Cycling is a fantastic way to get out of the house, enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, spend time with family and friends and get from one place to another without burning gasoline.
Bicyclists abound in Hendricks County, Indiana, so here is your guide to cycling in our little slice of central Indiana.
Ride the B&O Trail
We have two main rail trails in Hendricks County: the B&O Trail and the Vandalia Trail. Both are excellent spots for bicycling. The B&O Trail runs about 8.5 miles through Brownsburg in Hendricks County, from Raceway Road northwest to County Road 250 East.
Not only does this flat paved trail provide a scenic cycling experience, especially when it crosses White Lick Creek by way of a beautiful bridge, it also connects to other trails in Brownsburg.
Special Event: B&O Bicycle Tour
On June 1 at Cardinal Elementary School in Brownsburg, the B&O Trail Association is hosting its annual B&O Bicycle Tour. Five different routes provide cyclists with the opportunity to ride 11-, 17-, 25-, 45- or 62-mile loops.
After the ride, stick around for some live music and a fantastic lunch catered by Smokin' J's Barbecue!
Ride the Vandalia Trail
There are two separate paved sections of the Vandalia Trail in Hendricks County. The western section operated by Hendricks County Parks & Recreation spans 4.1 miles to the Hendricks-Putnam county line. Trailheads in Amo and in Coatesville provide modern restrooms, bicycle repair stations and water fountains. Learn more about the western portion of the Vandalia Trail.
The eastern section of the Vandalia Trail is operated by Plainfield Parks & Recreation and runs through the Town of Plainfield to the Hendricks-Marion County border. This section of the trail connects with a multitude of other parks and trails throughout Plainfield's impressive system.
Special Event: Vandalia Trail Bike Rides
Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. May through September, Greg Midgley of the National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT) hosts bike rides for all ages and skill levels on the Vandalia Trail.
On the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of the month, he begins at the Amo trailhead on the western portion of the trail. On the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, he leads the ride in Plainfield on the eastern portion of the trail.
Ride Plainfield Trails
Plainfield Parks & Recreation, Guilford Township and the Town of Plainfield have an expansive parks and trails system that spans the entire town and allows for bicycle access to every part of it.
They even offer a bike sharing program if you are visiting and don't have a bicycle. Check out Plainfield Parks & Recreations page that includes a downloadable map of all of the available outdoor recreation options, including water fountains, restrooms, trailheads and more.
Ride Across Hendricks County
Hendricks County Parks & Recreation provides waterproof maps of different bicycle routes throughout the county, Feel free to stop by our main office, located in Danville, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and grab as many maps as you'd like for free.
For even more information about parks and trails in Hendricks County, including other cycling options, the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County maintains a great interactive map which you can access by clicking here.
Shop Bluegrass Bicycle Company
Need a new bicycle or some parts or advice while you're in Hendricks County?
In Brownsburg, the Bluegrass Bicycle Company offers bicycles and accessories for sale by appointment only, plus they host bicycle rides with the shop owners.
Shop Gear Up Cyclery
In Plainfield, Gear Up Cyclery provides a wide array of bicycles, apparel, accessories, components, repairs and advice.
Their shop is located at in downtown Plainfield, and they're open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
