapolis Cultural Trail downtown. Connector trails link the premier trails to local communities, and access paths are even shorter routes to get you closer to your destination.
Each premier trail is featured with its own webpage detailing the trail itself while listing points of interest, connecting trails and other information helpful for planning your journey. For those who don’t know where to start, the Adventures webpage is dedicated to curated itineraries mapped out by local experts. If you’re a biker who enjoys trying new breweries or a bird watcher energized by peaceful walks, there are itineraries for you.
“Sometimes central Indiana residents get comfortable in the destination where we live, but I would encourage Hoosiers to take a look at what an amazing destination we truly live in,” Clark says. “This is an opportunity to take a bike ride from downtown up to Fishers or to access the Trailways up in Zionsville or Westfield. We have a lot of amazing hubs that have cultural attractions, great local restaurants and breweries, and they’re for residents to enjoy. Support local. Get on the trails this summer and find something new.”
To explore the Greater Indy Trailways online, visit thetrailways.com. To sign up for the Trailblazer Adventure Pass, visit thetrailways.com/pass. Follow the Trailways on Instagram or TikTok at @the_trailways.
