This past Sunday, my mom asked me if I wanted to join her for an afternoon bike ride on the High Trestle Trail. I had never been, it was a gorgeous afternoon, and the bridge has been on my Iowa Bucket List for quite sometime now! So, I took her up on the offer!
High Trestle Trail
The trail is gorgeous! It’s a beautifully paved (cement) trail! We parked at Slater and biked to the bridge and back, which was about 20 miles total! The trail itself, is a good balance of sun and shade, and slightly rolling, which makes me a happy lady! The few tunnels and small bridges along the route make it visually appealing! There are also quaint bars and smoothie shops located along the trail in both Madrid and Slater! While we didn’t patronize those places, they look wonderfully quaint! I love that the communities along the trail have embraced it and are catering to the public!
And the bridge, the High Trestle Bridge is absolutely amazing and breathtaking! Not only is the bridge an architectural masterpiece, you can’t beat the views from it! They also designed it in a great way so there are little areas along the bridge, before and after it, in which you can pull your bicycle off and enjoy the view! There are also placards along the bridge talking about the history, wildlife, etc!
Bike Trail Etiquette
While the trail is fantastic, the company I had was wonderful, and the weather was beyond amazing (especially for August in Iowa), I noticed that few people follow trail etiquette! So, I thought I’d share a few tips for riding or walking the nature trails in Iowa!
- Whether walking or riding, make sure to stay to the right side of the trail, just like on the road!
- If you want or need to pass someone ahead of you, make yourself known by declaring “on the left” or simply “left” so they are aware of your presence and that you are passing. This helps to avoid a collision!
- If you are biking or walking with more than one person, be aware of the traffic on the trail. You may need to travel in a single-file line! This is especially important if a trail is busy!
- If you need to stop along the trail, pull off the trail (like literally off the trail) to take care of whatever business you need to! This also helps to avoid collisions!
- Remember your manners and Remember that you are not the only person using the trail. Use basic traffic rules, use your excuse me’s, thank you’s, and pleases. Those three simple phrases can go a long way!
If you have a chance to jump on the High Trestle Trail, I highly recommend it! You won’t be disappointed by the experience or the views! I can’t wait to explore more trails! Do you have a favorite trail in Iowa, I’d love to hear about it!
Great advice and the trail and bridge look amazing. I recently sat next to an avid mountain biker on a flight and asked him what he wished drivers would do when they came up on bikers. I always wonder if it freaks them out when people follow too closely . HIs best advice was to hang back a bit and pass only when safe allowed at least 2 feet on the side of the biker. I guess I have been doing it okay (actually give them much more room) all along. I loved your tips here–common sense but not every one has common sense. 🙂
Yes, passing a biker or runner has its own set of rules for sure! I agree with him 100%!!
A favorite trail for us- I’m on it at least weekly during the summer.
Since you weren’t on it at night – when it can be treacherous- let me share a few tips for that.
1) Cyclists- always use a headlight and tail light. There are few lights on the trail as you leave the bridge and the number of riders without headlights is terrifying!
2) Walkers- always use a flashlight after dark. You have no idea how scary it is to come up behind you on a bike and only see you at the last minute. Especially if there are bikes following- this causes so many accidents.
3) Cyclists- aim your headlight down and out, not straight forward. This keeps oncoming traffic from becoming temporarily blinded by your light.
4) Use cycling courtesy- ‘passing left’, ‘slowing’, ‘stopping’ to let others know what actions you are taking.
5) Be kind. It goes a long way. And remember, there are a lot of kids on the trail who are learning how to be good cyclists. Don’t be an a$$hole.
Great tips! I hope to get back to experience it at night!!
This is beautiful!l Love the article and information too! I just read a local article here in Virginia about hiking and biking trails created from old railway lines that the state has put together and they are gorgeous like this. Stopping by from Country Fair Blog Party! I’m glad you posted this, I think I’ll take your information and hit one of my states trails!
Thank you so much!
I still need to make it there sometime! Stopping by from the Country Fair Blog Party 😉
It’s very neat! I still want to go back at night sometime!!