Adventure Details

Activity:
Biking
Trail:
Midland Trace Trail, Nickel Plate Trail, Fall Creek Greenway, Monon Trail, Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Interest:
Parks & Nature, Health & Fitness
Region:
Central, North

Tackle 100 kilometers (62 miles) of scenic urban and suburban trail riding with this loop that connects the Nickel Plate Trail, Fall Creek Greenway, Monon Trail, Midland Trace Trail, and Indianapolis Cultural Trail. With ample spots for food, photos, and restroom breaks, this metric century ride blends endurance with enjoyment.

Note: A portion of this adventure on the Nickel Plate Trail is temporarily inaccessible without safe detour options through the Interstate 465/69 construction that is slated for completion by the end of 2026. Keep this adventure on your bucket list for 2027!

Stops on this adventure

This map highlights the stops along the itinerary and their proximity to the Trailways.

  1. The 106 Plaza

    Website
    The 106 Plaza is a trailside gathering spot at 106th Street on the Nickel Plate Trail with shaded seating, swings, a central lawn, and a communal fire pit, plus easy access to Hub & Spoke amenities like restrooms and water refills.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Parking Lot
    • Restaurant
    • Restroom
    • Trash Can
    • Water Fountain

  2. Millersville Village

    Website
    Millersville Village is a convenient neighborhood shopping and dining area with a mix of restaurants, grocery store, and everyday services. There's also a trailhead plaza with public art and benches.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Parking Lot
    • Restaurant
    • River/Lake/Canal Access
    • Trash Can

  3. Mass Ave Cultural Arts District

    Website
    Located along the Cultural Trail, Mass Ave is home to many local shops, cafes, and public art.
    • Bike Parking
    • Bike Rental Station
    • Restaurant
    • Shops
    • Trash Can

  4. White River State Park

    Website
    Urban park at intersection of Cultural Trail and White River Greenway and home to Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, Everwise Amphitheater, and NCAA
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Bike Rental Station
    • Parking Lot
    • Restroom
    • River/Lake/Canal Access
    • Water Fountain

  5. Fall Creek and 30th Park

    Website
    A scenic riverside park where trails follow the curve of Fall Creek, offering beautiful views, fishing spots, and tranquil picnic areas.

  6. Canal Bistro

    Website
    A charming Mediterranean restaurant along the Broad Ripple Canal serving flavorful dishes and cocktails with relaxed, waterfront patio vibes.

  7. Carmel Midtown Plaza

    Website
    Carmel Midtown Plaza is a lively trailside gathering space just off the Monon Trail, with swings, interactive games, public art, and local shopping and dining options.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Bike Rental Station
    • Parking Lot
    • Restaurant
    • Restroom
    • Shops
    • Water Fountain
Hit the Nickel Plate Trail and discover miles of scenic pathways connecting Indy’s neighborhoods, nature, and local charm.
Canal Bistro restaurant in Broad Ripple
Savor Mediterranean flavors and canal-side vibes at Broad Ripple’s beloved Canal Bistro—where every meal feels like a getaway.
people crossing a street on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District, at the intersection of the Monon Trail and Cultural Trail, is home to many local shopping and dining options.
bird's view of Fall Creek Greenway
The Fall Creek Trail follows picturesque Fall Creek through northeast Indianapolis.
Bicyclists on the Monon Greenway with large bicycle public art.
The Carmel Midtown area is home to the Arts and Design District with plenty of Instagram-worthy public art, shopping, and dining.

Begin your ride at the 106 Plaza on 106th Street at the intersection of the Nickel Plate and 106 Trails, where you’ll find easy parking and restrooms (and even some coffee if you need it). Take the Nickel Plate Trail south through quiet neighborhoods and past mural-wrapped underpasses as the Nickel Plate gradually becomes more urban near 96th Street.

Continue on, and at the Indiana State Fairgrounds the trail continues along 42nd Street to the Monon Trail. Take the Monon a few blocks south, safely over 38th Street and Binford Boulevard, where you’ll connect to the Fall Creek Greenway. Take a left (northeast) on this trail as it winds through creekside woodlands with relatively few street crossings. You’ll get to the Millersville village center at Emerson Avenue and 56th Street (where you’ll find coffee, fast food, a convenience store, and the sit-down Lincoln Square Pancake House if you need some tasty carbs). You’ll turn around here (or, if you’re looking for an extra 6 miles, you can continue on the Fall Creek Greenway to Fort Harrison State Park and turn around there). Be sure to grab a scenic stream shot where the creek winds through tall sycamores. 

After turning around, head back down the Fall Creek Greenway and back to the Monon Trail. Turn left on the Monon to head south into new territory until the Monon meets the Cultural Trail at 10th Street.

The first stretch of the Cultural Trail winds through the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District and has plenty of food and beverage options if you need it. When the Cultural Trail splits at Alabama and North Streets, you’ll head south on Alabama. Follow the trail as it turns west on Washington Street past the Indianapolis City-County Building, Indiana Statehouse, and into White River State Park. There, you’ll take the White River Greenway right at the NCAA Hall of Champions and head north along the river.

Follow the White River Greenway and its scenic views for about a mile to 10th Street, where you’ll use a few blocks of connector trail (with bits of access path) along 10th before reconnecting with the Cultural Trail that you’ll use for a few more blocks until you hit Indiana Avenue. There, you’ll go north on the Fall Creek Greenway as it winds through Graham Edward Martin Park and into the Riverside and other older neighborhoods before reconnecting with the Monon Trail.

Take the Monon north, passing Broad Ripple—your perfect brunch stop at Canal Bistro, where seasonal grain bowls and falafal fuel your next leg. Snap a photo by the White River bridge for one of the ride’s best views. If you need a nature break, stop by the trailside Marott Woods Nature Preserve for some deep breaths.

You’ll take the Monon into Carmel, where its name becomes the Monon Greenway, and through the Carmel Arts and Design District, lined with engaging public art you’ll want to snap a photo of and some great trailside dining options.

Keep going north on the Monon to 169th Street, where you’ll use a connector trail a block east to the Westfield Boulevard connector trail for a few more blocks north. You’ll hit the Midland Trace Trail at the Westfield Washington Public Library (restrooms if you need them). Follow the Midland Trace east for several miles into downtown Noblesville (also amazing local dining).

There you’ll run into the northern terminus of the Nickel Plate Trail. Continue south on the Nickel Plate through the Nickel Plate District of downtown Fishers, where you’ll find more restrooms, might run into a local concert at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, and can grab refreshments at more local cafes (we’re partial to Java House).

You’ll continue down the Nickel Plate another mile  before reaching your starting point. With well-paved paths, parks, and plenty of Indy flavor, this metric century is a ride worth training for—and repeating.