Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
CAMPBELLSBURG – Campbellsburg and New Pekin opened their sections of the Monon South Trail Friday, the final two sections of Phase 1 to open. The ribbon cuttings were celebrated by town and community leaders, residents, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Radius Indiana.
Campbellsburg opened about 2.3 miles of trail and New Pekin about 3.6 miles, which connects with the Borden section. Friday’s openings mark the completion of 20 miles of trail.
Other open sections are in Mitchell, Orleans, Salem and Borden.
“Today, we’re not just cutting a ribbon, we’re opening a door. This new trailhead is a welcome sign to all who pass through,” said Judy Johnson, executive director of the Washington County Community Foundation. “The trail is a place that invites connection, activity and community spirit. It’s where small town charm meets forward momentum.”
For decades, the Monon Railroad connected the many towns of southern Indiana via transportation and commerce, Johnson said the Monon South Trail will connect residents and visitors through health, recreation and shared moments.
Town Council member Jennifer Stahl said the Monon South Trail will give trail users a glimpse of the beautiful rural landscape but the trail is more than a path through the countryside.
“In Campbellsburg, it creates new opportunities for tourism, recreation and economic growth. We are excited to see this project come to fruition as it is a symbol of what we can achieve when we dream big, and work together across counties, agencies and communities,” Stahl said.
Trail construction began last July following a groundbreaking in Borden. When finished, the Monon South Trail will be the longest continuous recreation trail in Indiana, spanning from Mitchell to New Albany. The trail’s path through several counties brings new recreation and economic development opportunities to thousands of Hoosiers. According to DNR, about 440,000 Hoosiers live within 10 miles of the trail’s path.
Radius Indiana has led the planning and development of the trail. Indiana DNR provided $29.5 million in Next Level Trails funding for initial construction. Next Level Trails, an initiative during Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration, has provided $180 million in funding for 89 trail projects across Indiana.
“Trails represent more than dirt, asphalt and crushed stone. Trails provide the connection to the outdoors, our communities and to one another,” said Maddy Conner, DNR chief of staff. “Those connections and their direct link to the outdoors are why DNR was proud to facilitate and fund the acquisition of the full 62.3 mile corridor from CSX on behalf of Radius and the city of New Albany.”
About 40 people attended the ribbon cutting at Campbellsburg. Jeff Quyle, CEO and president of Radius Indiana said construction of the Campbellsburg trailhead is ongoing. When finished it will have restrooms, a misting station, benches and shade shelter.
Johnson thanked Quyle and Radius Indiana.
“Jeff’s leadership, steady guidance and unshakable belief in this project have made a lasting impact all along the trail,” she said.