Trail Safety & Guidelines

Navigating the Monon Trail with confidence and consideration for all users.

Important Rules & Information

General Trail Etiquette

These guidelines apply to the entire length of the Monon Trail, from Indianapolis to Sheridan.

  • **Share the Trail:** The trail is a multi-use path for walkers, runners, cyclists, and more.[1] Stay to the right and pass on the left.[1, 2]
  • **Communicate:** Give an audible signal before overtaking and passing another user.[2] A simple "On your left" is a common courtesy.[1]
  • **Yielding:** Always be prepared to yield. The general rule is that faster users should yield to slower users. All trail users must yield to pedestrians.[2]
  • **Be Predictable:** Look around before you change direction or suddenly change speed.[1]
  • **Move Off the Path to Stop:** If you need to stop to rest, chat, or check your phone, please move off the trail to the side so others can pass safely.[1]
  • **Pet Rules:** Keep dogs on a short leash, no longer than six feet.[1, 2] Pet owners are also required to pick up and dispose of their pet's waste.[1, 2]
  • **No Motorized Vehicles:** Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail, with the exception of motorized wheelchairs or official city and emergency vehicles.[2]
  • **Respect the Environment:** Do not litter, remove plants, or disturb wildlife.[1, 3]

Hours of Operation

The Monon Trail's hours vary by county. Be aware of your location to ensure you are in compliance with local regulations.

Marion County (Indianapolis)

The Monon Trail from 10th Street to 96th Street is open 24 hours a day.[4]

Hamilton County (Carmel, Westfield, Sheridan)

The trail is open from sunrise to sunset [5, 6] or dawn to dusk.[7, 8]

Emergency Information

Safety is a priority. Please be prepared to contact the appropriate authorities in the event of an emergency.

Emergency & Non-Emergency Contacts

  • **For All Emergencies:** Dial 9-1-1 immediately.[9, 10]
  • **Marion County Non-Emergency:** For non-urgent matters, you can contact Indy Parks & Recreation at (317) 327-PARK, or (317) 327-7050.[11, 12, 13]
  • **Hamilton County Non-Emergency:** For non-urgent matters, you can contact Hamilton County Central Dispatch at (317) 773-1282.[10]

Emergency Call Box Locations

The Monon Trail features emergency call boxes at a few locations in Marion County that connect directly to authorities.[14] These are located at:

  • 3400 Sutherland Ave. [14]
  • 1202 E. 30th St. [14]
  • 1151 E. 28th St. [14]
  • 2019 Cornell Ave. [14]
  • 1720 Alvord St. [14]
  • 1101 E. 13th St. [14]

No information is available regarding the existence of emergency call boxes in the Hamilton County portion of the trail.

Bibliography

The information in this guide is based on data and reports from the following sources: