Indiana – Southern Indiana is celebrating a major step forward in outdoor recreation and regional connectivity with the official opening of two newly completed segments of the Monon South Trail. State and local leaders gathered as the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Radius Indiana marked the end of Phase 1A construction on the much-anticipated trail project.
The two newest sections are located in Campbellsburg and New Pekin. The Campbellsburg-Saltillo stretch spans 3.53 miles, including 0.59 miles of smooth asphalt and nearly 3 miles of crushed stone. In New Pekin, trail users can now access 1.39 miles of paved surface and 3.9 miles of crushed stone path, totaling 5.29 new miles available for public use. These additions bring the total length of completed trail to 20 miles.
“With the completion of Phase 1A of the Monon South Trail, Hoosiers living across this region of southern Indiana gain an incredible new connection to the outdoors, neighboring communities, and to one another,” said Maddy Conner, DNR chief of staff. “DNR was proud to support the acquisition of this rails-to-trails corridor and the first phase of trail construction of the Monon South, which will eventually become Indiana’s longest recreational trail.”
The Monon South Trail follows the historic route of the former Monon Railroad, transforming a piece of Indiana’s transportation legacy into a new path for walking, biking, and connecting communities. With previous trail sections already open in Mitchell, Orleans, Borden, and Salem, the new Campbellsburg and New Pekin additions complete the initial phase of construction under Radius Indiana’s leadership.
Radius Indiana and DNR partnered closely to bring this ambitious project to life. With a $5.5 million investment, DNR acquired the 62.3-mile corridor to support local development. To fuel construction, an additional $22.3 million in funding was granted to Radius, helping convert the former rail line into a multi-use trail accessible to the public.
“Our southern Indiana region is truly blessed to have this scale of investment in trail infrastructure completed,” said Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana. “People from seven different communities can now step out their door and have access to a beautiful facility that is an invitation to enjoy the outdoors and take a break from everyday life. We thank the team at the Department of Natural Resources who collaborated with our Radius team and with the local community leadership to bring this phase of the project to reality.”
This project is part of a broader statewide push to expand Indiana’s trail network. Through its trail funding program, DNR has overseen the largest investment in trail infrastructure in state history, administering a total of $180 million. These funds have helped complete 44 projects, with 21 more currently under construction. Since the program launched, more than 125 miles of new trail have been built across Indiana.
The Monon South Trail has become a key part of this growing network. When completed, it will stretch over 60 miles, connecting towns and rural areas with a continuous pathway designed to serve both recreational and practical needs. For the residents of Campbellsburg, New Pekin, and surrounding communities, the newly opened segments offer a fresh and scenic way to stay active, commute, or simply enjoy nature.
The mix of asphalt and crushed stone surfaces is meant to accommodate different types of users—cyclists, walkers, runners, and families alike. It also honors the original character of the rail corridor, preserving a connection to local history while adapting it for modern use.
Beyond the physical trail itself, this development promises broader economic and health benefits. Trails often attract tourism, encourage small business growth, and promote outdoor activity—all important contributors to community vitality and quality of life.
As more communities across the state embrace trail development, projects like Monon South serve as proof that investment in public infrastructure can yield lasting rewards. For local residents, the newly opened trail isn’t just a path through the woods or farmland—it’s a gateway to more connected, healthier, and vibrant living.
With Phase 1A now behind them, state and regional leaders look ahead to completing the full vision for the Monon South Trail. If the success of these initial segments is any indication, southern Indiana’s trail future is on the right track.
