Radius Indiana will be conducting a study in partnership with Crossroads Development Resource, LLC on the Monon South Trail this summer to gain valuable information about users of the trail, their activities, and their opinions. The Monon South Trail Visitor Use Study will survey trail users to understand how the trail is used, how to best manage it, and its impact on trail communities. The study will also survey businesses along the trail’s path to understand the impact of the trail on local economic activity and how to boost it by attracting trail users. The study will run for multiple years to collect data at all trailheads and track usage patterns and trail user feedback over time with the goal of rapid response to trail user concerns and business and community enhancement opportunities.

Survey staff will be on the trail at Orleans and Borden throughout the month of June with signage and information cards inviting trail users to take the survey. Survey results will be compiled in July with analysis and recommendations for trail managers and communities expected by September 1. The trail, partially constructed between Mitchell and New Albany, is expected to bring significant economic, health, and social benefits to communities along its path and region. The study will gather feedback directly from trail users and community members to maximize those benefits.

Radius Indiana is the economic development organization for the South-Central Indiana region and serves as a catalyst for government, business, and academic collaboration including spearheading the planning and construction of the Monon South Trail. Once completed, the Monon South Trail run over 62 miles and will be the longest continuous trail in the state.