About the Big 4 Rail Trail

The Big 4 Trail is a paved, multi-use rail-trail built along the former Big Four rail corridor, creating an easy, mostly flat route for biking, walking, and running through Boone County and beyond. Today the trail is experienced in two distinct segments, including a southern stretch that runs through Zionsville and Whitestown and a northern stretch that connects Lebanon, Thorntown, and Colfax, with efforts underway to close remaining gaps. Through a connector trail in Zionsville, you’re also able to connect to The 106 Trail to head east into Hamilton County.

The Big 4 delivers a classic Indiana mix of quintessential small towns, open farmland views and quieter, tree-lined miles. In fall, those wooded portions can feel like a moving postcard as the canopy turns bright gold and red, and the pace naturally slows for photo stops and leaf-peeping. Wildlife sightings are part of the fun too, especially in the more rural stretches where you may spot deer and hear songbirds in the hedgerows and woods.

What makes the Big 4 especially enjoyable is its relaxed, open-road feel. Long, straight rail-trail miles invite an unhurried cruising pace, whether you’re rolling out for a quick evening spin, stacking up weekend distance, or taking a family ride where the conversation matters as much as the speed. The scenery shifts between wide-open farmland horizons and quieter stretches edged by trees and brush, giving you a steady rhythm of sun and shade as the trail slips from town to countryside and back again.

In autumn, the experience levels up. Tree-lined portions glow with golds and reds, and the cooler air makes even a longer ride feel comfortable. Spring and early summer bring fresh greens and wildflowers along the edges, and after a rain the landscape feels extra alive, with the sound of wind in the trees and the occasional rustle in the undergrowth. Keep your eyes up and you may spot deer at the margins of the woods or catch flashes of songbirds moving between branches, especially in the more rural stretches.

Because it follows a historic rail corridor, the Big 4 stays friendly to a wide range of riders and walkers, with a consistent grade that keeps the effort manageable and the experience approachable. Whether you’re looking for a scenic out-and-back, a steady training route, or a simple way to spend time outdoors, the Big 4 Trail delivers that satisfying combination of smooth miles, small-town passing scenes, and classic Indiana landscapes.