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Heritage Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 113 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Heritage Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Converted railroad tracks provide a paved trail with historical signage along the Ohio River.
What runners say about Heritage Trail
“The silence and the stillness combined with the moonlight was just absolutely stunning.”
“It is a peaceful trail and a great little hike for getting out of the house.”
“Easy trail and even wheelchair accessible for the entire length.”
Cool trail that runs along the Ohio River. Converted rail to trail through this historic area. Nice history signs along the way.
This is my favorite place to spend time. Explore the trail to crooked creek. Beautiful area.
Nice walking walking trail, the incline part is paved. The whole trail is very well maintained.
The trail gives you a good workout up hill. Took 20 minutes to get to the top. It is mostly shaded and all paved. About halfway up you'll arrive at a clearing to take in the views. At the top you'll see the woman's prison and if you walk to the right, the state mental hospital.
Trail conditions & character
“The silence and the stillness combined with the moonlight was just absolutely stunning.”
“For me the central attraction besides the Ohio River is the incline railway.”
“Nice walking walking trail, the incline part is paved.”
“Easy trail and even wheelchair accessible for the entire length.”
“It is a peaceful trail and a great little hike for getting out of the house.”
“This trail has plenty of parking and is free and has at least one portable bathroom.”
Plan your run at Heritage Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteheritagetrailconservancy.org
- Phone(317) 696-0860
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Madison
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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