Bike Trail Travels: Iowa

Iowa might not be the first state that pops into your head when you think about cycling destinations, but it absolutely should be. The Hawkeye State has quietly built one of the most impressive trail networks in the country, with hundreds of miles of paved trail winding through rolling farmland, historic Iowa communities, and river valleys along the Des Moines River, Cedar River, and Mississippi River.

From multi-use trails perfect for the whole family to challenging routes that'll test your legs, this guide covers the best bike trails in Iowa. You'll find trail access points, amenities like picnic shelters and modern restrooms, and connections to the broader recreational trail system.

The High Trestle Trail is Iowa's crown jewel and arguably one of the most iconic rail trails in the entire Midwest. This 25-mile paved trail runs from Ankeny to Woodward, passing through five towns and four counties. Built on a former railroad right-of-way, this hard surface trail offers smooth riding for cyclists of all skill levels.

The main attraction here is the High Trestle Trail Bridge, which is a half-mile-long, 13-story-high structure that spans the Des Moines River valley. The bridge features 41 steel frames designed to look like the support cribs of a historic coal mine, paying tribute to the area's mining heritage. After dark, blue LED lights illuminate the steel cribbings, creating a stunning visual effect that draws trail users from across the country.

The bridge lights run from sunset to midnight between April and October, and until 9 p.m. from November through March. Riding across this bridge at night is an experience you won't forget.

Madrid makes an excellent starting point if you want to ride the bridge without committing to the full 25-mile trail. The Flat Tire Lounge sits just 12 feet off the trail with a deck, bike repair station, and phone charging.

The High Trestle Trail connects to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater, opening up even more riding options. Check the regional trail map or interactive map online to plan connections to the Chichaqua Valley Trail, Gay Lea Wilson Trail, and the broader Central Iowa trail system.

The Raccoon River Valley Trail holds the distinction of being the longest paved loop trail in the nation. This 89-mile trail system features a 72-mile loop connecting 14 central Iowa communities. It’s perfect for day trips or multi-day adventures along recreational trails winding through scenic open space.

The trail stretches from Waukee through Dallas Center, Perry, Jefferson, Panora, Adel, and back. The terrain is mostly flat, following old railroad right-of-way through wooded areas, prairie remnants, and working farmland.

Rest stops with picnic tables and picnic shelters appear approximately every six miles, and most trail towns offer:

• Restaurants and cafes

• Water and modern restroom facilities

• Bed and breakfast

• Local shops and attractions

The Waukee Trailhead features an art piece called "In the Shadow of the Rails" celebrating railroad history. Wayfinding signs throughout make navigation simple.

The Raccoon River Valley Trail works for riders of all skill levels. The trail connects to the Clive Greenbelt Trail on the eastern end, providing access to the Des Moines metro trail network and additional bike lanes throughout the city.

Eastern Iowa's Cedar Valley Nature Trail runs approximately 52 miles from Evansdale to Hiawatha, with extensions through Cedar Rapids adding more mileage. The full trail system spans roughly 68 miles of trail along the Cedar River.

The trail follows the fertile Cedar River flood plain, offering glimpses of the river along with tree-lined sections providing welcome shade. Parts of the trail feature native Iowa prairie grasses and wildflowers in protected recreational areas. Keep an eye out for the American Goldfinch, Iowa's state bird.

The northern portion has been designated as an Important Bird Area. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation played a key role in developing this trail.

Access points with parking and restroom facilities appear roughly every 10 miles. Campgrounds at McFarlane Park and Deerwood Park offer overnight options. Many sections connect to city park facilities along the way.

Stretching 63 miles from Council Bluffs to Blanchard near the Iowa-Missouri border, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail offers a journey through the scenic Loess Hills of southwest Iowa.

The Loess Hills were formed 14,000 years ago from wind-deposited loess that built up to heights of 200-300 feet. This unique geological formation exists at such depth in only two places on Earth: western Iowa and northern China.

The trail follows the former Wabash Railroad line and crosses more than 72 bridges. Much of the route is lined with trees that merge overhead to form a living canopy. The grade is gentle throughout, sloping downhill as you head northwest toward Council Bluffs.

The Wabash Trace is famous for its Thursday Taco Rides during warmer months. Cyclists gather at the trailhead and ride 10 miles to Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse for tacos, then ride back. These social rides draw hundreds of trail users.

The surface is primarily crushed limestone with some paved sections. A hybrid or mountain bike handles the off-road trail sections best.

The Des Moines metro area features an interconnected web of multi-use trails managed by the Polk County recreation department and surrounding county conservation boards.

This 11.3-mile trail winds along Walnut Creek through Clive with plenty of twists and turns, trailside parks, and natural scenery. The paved trail connects to the Raccoon River Valley Trail on the western end, giving you access to nearly 100 additional miles of trail.

Running 26 miles from Berwick to Baxter, the Chichaqua Valley Trail cuts through sprawling meadows, rolling farmland, and hardwood forests. This paved trail crosses the Skunk River on a railroad bridge dating to 1885 and passes through the Chichaqua Wildlife Management Area.

Trail highlights include:

• Mile markers showing the distance to Kansas City

• Historic stone bridges from the Wisconsin, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad

• Restored 1913 wooden caboose in Baxter

• Connection to the Gay Lea Wilson Trail near Prairie City

This 32-mile trail connects Slater to Melbourne through central Iowa. The western 21 miles are paved from the junction with the High Trestle Trail in Slater to Collins.

The historic Hoy Bridge, built in 1912, carries the trail over Clear Creek. The Hoover Trail in eastern Iowa offers similar scenic railroad heritage experiences.

For riders who want to experience Iowa's eastern border, the Mississippi River Trail offers scenic views along America's most famous waterway. This route passes through riverfront communities with flat terrain and paved surfaces, connecting to local paths in Davenport and Bettendorf. The route is part of a 3,000-mile trail system stretching from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

Iowa's recreational trails shine brightest from late April through October. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while fall offers stunning foliage. Many trails remain open year-round for cross-country skiing in winter.

Iowa trails see diverse users, including cyclists, runners, walkers, and sometimes horses. Keep these basics in mind:

• Ride to the right, pass on the left

• Announce your presence when passing

• Yield to pedestrians

• Keep dogs leashed on multi-use trails

The Iowa DOT maintains an interactive map showing trails statewide. You can also find a regional trail map at most trailheads with wayfinding signs to help navigate.

Some trails require annual passes. Fees support ongoing maintenance. Check with individual trail organizations before heading out.

Iowa's trail network keeps growing every year with new connections and paving projects. From the dramatic High Trestle Trail Bridge to the peaceful Loess Hills along the Wabash Trace, there's a perfect ride waiting for every cyclist.

The hardest part? Getting your bike to the trailhead.

At 1UP USA, we build bike racks designed to get your bikes where they need to go. Our racks are manufactured right here in the USA from quality aluminum, and every single part is replaceable by you. It's a rack built to last as long as your love for cycling.

Iowa's trails aren't going to ride themselves. Explore our bike rack collection and start planning your trip.