Exploring Iowa by Bike: How Iowa's Trail System Connects Communities Across the State
Few states have embraced cycling and trail development quite like Iowa. What many people don't realize is that Iowa is home to one of the most impressive interconnected trail networks in the Midwest, allowing cyclists to travel for miles through scenic countryside, charming small towns, and vibrant urban centers—all while spending most of their ride on dedicated paved trails.
Whether you're looking for a casual family ride, a weekend cycling adventure, or a century ride challenge, Iowa's growing trail network offers something for everyone.
A Trail System That Keeps Growing
Thanks to recent trail connections, Central Iowa now boasts one of the largest continuous paved trail systems in the nation. The connection between the iconic High Trestle Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail created a loop of approximately 120 miles, opening new opportunities for recreational riders and bicycle tourists alike. The connection also serves as an important piece of the nationwide Great American Rail-Trail, a cross-country trail route stretching from Washington, D.C. to Washington State.
Start in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines serves as the hub of Iowa's trail network. Riders can connect to numerous regional trails while enjoying some of the city's best attractions.
Popular stops include:
The Des Moines Riverwalk
Principal Park
Court Avenue District
Historic East Village
Gray's Lake Park
Grab coffee before your ride, stop for lunch along Court Avenue, or spend the afternoon exploring local shops and restaurants before continuing your journey.
West Des Moines: Parks, Trails, and Scenic Views
From downtown, cyclists can easily reach West Des Moines through interconnected trail systems including the Clive Greenbelt Trail and Walnut Creek Trail.
Highlights include:
Raccoon River Park
Walnut Woods State Park
The Jordan Creek area
Water Works Park connections
Miles of shaded paved trails winding through neighborhoods and natural areas
West Des Moines continues to invest heavily in trail infrastructure, making it one of the most bike-friendly communities in Iowa. Future projects will create even greater connectivity throughout the city.
Waukee to Adel: A Favorite Central Iowa Ride
One of the most popular stretches of trail in the metro area is the route from Waukee to Adel along the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
This section offers:
Rolling countryside views
Prairie landscapes
Historic bridges
Quiet rural scenery
When you arrive in Adel, you'll find a charming courthouse square filled with local shops, restaurants, and small-town character. It's a perfect place to stop for lunch before continuing west.
The Raccoon River Valley Trail stretches through 14 communities and attracts more than 350,000 visitors annually, making it one of Iowa's premier cycling destinations.
Perry and the New Connector Trail
A major milestone for Iowa cyclists came with the completion of the High Trestle Trail to Raccoon River Valley Trail Connector.
This nine-mile paved connection links Perry and Woodward, allowing cyclists to move seamlessly between two of Iowa's most beloved trails.
Perry itself makes an excellent stop along the route, offering:
Historic architecture
Local restaurants
Small-town Iowa charm
Convenient access to both major trail systems
The Famous High Trestle Trail
No discussion of Iowa biking is complete without mentioning the High Trestle Trail.
Stretching 25 miles from Ankeny to Woodward, this nationally recognized trail connects five communities and features one of Iowa's most photographed landmarks—the High Trestle Trail Bridge.
The half-mile-long bridge towers above the Des Moines River Valley and is illuminated at night with dramatic blue steel structures inspired by the area's coal mining history. Riders travel approximately 13 stories above the river below.
Ankeny: The Southern Gateway
For many riders, Ankeny serves as the starting point for High Trestle adventures.
Cyclists enjoy:
Easy trail access
Local breweries and restaurants
Trailhead parking
Future trail-focused development projects
The city continues investing in amenities around the trail corridor, recognizing its importance as both a recreational and tourism destination.
Granger and the Rural Iowa Experience
Just west of the trail network, the Granger area offers riders a chance to experience classic rural Iowa.
Expect:
Open farmland vistas
Historic small-town atmosphere
Quiet country roads
Beautiful sunsets across rolling fields
It's the kind of scenery that reminds riders why Iowa has become a hidden gem for cycling enthusiasts.
Beyond Central Iowa
The excitement doesn't stop in the Des Moines metro.
Iowa's trail network continues across the state with connections that include:
Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Hoover Nature Trail
Iowa Riverfront Trail
River's Edge Trail
Railroad Highway Trail
Together, these corridors are helping build a statewide network that eventually will connect hundreds of miles of trails from the Mississippi River near Davenport to the Missouri River near Council Bluffs. Iowa's portion of the Great American Rail-Trail is expected to span more than 460 miles across the state.
Why Iowa Is Becoming a Cycling Destination
What makes Iowa unique isn't just the miles of trails—it's the communities connected by them.
In a single day, riders can experience:
Urban riverfronts
Suburban parks
Historic downtown districts
Small-town restaurants
Prairie landscapes
River valleys
Award-winning trail bridges
Whether you're riding 10 miles or 100, Iowa's trail system offers a journey that combines recreation, community, and some of the best scenery the Midwest has to offer.
So pump up your tires, grab your helmet, and discover why more cyclists every year are finding their way to Iowa's incredible trail network.