About the B&O Trail

Built on the historic Baltimore & Ohio rail line, the B&O Trail provides a wide paved surface ideal for walking, running, and cycling. The route extends west from downtown Indianapolis into Hendricks County, linking communities like Speedway and Brownsburg. Users enjoy quiet stretches along farmland, shaded woodland corridors, and crossings over creeks and streams.

The trail connects with the White Lick Creek Greenway in Brownsburg. With a mix of scenic rural landscapes and convenient town access, the B&O Trail is both a recreational retreat and a transportation corridor.

The B&O Trail is one of Central Indiana’s most exciting greenway projects, transforming a historic Baltimore and Ohio railroad corridor into a paved recreational route that links Indianapolis with its western suburbs. Today, visitors can enjoy approximately fifteen miles of continuous trail connecting Indianapolis, Speedway, and Brownsburg, with additional segments under construction to complete a continuous route. The trail’s smooth asphalt surface welcomes walkers, runners, and cyclists, creating a scenic escape that remains close to the city. As part of Indy’s expanding greenway network, the B&O Trail has become both a transportation link and an outdoor recreation destination.

The experience of the trail changes as you travel along it. On the western edge in Hendricks County, the path begins near County Road 250 East and winds through open farmland, wooded corridors, and quiet rural landscapes. As the trail approaches Brownsburg, the setting becomes more suburban and park-like, with landscaped buffers, mile markers, and a bridge crossing over White Lick Creek. A popular feature along this section is the tunnel under Ronald Reagan Parkway, which features local murals and serves as both a shaded passage and a community landmark. Brownsburg Parks manages this portion of the route, keeping it well maintained and clearly signed.

East of Brownsburg, the trail continues toward Speedway and Indianapolis, where recent expansions have added key mileage and new connections. A 1.9-mile section opened in 2023 between Allison Way in Speedway and Michigan Street in Indianapolis, including a new bridge over Eagle Creek. This addition made it possible to travel between neighborhoods and park systems that were once disconnected. Today the B&O Trail offers about fifteen miles of uninterrupted paved trail from downtown Indianapolis into Hendricks County, connecting two counties and several communities along the way.

The trail’s easy grade and consistent surface make it accessible to visitors of nearly all ages and fitness levels. The wide pavement allows for two-way traffic and multiple uses, including casual walking, running, family outings, and cycling. Because the B&O Trail follows a former railroad line, the route remains flat and gently curved, offering a comfortable and predictable ride. Road crossings are well marked, though trail users should remain alert when approaching intersections. Rest areas, benches, and shaded stretches appear along the way, creating natural spots to pause and take in the scenery. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash, and cyclists are encouraged to signal when passing others.

Access and parking options make it easy to plan either a short visit or a longer ride. On the west side, visitors can park near IN-267 in Brownsburg or at Cardinal Bark Park on Hornaday Road, which offers restrooms, water fountains, and picnic space. Closer to Indianapolis, trail access is available at Olin Park on Olin Avenue and along Michigan Street in Haughville, where new bike lanes and trail signage mark the connection into the city’s network. These points provide convenient starting locations whether you’re planning a brief out-and-back trip or a full-day ride. Because the corridor is expanding quickly, it’s a good idea to check the latest map from the B&O Trail Association before visiting to ensure the most current information on open segments and parking.

The route’s mix of rural, suburban, and urban scenery keeps the experience varied and engaging. West of Brownsburg, long stretches of open countryside create a peaceful atmosphere with views of farmland and woodland edges. As the trail moves east, tree-lined neighborhoods, small parks, and nearby businesses begin to appear. Riders and walkers often notice the sense of transition from countryside to city as the trail passes through Speedway and approaches Indianapolis. Seasonal changes also enhance the experience. Spring brings budding trees and wildflowers, summer offers full green canopy and shade, and fall colors make the corridor especially beautiful for photos and long rides. The trail remains open year-round, though winter visitors should be mindful of weather conditions and icy spots.

The B&O Trail’s story stretches back to its days as a rail corridor. For decades, the Baltimore and Ohio line served as a key freight and passenger route through the region. When the railroad ceased operations, local advocates saw an opportunity to preserve the corridor for public use. The B&O Trail Association formed to oversee the project, and through years of planning, fundraising, and partnership with local governments, the route gradually began to take shape. Grants from Indiana’s Next Level Trails program have played a major role in funding new construction and connecting the pieces between towns and counties. What began as a vision to save an old rail line has become one of Central Indiana’s most important multi-use corridors.

For visitors, the B&O Trail offers both convenience and charm. Cyclists often start in Brownsburg and ride east toward Speedway before stopping for lunch or coffee, creating an easy half-day itinerary. Others combine the B&O with nearby trails such as the Ronald Reagan Parkway Trail, the Bicentennial Trail, or the White Lick Creek Greenway to create longer routes. With its blend of rural scenery and urban access, the B&O Trail provides a smooth, welcoming ride for anyone exploring the west side of Indianapolis.

Whether you’re cycling from Speedway into Hendricks County, jogging through shaded stretches in Brownsburg, or enjoying a quiet evening walk along the old rail corridor, the B&O Trail offers a clear view of how Indianapolis and its neighbors are connecting recreation, transportation, and natural beauty. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience the west side of the region and an essential addition to Central Indiana’s expanding trail system.