Next Level Trails: Big 4 Trail (Zionsville)

Town of Zionsville

Next Level Trails will invest $180 million – the largest infusion of State trail funding in Indiana history – toward the development of regionally and locally significant trails throughout Indiana. As part of Governor Holcomb’s broader Next Level Connections infrastructure program, Next Level Trails (NLT) incentivizes collaborative efforts to accelerate trail connections. The Department of Natural Resources administers the program. More information regarding Next Level Trails can be found   here  .

  • Date Completed: October 4, 2023
  • Length: 1.79 miles
  • Grant Amount: $1,812,295
  • County: Boone
  • Grant Award Round: 2

This trail adds 1.79 miles of asphalt trail to the existing Big 4 Trail within Zionsville, extending northwest by 0.92 miles to the border of Whitestown and southeast by 0.87 miles to the Vonterra neighborhood. The project includes new trailhead facilities where the former railroad corridor intersects Zionsville Road. Partners include Friends of Boone County Trails, Zionsville Community Schools, Boone County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boone County Council, and several individual contributors.

The trail dedication was held on October 4, 2023 with in conjunction with the Big 4 Trail section in Whitestown. “Through Next Level Trails, Governor Holcomb set a priority to foster connections among and between communities,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner. “Today the Big 4 Trail is providing a new connection between Whitestown and Zionsville, doing exactly what this program was created to do.”

“We are beyond excited to complete our two trail extension projects and join Whitestown along the Boone County Big-4 Rail Trail,” said Jarod Logsdon, superintendent of Zionsville Parks and Recreation. “Residents can now enjoy 9 miles of connected, multi-use travel between our two communities, visiting various shops, restaurants, and parks. We welcome visitors and trail enthusiasts to begin their journey with us at the Zionsville Road trailhead and explore the charm and character across Boone County.”

“The connection between Whitestown and Zionsville represents a joint effort between local governments, community organizations, and generous supporters, all committed to enhancing connectivity and promoting active lifestyles within our community,” said Whitestown Parks director Dominic Cornett.

With both sections finished, the contiguous Big 4 Trail connecting Whitestown and Zionsville spans nearly 9 miles.

Below, the map depicts the completed trail in blueand existing trails in green.

Map of new portions of Big 4 Trail in Zionsville