Monon South Trail

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The Monon South Trail: A Rails-to-Trails Corridor Linking Communities, Recreation, and Economic Growth 

The Monon South Trail is a transformative Rails-to-Trails project converting a former CSX rail corridor into a continuous, multi-use recreational trail running through the heart of southern Indiana. When complete, the trail will span approximately 60 miles from New Albany to Mitchell, connecting communities in Clark, Washington, Orange, and Lawrence Counties. This corridor, once a key transportation route, is being reimagined as a catalyst for recreation, tourism, and economic revitalization, serving both residents and visitors across the region. 

Preserving Heritage, Creating Opportunity: The trail follows the historic route of the Monon Railroad, known as “The Hoosier Line,” which once linked rural towns with the state’s industrial centers. As freight and passenger use declined, the corridor was abandoned but retained tremendous potential. Through the Rails-to-Trails model, it is now being preserved for public use, turning an industrial relic into a community resource that supports active lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and local heritage. 

Trail Overview: The Monon South Trail passes through a variety of landscapes from forested hills and farmland to historic downtowns creating a seamless experience that blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and small-town charm. The corridor is being developed in phases, with each community planning amenities that reflect local character. Partners in the initiative include Radius Indiana, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Next Level Trails, Southern Indiana Trailways, and multiple Main Street programs dedicated to fostering economic growth and community vitality along the trail. Trailheads, rest areas, and interpretive signage will enhance the user experience, while accessibility design ensures that residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy the trail. Once fully open, the Monon South Trail will be among the longest continuous rail-trail systems in southern Indiana. 

The Borden to New Pekin Segment: A 10-Mile Gateway to the Star Valley Region The 10-mile section between Borden and New Pekin represents one of the most exciting and impactful portions of the Monon South Trail. This stretch, located within Clark and Washington Counties, serves as both a physical and cultural connector between two historic communities and the scenic Star Valley region. 

Geography and Setting: The Borden–New Pekin section runs through gently rolling countryside, flanked by wooded hillsides, family farms, and open meadows. The landscape provides a quiet, scenic setting ideal for walking, running, and cycling. The trail will include welcoming trailheads at both towns, each envisioned as a community hub with parking, informational kiosks, rest areas, and opportunities for small businesses such as coffee stands, bike rentals, or local markets. At the southern end, Borden is known for its Star Valley Strawberry Festival, which draws more than 12,000 to 15,000 visitors annually. The Monon South Trail will enhance access to this event and support year-round tourism, linking the festival grounds, local parks, and downtown. At the northern end, New Pekin, home to the nation’s oldest continuous Independence Day celebration, offers strong civic identity and a welcoming downtown. Connecting these towns through the trail encourages cross-community visitation and shared events that highlight southern Indiana’s rural charm. 

Economic Development and Regional Revitalization 

The Monon South Trail, particularly the Borden–New Pekin section, holds significant potential for economic development. Trails of this type are proven engines for local economies, spurring growth in tourism, retail, lodging, and outdoor recreation. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has documented that trails often generate millions in annual visitor spending, especially in small towns that invest in trail amenities and promotion. Business and Tourism Opportunities: Borden and New Pekin are ideally positioned to capitalize on trail-oriented business growth, including: 

•  Cafés, diners, and ice cream shops catering to cyclists and walkers
• Outdoor gear or bicycle rental and repair services
• Bed-and-breakfasts, farm stays, and vacation rentals
• Farmers’ markets and artisan shops featuring local products 

Such businesses not only generate revenue but also enhance each town’s identity as a welcoming trail destination. Increased visitor traffic encourages entrepreneurship, improves downtown occupancy rates, and attracts outside investment. Downtown Revitalization and 

Collaboration: Both Borden and New Pekin are active participants in The Magnificent Monon South, a regional Main Street program that unites the six trail communities along the corridor. Through this shared initiative, towns collaborate on marketing, beautification, and downtown revitalization efforts that align closely with the Monon South Trail’s development. The trail will bring new pedestrian and cycling activity to both communities, supporting small businesses and encouraging investment in storefront improvements, public spaces, and wayfinding projects. The Magnificent Monon South program provides valuable coordination, helping each town leverage the trail’s visibility to strengthen local economies while advancing a collective regional identity centered on recreation, heritage, and connection. Joint marketing through Discover Southern Indiana will further extend the trail’s economic reach by linking it to regional attractions like Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards, which already welcomes more than 700,000 visitors annually. 

Recreation, Health, and Quality of Life: The Monon South Trail offers a wide range of recreational benefits that contribute to public health and community well-being. The Borden–New Pekin section, at approximately ten miles, provides an ideal route for cyclists, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Its moderate terrain and scenic beauty make it accessible for short excursions or extended rides, offering a safe, traffic-free space for exercise and relaxation. 

The trail encourages healthy, active lifestyles by promoting walking, running, and biking as part of everyday life. Local schools, clubs, and civic groups can use the trail for fitness programs, cross-country training, educational nature walks, and environmental awareness events. By reconnecting residents to nature and to one another, the Monon South Trail strengthens social ties and enhances overall quality of life. From an environmental standpoint, the trail’s adaptive reuse of an existing rail corridor minimizes land disturbance and promotes sustainability. It helps preserve natural habitats, encourages eco-friendly transportation, and provides green infrastructure that contributes to cleaner air and water. 

A Unifying Symbol of Southern Indiana: The Monon South Trail embodies the values of connection, preservation, and progress. It honors the legacy of the Monon Railroad while opening a new chapter of community and recreation in southern Indiana. Through thoughtful design and local stewardship, the trail celebrates the distinct character of each town along its route while uniting them under a shared vision for a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming region. 

The Borden-to-New Pekin section exemplifies what the National Recreation Trail designation represents: a community-driven project that fosters recreation, accessibility, economic vitality, and environmental respect. With its combination of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and strong local partnerships, this segment will serve as a cornerstone for the trail’s long-term success and a model for rural revitalization through recreation. As development progresses, the Monon South Trail will not only connect communities, it will inspire them. It will encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the outdoors, support local businesses, and discover the beauty of Southern Indiana from a new perspective.