Trails and Connectivity
Converting Rails to Trails
In 2017, CSX abandoned its rail line from the northern edge of New Albany to the East Fork of the White River, south of Bedford. This created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a new, 68-mile-long “South Monon Freedom Trail” stretching through 5 Indiana counties (Clark, Floyd, Lawrence, Orange, and Washington), and connecting nine Indiana towns and cities (Bedford, Mitchell, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Salem, New Pekin, Borden, Orleans, and New Albany). If completed, this would be the longest, continuous recreation trail in Indiana, creating immense recreation and economic opportunities for the region.
Connecting Communities
The City has applied for Indiana READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative) grants to help connect the Ohio River Greenway system to the 68-mile long South Monon Freedom Trail. If connected, this would tie the South Monon Freedom Trail into the current Ohio River Greenway trails system, which further connects into Clarksville and Origin Park, Jeffersonville and the Big Four Bridge, and the Louisville Trail Loop System, culminating in a massive recreational parks and trails system.
South Monon Freedom Trail
The City of New Albany is excited and humbled to have an opportunity to not only bring a new amenity to the region, but to reimagine the former New Albany – Salem railroad while paying homage to its significance as part of the Underground Railroad. The railway served as a verified escape route serving as a pathway to freedom for many enslaved African Americans traveling both in train cars and following the tracks by foot.