Explore the best rated trails in Des Moines, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Galloping Goose Trail (IA) and Red Rock Prairie Trail . With more than 77 trails covering 4225 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I most recently rode the trail on the end of July 2024 from Howell Station Campground to the termination by Cordoba Park. It’s a wonderfully curvy and hilly trail. The hills are long and gentle and the views are great. It seems most of it was shaded. There were some cracks but most of it was smooth and any cracks were manageable. Going the other direction from my start would take you into Pella which is mostly uphill and not a lot of shade. I would highly recommend this trail my favorite being the part I ride along Lake Red Rock. traveling cyclist Facebook
I stumbled upon this trail exploring the Summerset State park and it was a very pleasant surprise all the way through! Wonderfully paved with blacktop (with only a couple clearly marked bumps here and there) it passes sweeping countryside vistas of farmland/crop land as well as long stretches of tree tunnels and woods. My favorite part was passing over the charming wooden trestle bridges going over the rushing streams and babbling brooks. My only regret was that I didn’t do more of the trail, I’ll definitely check this out again when I’m passing through the area.
This trail is mostly concrete and very smooth and pretty. Our favorite section is Yale to Redfield. The very worst section is Yale to Jefferson--I advise not even going on that section--multiple wide cracks, potholes, limbs hanging over the trail--we finally turned around and rode a different direction--we were at the Herndon TH/junction. Boo to Guthrie County for not maintaining their part of the trail. We camped at Springbrook State Park.
Rode this trail mid-May 2024. Surface is cement, so easy and flat biking and trail in great shape. We started in Perry, which is charming and makes a big deal out of the biking trail (can't miss the biking sculpture). We rode as far as Minburn and turned around to ride back for a ride of 20.5 (we also did part of the Sauk Rail Trail on this day). The RRVT is recommended on the Rails to Trails “HALL OF FAME.” $2 daily trail fee. Saw so many birds: cardinals, orioles, blue jays. Popular trail – lots of activity, bikers, walkers. Windy in the open parts. Found some keys and stuck them on a branch we pushed in on the side of the trail. Were delighted to find woven dandelions around the branch as a "thank you" when we rode back to Perry. Beautiful rural biking and people were so friendly. Great ride!
We parked our car on the western side of the trail in Woodward and biked east towards the bridge and Madrid, went as far as Sheldahl (the town just past Slater) and turned around. Surface is cement, so easy and flat biking. Noticeable “no see ‘ums” on the trail, so bring a bandana or keep talking to a minimum! Bring water and pack in/pack out what you need. No water stations or fountains that we saw on our portion of the ride. Very windy in the open parts. Spectacular bridge -- glorious by day and lit up at night. We went back to the bridge at dusk, parking the small parking lot at Madrid and walked 1 mile or so to the bridge. Lovely trail and the bridge is a highlight -- a must do!
Even though it was a little hilly it was still really nice
This is a great trail as you’re walking on it. It’s hard to believe that you’re kinda in the city still. The only thing is bicyclist sometimes do not let you know when they are coming up on you. Other than that, it’s a very clean and very nice trail.
Have been a frequent walker on the Neil Smith Trail in the Prairie Flower area in Polk City. It is a great trail to walk with my dogs and has always been well maintained. Until this year. All of the trails are completely over grown and very difficult to treck through. Really hoping this will change soon!
I rode this short trail that is at the end of the Somerset Trail in 2024. It’s a nice little trail. Traveling Cyclist Facebook
I rode this trail in June from Carlisle to Indianola and back and again in July in the reverse and back both done in 2024. I love this trail! Very scenic and well maintained. You can tell it’s an older trail but still a very good surface and enjoyable. When in the area I recommend riding this trail. Traveling Cyclist Facebook
It is just a nice flat connecter trail to get you under highway 30
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
