Hiking and Biking
Whether it’s on two wheels or two feet, the metro area is home to some of the best bike and hiking trails in the country.
By Cyote Williams
HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL
Hawkeye Park, West First St., Ankeny
www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/high-trestle-trail/
You have probably already seen pictures of the iconic, mesmerizing bridge on the High Trestle Trail, whether it be on a friend’s Instagram or a tourism ad. The full length of the trail is 25 miles and touches Woodward, Madrid, Slater, Sheldahl and Ankeny and has received national awards.
RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL
14581 K Ave., Perry
www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org
Be prepared to make several visits to this trail, as we are not sure you will be able to finish it all in one go. The Raccoon River Valley Trail has an extensive history worth exploring. It has a 72-mile loop with 89 miles of paved trail that touches 14 Iowa communities. The closest starting point is in Waukee.
WALNUT CREEK TRAIL
Colby Park, intersection of 69th and School Street, Windsor Heights
www.traillink.com/trail/walnut-creek-trail-(iowa)
This is one of the shorter trails on the list at 3.2 miles, but it is a fun way to spend a few hours. It also acts as a wonderful connector to other major trails. On the northern end, it links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail. One of its trailheads, Colby Park, is a great place to visit as well for its amenities.
NEAL SMITH TRAIL
6170 N.W. Polk City Drive, Polk City
www.iowabytrail.com/find-a-trail/82/neal-smith-trail/
This nearly 25-mile trail connects walkers, bikers, rollerbladers and more from downtown Des Moines all the way to Saylorville Lake. This provides a safe, scenic route that connects two of central Iowa’s best destinations. The view of the lake is exceptional and includes a range of landscapes, providing onlookers a chance to see various forms of wildlife.
CHICHAQUA VALLEY TRAIL
8123 N.E. 88th St., Bondurant
www.chichaquavalleytrail.org
This 26-mile-long trail goes from Berwick to Baxter. With the entire trail being paved, it is a great test for cyclists — or anyone else on wheels. Other cities on the route are Ira, Mingo, Valeria and Bondurant, giving explorers plenty of small Iowa towns to explore.
SYCAMORE TRAILS
4640 N.W. 66th Ave., Johnston
www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/sycamore-trails/
This one is for the more advanced trail enthusiast. The Sycamore Trails are a 6-mile set of trails that are ideal for mountain bikers and trail runners. On the wooded trails, you will find plenty of wildlife and vegetation. The trails are entirely volunteer-maintained by the Central Iowa Trail Association. They advise you to “ride dirt, not mud.”
CLIVE GREENBELT TRAIL
Lions Park, Clive
www.cityofclive.com/parkandrecreation/greenbelt/trail/index.php
The Greenbelt Trail connects nearby neighborhoods with a paved 11.3-mile-long surface. Being located in Clive, there are plenty of area businesses to stop in and grab a drink or meal to break up the day. The trail also features a scenic bridge, creek and even small waterfalls.
GRAYS LAKE AND WATER WORKS PARK
2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines
www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R58.php
A walk around Grays Lake is 1.9 miles. Beaches and a bridge beautifully illuminate at night. It is a great place for exercise and a photo op. If you are looking to extend your run, walk or bike ride a little more, Water Works Park is easily accessible by a pedestrian tunnel. There you will find several miles of dirt and paved trails for your exploring pleasure.
HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL
Hawkeye Park, West First St., Ankeny
www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/high-trestle-trail/
You have probably already seen pictures of the iconic, mesmerizing bridge on the High Trestle Trail, whether it be on a friend’s Instagram or a tourism ad. The full length of the trail is 25 miles and touches Woodward, Madrid, Slater, Sheldahl and Ankeny and has received national awards.
RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL
14581 K Ave., Perry
www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org
Be prepared to make several visits to this trail, as we are not sure you will be able to finish it all in one go. The Raccoon River Valley Trail has an extensive history worth exploring. It has a 72-mile loop with 89 miles of paved trail that touches 14 Iowa communities. The closest starting point is in Waukee.
WALNUT CREEK TRAIL
Colby Park, intersection of 69th and School Street, Windsor Heights
www.traillink.com/trail/walnut-creek-trail-(iowa)
This is one of the shorter trails on the list at 3.2 miles, but it is a fun way to spend a few hours. It also acts as a wonderful connector to other major trails. On the northern end, it links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail. One of its trailheads, Colby Park, is a great place to visit as well for its amenities.
NEAL SMITH TRAIL
6170 N.W. Polk City Drive, Polk City
www.iowabytrail.com/find-a-trail/82/neal-smith-trail/
This nearly 25-mile trail connects walkers, bikers, rollerbladers and more from downtown Des Moines all the way to Saylorville Lake. This provides a safe, scenic route that connects two of central Iowa’s best destinations. The view of the lake is exceptional and includes a range of landscapes, providing onlookers a chance to see various forms of wildlife.
CHICHAQUA VALLEY TRAIL
8123 N.E. 88th St., Bondurant
www.chichaquavalleytrail.org
This 26-mile-long trail goes from Berwick to Baxter. With the entire trail being paved, it is a great test for cyclists — or anyone else on wheels. Other cities on the route are Ira, Mingo, Valeria and Bondurant, giving explorers plenty of small Iowa towns to explore.
SYCAMORE TRAILS
4640 N.W. 66th Ave., Johnston
www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/sycamore-trails/
This one is for the more advanced trail enthusiast. The Sycamore Trails are a 6-mile set of trails that are ideal for mountain bikers and trail runners. On the wooded trails, you will find plenty of wildlife and vegetation. The trails are entirely volunteer-maintained by the Central Iowa Trail Association. They advise you to “ride dirt, not mud.”
CLIVE GREENBELT TRAIL
Lions Park, Clive
www.cityofclive.com/parkandrecreation/greenbelt/trail/index.php
The Greenbelt Trail connects nearby neighborhoods with a paved 11.3-mile-long surface. Being located in Clive, there are plenty of area businesses to stop in and grab a drink or meal to break up the day. The trail also features a scenic bridge, creek and even small waterfalls.
GRAYS LAKE AND WATER WORKS PARK
2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines
www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R58.php
A walk around Grays Lake is 1.9 miles. Beaches and a bridge beautifully illuminate at night. It is a great place for exercise and a photo op. If you are looking to extend your run, walk or bike ride a little more, Water Works Park is easily accessible by a pedestrian tunnel. There you will find several miles of dirt and paved trails for your exploring pleasure.