Town Run Trail Park

Town Run Trail Park offers a variety of features for mountain bikers. You'll find open, flowy, and fast sections, including parts along the levee that provide a "roller coaster feel." More challenging segments, such as narrow and technical areas, are located north of the I-465 bridge. The park also includes built features like log overs, rock gardens, drops, jumps, berms, and even a wooden wall ride. A notable feature is "Tetanus Hill," which can be a short, steep climb or a technical downhill depending on the daily trail direction.

The trail system at Town Run Trail Park is one-way directional, with the direction alternating daily to provide varied experiences and manage wear. Trails run clockwise on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the trails run counter-clockwise. It's always a good idea to check the current day's direction before you start your ride.

Yes, Town Run Trail Park is well-suited for beginner mountain bikers, offering trails with beginner to intermediate skill levels. While there are more technical sections, the park provides a good mix of terrain that allows newer riders to develop their skills. Many sections are open and flowy, making for an enjoyable introduction to mountain biking.

Town Run Trail Park is located at 5325 E. 96th Street in Indianapolis. Parking is available on-site. While the intro mentions parking, it's worth noting that during peak times, especially on weekends or good weather days, the parking lot can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended to secure a spot.

While the park is generally open year-round, weather permitting, there are seasonal considerations. The trails are prone to closure during wet seasons due to floodplain inundation, as parts of the park are along the White River. It's crucial to check the Town Run Trail Park MTB trail conditions before visiting, especially after heavy rain or during spring thaw, to ensure the trails are open and safe for use.

Absolutely! While mountain biking is the main draw, Town Run Trail Park welcomes all users. Families can enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, and general nature observation. The park's natural setting along the White River and the open grassy area known as the "Savana" provide pleasant spaces for outdoor activities for all ages.

The park is generally welcoming to all users, and dogs are typically allowed on trails as long as they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. However, it's always best to check the latest regulations on the Indy Parks and Recreation website or signage at the park entrance to confirm specific pet policies.

Visitors can enjoy the park's natural setting along the White River, which includes wooded portions and an open grassy area known as the "Savana" at the far end of the trail. The southern portion of the trails extends into Oliver's Woods Nature Preserve, adding to the natural beauty and providing opportunities for nature observation. The park's history as former agricultural and quarry land also contributes to its unique landscape.

Given that trails can close due to wet conditions, it's important to check current trail conditions. The Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA), which maintains the trails, often provides updates on their website or social media channels. You can also check the official Indy Parks and Recreation website for Town Run Trail Park for the most up-to-date information.

Town Run Trail Park is conveniently located within Indianapolis, near East 96th Street between Keystone Avenue and Allisonville Road. This area offers various amenities, including coffee shops, restaurants, and other services. While not directly adjacent to the park entrance, a short drive will lead you to several options for refreshments or a meal after your visit.

The area now known as Town Run Trail Park was originally agricultural land and later used for sand and gravel quarrying. In 1999, it officially became part of Indy Parks, marking it as Indianapolis's first dedicated mountain bike park. The park was made possible through donations from Martin Marietta Aggregates, Mr. Oliver Dougherty, and R.N. Thompson Associates Inc., with some land for the trails donated by Oliver Daugherty to the Central Indiana Land Trust. Volunteers from the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) cooperatively maintain the park and its trails.