Hendricks County's Top 5 Paved Running Trails
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Paving the way for inclusive outdoor spaces, the paved trails of Hendricks County, Indiana, parks make it accessible for everyone to enjoy exercise and connect with nature -- from cyclists and dedicated runners to those in wheelchairs and parents with strollers.
These paved trails keep the terrain surface predictable, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for everyone. These trails are truly something special as they are a labor of love and gift from our community.
1. White Lick Creek Trail
White Lick Creek Trail in Plainfield starts at Franklin Park where it intersects with the Vandalia Trail and runs southward to Hummel Park and beyond. It is 3.3 miles, but if you add in various side paths located within the parks and surrounding areas, then it's 15-plus miles.
If you are looking for a place to access the trail with parking, Franklin Park (near the pickle ball courts and baseball fields) is a great option as it has restrooms and a water fountain. Other options include Friendship Gardens Park and the Al and Jan Barker Sports Complex parking lots.
2. Hummel Park
Guilford Township Hummel Park in Plainfield offers a 1.1-mile track around the perimeter with restrooms and water fountains located at the 1/4-mile marker.
Near the 1/4-mile marker, you will find a trailhead that crosses a bridge with gorgeous views of the creek. Visitors can either run on the Cottonwood Path (half mile) or the Blue Heron Path (just over 2 miles).
3. Vandalia Trail
The Vandalia Rail Trail extends 4.5 miles and runs through Plainfield along the abandoned Vandalia Railroad, and an unconnected section begins in Amo and extends about four more miles to the Putnam County line. The Plainfield section begins east near the intersection of Perry and Smith roads and extends west to Martin Road (500E).
This trail has some inclines, distance markers every half mile and limited road intersections.The Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center is just off the trail near Vestal Road, which offers parking. Parking is also available along the western section in both Amo and Coatesville.
4. Blue Heron Park
Blue Heron Park (formerly Avon Town Hall Park) is located in Avon just west of the Ind. 267 and U.S. 36 intersection. Three paved trails are interconnected within the park, totaling 1.5 miles.
The trails have a few inclines and are suitable for 1.5- to 6-mile runs/walks. Longer runs are certainly possible, especially if you run through the surrounding neighborhoods, which tacks on about 3 miles.
5. The B&O Trail
The B&O Trail in Brownsburg, from County Road 500 East (3 miles west of Ind. 267) to Raceway Road, is a former railroad turned paved trail. It is ideal for longer runs/walks, and many people walk their dogs or utilize jogging strollers on the path.
There is an 8-mile stretch in the Brownsburg section of this beautiful nature trail, with additional segments extending the route further west and east.
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