Explore the Nickel Plate Trail, Strengthened by IU Health
Spanning five miles through Fishers from 96th Street to 146th Street, the Nickel Plate Trail, Strengthened by IU Health, connects the northern and southern portions of our community, weaving through neighborhoods, commercial districts, and natural landscapes, and offering access to Noblesville’s 2.7 miles of trail, as well.
A pedestrian bridge across 96th Street is under construction to offer access to the Indianapolis portion of the trail, scheduled to be completed in late 2025.
What’s New on the Trail
Downtown Trail Enhancements
The downtown portion of the Nickel Plate Trail, Strengthened by IU Health, continues to serve as a central hub for recreation, wellness, and connection. Recent enhancements include the Key to the City art installation, a dynamic mural and colorful overhead lighting in the 116th Street tunnel, new gathering spaces, and pop-up events that activate this urban trail corridor.
Hub & Spoke Trailhead
The new trailhead at 106th Street and the Nickel Plate Trail, located at Hub & Spoke, opens later this summer. Featuring two boardwalk access paths to the trail, the trailhead includes indoor restrooms, drinking fountains, and a variety of seating. Amenities like a community fire pit, innovative swings, string lights, outdoor ping pong, a turf-covered central green, and direct access to Fishers Maker Playground will create a vibrant environment for residents and visitors.
Delaware Township Nickel Plate Trail Expansion
As part of its continued investment in community amenities, Delaware Township is developing a new pocket park along the Nickel Plate Trail and a walking path connecting the roundabout at 131st St. to the Nickel Plate Trail, expected to open in late 2026. The pocket park will include a fire pit, swing structures for all ages, a drinking fountain, and designated areas for games such as ping pong and corn hole. Learn more at delaware-township.squarespace.com.
By the Community, For the Community
In 2018, we asked the community to help us turn the Nickel Plate railway into a whole new kind of public space by sharing their ideas and suggestions for the Fishers portion of the Nickel Plate Trail. Between an online suggestion box, community events, activities and think tanks, and the incredible effort by our local schools, that simple request resulted in an outpouring of support.
In 2019, the City unveiled the Nickel Plate Trail Master Plan, a long-range master plan created by the Nickel Plate Trail Master Planning Committee comprised of Fishers residents and community leaders, in collaboration with NBBJ and Ex2 Partners. Check out the Master Plan.
Trail Rules & Safety
- Use caution at trail crossings and use the signal button located at intersections to notify motorists of your presence. The flashing yellow lights at intersections along the trail warn motorists of pedestrians but does not require vehicles to stop, so proceed with caution when crossing. You can learn more about safe crossing with the video above.
- Mile markers have been installed every tenth of a mile along the trail and should be used as location markers in the event of an on-trail emergency. Trail users should dial 9-1-1 from their cell phone in the event of an emergency.
- The City of Fishers has installed rule signage along the trail to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all trail users on the multi-use path. Rules include:
- Smoking and alcohol use are not permitted while on the trail.
- The trail is open daily from dawn to dusk. The downtown core portion, from South Street to Lantern Road, will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight once constructed.
- Self-propelled modes of transportation are welcome on the trail. Any mode of transportation that is motorized is prohibited unless required for accessibility purposes. Horses are also prohibited.
- Stay to the right and pass on the left. Do not block the path for other trail users. When approaching from behind, communicate before passing and say, “On the left” to give others time to respond.
- Adjust speed for path conditions and other trail users. Be especially careful while passing pedestrians, children, and dogs. Always maintain safe speed and control. The downtown core of the trail has a maximum speed limit of 10 mph.
- Pets are allowed if kept under control and on a six foot or shorter leash at all times. Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in proper receptacles.
- Respect the trail environment. Do not litter, remove plants, disturb wildlife, graffiti, or damage the trail or surroundings. Stay on the trail to help reduce erosion.
- Park and access the trail from established trailheads only. Respect private property. Do not trespass or cut through adjacent properties or yards.
- Do not promote or sell commercial products on the trail unless permitted by City of Fishers.
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