The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the city of New Albany Thursday broke ground on the Monon South Freedom Trail.

“Trails represent connections – to the outdoors, our communities, and to one another,” said Mark Becker, DNR director of Land Acquisition. “The Monon South Trail and this section of New Albany’s Monon South Freedom Trail together will represent the longest recreational trail in Indiana when complete, spurring outdoor recreation and an economic engine across southern Indiana.”

New Albany began construction on the 1.46-mile asphalt, multi-use trail with help from a $2 million dedicated grant administered by the DNR, in addition to the city’s matching funds. The award was announced in April 2022 as part of the third grant round of the largest infusion of trails funding in state history.

The Monon South Freedom Trail will travel through downtown New Albany from Fairview Cemetery and Bank Street, connecting to the Ohio River Greenway at East 10th Street.

“We are thrilled to kick off the Monon South Freedom Trail in New Albany!” said Mayor Jeff Gahan. “This trail, when completed, will be the longest continuous trail in the state of Indiana, and it all starts right here in our river city. This trail will bring more options for our residents to stay healthy, will add fresh connections to our neighboring cities and towns, and will unlock increased economic opportunities for southern Indiana.”

The $180 million trail grant program facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. To date, 49 of the 89 projects are complete, totaling more than 142 miles of trail built since the program’s inception. An additional 19 projects are under construction, with many more slated to break ground this year.