While most people think of corn, pigs, and wide open spaces when they think of Iowa, there really is much more to our state! These great bike trails in Iowa are just the beginning of lots of outdoor things to do here!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned bike rider or enjoy it a little at a time, Iowa has one for you! You can use these trails to explore the communities they connect or just to burn some energy and get a workout in! Bike trails are a great way to explore with the family at very little to no cost. Iowa has a large system of bike tails all over! Here are the great ones we have found!
Rolling Prairie Bike Trail – Franklin & Butler Counties
The Rolling Prairie Bike Trail spans two county in North Central Iowa. Unfortunately, they don’t connect yet, but that’s the hope over the next several years!
Trail Conditions
Franklin County
From Coulter to just west of Hampton, you’ll find a crushed limestone trail. It is fairly open to the skies, so plan to wear your sunscreen and plan accordingly! Once you reach Nettle Ave west of Hampton, you’ll find a paved trail that runs along Highway 3 and then through Hampton. As you head East out of Hampton, the trail turns back to gravel and isn’t quite as finished as the other portions.
Butler County
From west of Dumont, through Butler County to Shell Rock, you’ll find a the trail to be blacktop! It is well shaded from Allison to Shell Rock and crosses the Shell Rock River and has a loop through Heery Woods State Park! While traveling through Clarksville and Allison, you will be riding on some city streets, so pay attention for signage! In addition, there is a short spur of a mile or two heading East out of Clarksville that follows a county black top so be prepared for traffic!
Read more about the Butler County Rolling Prairie Bike Trail by clicking HERE!
Trail Difficulty
The trail difficulty of the Rolling Prairie is fairly easy in both counties! Whether you’re biking the Franklin County or Butler County portion, you’ll find it easy to cruise along.
Things to Do Along the Trail
- In Coulter, check out the Franklin County Freedom Rock
- Head North on Nettle Avenue west of Hampton for a mile or two to explore Beeds Lake State Park!
- Make a stop in Bristow for the Splash Pad & Ice Cream Shack
- Explore Heery Woods State Park in Clarksville or head uptown to the popcorn stand.
- In Allison take some time to explore Wilder Park
- Finish your ride with a stop at the Shell Rock Scoop for ice cream (in Shell Rock)!
Charley Western Trail – Charles City
Located in Charles City in Northeast Iowa, the Charley Western Trail is a great way to see the town and enjoy some time around town! This 4 mile trail skirts the edge of Charles City before taking you through some residential and business portions of town. Make sure to take the spur through Riverside Park along the Cedar River!
Trail Conditions
The entire Charley Western Bike Trail is blacktopped with about half of it being on city streets! The paved nature makes it very nice to ride along! It is also fairly shaded with the exception of a few places, so even on a hot day it is enjoyable!
Trail Difficulty
The Charley Western Trail is fairly easy as it is relatively flat! There are a few small rolling areas, but nothing that can’t be handled by any level of biker!
Things to Do Along the Trail
- Make sure to take a minute to slide down the concrete slide in the East end of Riverside Park
- Enjoy all the street art in Riverside Park
- Walk or Bike across the Cedar River on the pedestrian bridge
- Take a small jaunt off the path to the historic Suspension walking bridge
- Grab lunch or dinner at the Pub on the Cedar with it’s outdoor seating
- Head downtown to explore their shops!
Read more about things to do in the area by clicking HERE
High Trestle Trail – Central Iowa
Located in Central Iowa, the High Trestle Trail passes through 5 small towns and spans a total of 25 miles. The western most town is Madrid and then the trail heads East and eventually South to Ankeny.
It also includes the now iconic High Trestle Trail Bridge, which at 1/2 mile long is one of the longest trail bridges in the world.
Trail Conditions
The entire High Trestle Trail is a concrete or blacktopped trail, which makes it a smooth ride. It is a mixture of open trail and shaded, but I would say more open so make sure to plan accordingly.
Trail Difficulty
The trail itself, overall, does have a small incline grade depending on which way you head (we typically ride Slater to the Bridge and it seems as though heading that way is a slight incline) It’s nothing that makes it unbearable, but you will notice when you return to Slater that you get to cruise a little bit more! Otherwise, the trail is relatively flat!
Things to Do Along the Trail
- In Ankeny enjoy Firetruck Brewery
- In Slater grab a cool treat from Cole’s Ice Cream
- Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid is very popular with it’s large deck along the trail!
- Visit the Bridge during the day to take in the view and enjoy the scenic overlooks, but also make sure to take a trip at night to see the bridge lighted!
T-Bone Trail – Audubon County
Located in Western Iowa, Audubon County offers a great trail option that is lovingly called the T-Bone Trail! Named after Albert, the Bull (the worlds largest bull) in Audubon (and the areas deep history in cattle raising), the T-Bone trail trail-head begins at his feet and heads south through Hamlin, Exira, Brayton, under Interstate 80, and then ends just south of Lorah. It spans roughly 21 miles.
Trail Conditions
The trail itself is concrete or blacktopped the entire route with a few very short exceptions! The trail is fairly shaded by trees with the exception of Audubon to just south of Hamlin. That stretch follows US Highway 71 so it’s very open and exposed to the elements!
Trail Difficulty
The T-Bone trail is relatively flat with a few rolling hills making it fairly easy for anyone to bike, walk, or run! When you’re out in the open trail be aware of Iowa headwinds, which can sometimes make biking a challenge!
Things to Do Along the Trail
- Visit Albert the Bull & park in Audubon
- Grab an award winning Iowa tenderloin at Darrel’s Place in Hamlin
- Head downtown Audubon to enjoy several shops and restaurants!
- Want more nature?! Jump off the trail (probably best with your car at this point) and head East of Exira to Littlefield Recreation Area for camping, fishing, and swimming in a small lake!
- While you’re in the area, head just west of the trail to Elk Horn and check out the windmill!
Waverly Rail Trail – Waverly
Waverly, located in the Cedar Valley of East Central Iowa, features its own bike trail! This college town (home to Wartburg College) has a lot to offer with a small town feel! This trail is just one of the many amenities! In the 1990’s, the community rallied together to purchase an abandoned railroad bed and turn it into a great recreational amenity for their community!
Trail Conditions
The trail serves several different functions for the community. In the city proper, it loops around the Cedar River and 3 Rivers Park as well as heading to the golf courses in town! Here, you’ll ride on city streets and trails alike. As you head out of town, you’ll find a completely concrete & blacktop trail that passes through tunnels, over bridges, and across the countryside.
Trail Difficulty
The trail is fairly easy with a few small rises into the tunnels or up to meet and cross the gravel roads. Otherwise, the trail is fairly flat and easy for most any rider to enjoy! While in town, be aware of traffic!
Things to Do Along Trail
- Enjoy one of the many parks in Waverly
- Kayak or Tube on the Cedar River
- Head downtown to explore the shops
- Grab a sub at Sub City, a baked good at The Mixing BOwl, or ice cream from 4 Queens
Biking in Iowa
There are so many amazing bike trails in Iowa to enjoy. Looking for relatively easy trails to get started on?! Here are some that we recommend! Whether you’re using the trails for exercise, a family activity, or a way to see the state, you’ll sure to enjoy your time peddling around!
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