As a photographer, I try to think like a tourist in my own city so that it stays interesting to me. Whenever I think I’ve seen it all, I find something new. It shows me how much there is still to discover.
Even when I lived in other cities, I found biking to be the best way to get to know a place on a deeper level.
One afternoon on a leisurely ride in Indy, I came across a bridge along Fall Creek Greenway that passes over Fall Creek. I stopped for a photo and it made me wonder — what other greenways have I yet to find?
As I set out to photograph some of Indy’s lesser-known greenways, I realized how little of Indy I had biked.
There were trails I had never even heard of, such as the Pennsy Trail on the east side.
Pro tip: Google Maps has an option to toggle on biking paths. If you click “layers” and select “biking,” the map will highlight their extent in green, from beginning to end. You can usually go into street view mode to get a closer look.
These greenways, which are paved or gravel paths for pedestrian and cycle traffic, are often placed along former railways or following rivers and creeks. This makes for fewer interruptions than riding on city streets.
It’s a great way to connect with nature and gain a sense of nostalgia, as your surroundings are often beautiful old trees, historic homes, murals and sculptures or urban farms.
One of my favorite encounters along my journey was a chunky woodchuck scurrying right across the path in front of me, scared by my sudden arrival.
These are my photos from biking the wonderful greenways of Indianapolis.
Pleasant Run Trail
I was pleasantly surprised riding this trail for the first time. It’s a nearly 7-mile stretch of beautiful tree lines and green spaces. The path follows Pleasant Run Creek from Ellenberger Park, goes through Christian Park and ends in Garfield Park.
Passing by the new jail in Twin Aire is a somewhat jarring interruption to the trail. That aside, it was a beautiful ride in the afternoon sun surrounded by mostly greenery and residences.
Fall Creek Trail
Winding northeast through the city, Fall Creek Trail is a wonderful connector to other paths and parks, such as the Central Canal Towpath, the Monon Trail, Riverside Park and Fort Harrison State Park. I especially enjoy the intersection of the Meridian Street Bridge, Ivy Tech and the Marott apartment building, all with the skyline in view.
White River Trail
This has always been my favorite trail, because I can ride for miles without coming across anyone. It’s peaceful and scenic with views of Riverside Park and historic landmarks such as the former Emrichsville Dam, the railroad bridge north of 10th Street and the grand Riverside Pumping Station, which now belongs to Citizens Energy Group.
Nickel Plate Trail
A new extension of the Nickel Plate Trail will stretch from the fairgrounds to 96th Street. I started at 46th Street and Keystone Avenue and headed northeast for a few miles. The start is slow, but once you get north of 56th Street, the trail becomes more forested and residential. This is a wonderful new addition to our city’s network of greenways.
Pennsy Trail
This 14-mile gem follows the former Pennsylvania Railroad line. It begins in historic Irvington, running parallel to Washington Street, and stops at a trailhead in Cumberland. There is a break in the path for a few miles, then it picks up again for a final stretch through Greenfield.
Eagle Creek Trail
This trail, also amidst expansion, spans up and down the northwest side. I rode a section that crosses Eagle Creek Reservoir via the 56th Street Bridge and winds through tunnels of trees west of the reservoir.
Highlights of my ride include taking in the pungent smell of wildflowers and other greenery, feeling the breeze while coming down the hill on the way back and an eagle sighting.
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Ted Somerville is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach him at tedsomphoto@gmail.com.
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