Midland Trace Trail Guide
Midland Trace Trail Guide
Athletic Annex • Local Trails
Midland Trace Trail Guide (Indianapolis Area)
A 10-mile rail-trail with big route-building potential
The Midland Trace Trail is a smooth, runner-friendly rail-trail on the west side of Noblesville—and it’s easy to underestimate until you run it. For years, it stood on its own as a complete path (roughly 10 miles of continuous trail) before it became part of a bigger network. Like other great Indiana greenways, it’s built from former railroad right-of-way—repurposing old infrastructure into something that now powers daily miles and weekend long runs.
Today, Midland Trace is special for two reasons: it’s a legit trail in its own right and it’s a strategic connector. It links into the Nickel Plate in downtown Noblesville and reaches toward the Monon on the north side of Carmel, giving runners the ability to build bigger, more interesting routes without repeating the same out-and-back.
West side of Noblesville
Rail-trail • Paved
~10 miles of path (excellent for out-and-backs)
Connects to Nickel Plate (downtown Noblesville) and toward Monon (north Carmel)
Steady runs, long runs, route building, exploring
Best via trailheads near downtown Noblesville + access points along the corridor
Varies by segment (plan for visibility)
Free
If you want a “no-brainer” long run, Midland Trace is perfect: steady surface, easy out-and-back math, and fewer decision points than big trail networks.
Map & Start Points
- Downtown Noblesville connection — easiest access and great for meeting up
- Mid-corridor entry — perfect for quick weekday runs
- North-side connection — ideal if you’re building toward Carmel/Monon routes
Tip: For simplest planning, start at a main access point and run an out-and-back. For variety, connect into Nickel Plate or build toward Monon routes.
Table of Contents
Why Run Midland Trace?
Midland Trace is a great choice when you want simple, continuous miles—the kind of run where you can lock into a rhythm and let the miles stack up. It’s also one of the most useful trails in the area for building variety: you can run it as a standalone out-and-back, or extend your day by linking into the growing trail network.
That mix—standalone value + network potential—is what makes it stand out.
Parking & Access Points
Some easy ways to access Midland Trace:
- Downtown Noblesville: Convenient access and close to the Nickel Plate connection
- Mid-corridor entry points: Great for quick weekday runs
- North-side approach: Best if you’re aiming to build toward Carmel/Monon routes
Route Options
Midland Trace works beautifully for out-and-backs and network runs. Here are a few ideas:
Easy 3 Miles
- Short out-and-back from a mid-corridor entry point
- Great “reset run” when you want easy, predictable miles
6–8 Miles (Steady Rhythm Run)
- Start at a main access point and run a clean out-and-back
- Perfect for steady miles or a controlled progression
Long Run (10+ Miles)
- Use the full length as an out-and-back long run
- Or connect into Nickel Plate in downtown Noblesville for extra distance
- As connections allow, build toward Monon routes on the north side of Carmel
Amenities
- Restrooms: Best found near major access points and nearby parks
- Water: Seasonal—bring a bottle for longer efforts
- Shade: Varies by segment
- Seating: Limited—plan stops around trailheads if needed
Plan Your Run & Gear Up
Ready to run? Here’s a quick checklist, plus the links you’ll want before you head out.
- Road running shoes (paved rail-trail miles)
- Hydration for longer out-and-backs
- Reflective gear or lights if you’ll run early or late
- A simple route plan if you’re connecting into Nickel Plate or Monon
