2026 Indiana State Trails Plan
The 2026 Trails Plan is incorporated into the 2026-2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. This plan builds on the previous one and provides current guidance for Indiana’s goals and initiatives regarding trails.
Previous Indiana State Trails Plans
2021 Trails Plan
- 2021-2025 SCORP – Chapter 6, pg. 74
2016 Trails Plan
- 2016-2020 SCORP – Chapter 6, pg. 89
2006 Trails Plan
Completed in 2006, Hoosiers on the Move: The Indiana State Trails, Greenway, and Bikeways Plan was Indiana’s first trails plan. The comprehensive plan documented trail development up to this period and introduced Indiana’s initial statewide trail goals, strategies, and visions.
Other Trail-Related Documents and Resources
The following documents and resources are not part of the State Trails Plan but provide a larger context for Indiana’s trail system and helpful information to trail stakeholders.
The Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands, in partnership with Radius Indiana, conducted an Economic Impact Projection to evaluate the potential economic benefits of the Monon South Trail. The study combined a literature review, comparative case studies, stakeholder listening sessions, and an economic impact model to assess how the developing long-distance trail could influence local communities. Findings highlight strong opportunities for economic growth driven primarily by non‑local trail users, whose spending is projected to generate between $2.1 million and $6.9 million annually.
Overall, the study underscores the Monon South Trail’s significant potential as a catalyst for regional economic development and community wellbeing.
The Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force, created in 2017 as a result of House Enrolled Act 1174, had the goal of studying the feasibility of creating a larger, more comprehensive, and connected trail network. The task force had its final meeting on June 19, 2019, and presented its findings in a Final Report on July 1, 2019.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has sought to support the development of active transportation opportunities throughout the state with a particular focus on infrastructure and programs supporting bicycle and pedestrian transportation. To this end, it has conducted an Active Transportation Survey. Through survey results and other research, INDOT will complete the state’s first Active Transportation Plan. Additionally, as part of this work they have developed a Trail Cost Calculator, a free interactive tool that provides a sketch-level cost estimate for trail construction in Indiana.
If you have any questions or comments about the trails plan, contact:
Allen Hurst
Trails Manager
