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With its abundance of parks and recreation areas, Des Moines just may be the perfect place to live if you enjoy hiking or biking. In fact, you could spend an entire week riding or walking the trails and still have more locations to cross off your list. If you’re ready to try a new hiking or biking spot, these Des Moines trails are among the most popular in the area.
Chichaqua Valley Trail
Offering prime views of surrounding meadows, forests, valleys and the Skunk River, the paved Chichaqua Valley Trail is one of the longer Des Moines hiking trails. Of course, you don’t have to bike or ride the entire 26-mile trail to enjoy the scenic vistas. Parking lot access in Ira, Baxter, Berwick, Bondurant, Mingo, Valeria and at NE 88th Street makes it easy to enter and leave the trail anywhere you want.
Clive Greenbelt Trail
Located in suburban Clive, the Greenbelt Trail offers paved surfaces ideal for hiking and biking. The 11-mile-long trail meanders through wooded areas before veering off for a short trek on Country Club Boulevard. One-of-a-kind sculptures made by fellow Iowans line the path during Art Along the Trail, an outdoor art exhibit held between May and September.
High Trestle Trail
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The High Trestle Trail also follows the path of an old rail line and crosses four county lines. The highlight of the 25-mile-long trail is the High Trestle Bridge. At 13-stories high, the bridge offers impressive views of the Des Moines River and the surrounding area. The trail is paved and fairly level, making it an excellent choice for hikers and bikers of all ages.
Meredith Trail
There’s no better place to take in views of the city skyline and the river than on the Meredith Trail. One of the most attractive urban walking trails in Des Moines, the 5.2-mile-path starts at the end of the Principal Riverwalk and travels to Gray’s Lake Park. Once you reach Gray’s Lake Park, you can extend your hike or bike ride by hopping on the Krideneir or Bill Riley Trails.
Neal Smith Trail
Whether you’re comparing job offers or considering which features to add to your kitchen renovation, a leisurely stroll offers all the time you need to mull over your choices. At 26-miles-long, the Neal Smith Trail just may become your favorite thinking spot. The asphalt trail follows the Des Moines River for a while, then passes by lakes, forests, parks and meadows.
Bill Riley Trail
Just 2.7-miles-long, the Bill Riley Trail is a good choice if you only have time for a short walk or bike ride. The wooded trail starts at the southern end of the Walnut Creek Trail, crosses Ashworth Park, and ends at the Meredith Trail. Benches located along the trail make it easy to watch the wildlife or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Ewing Park Trails
If you enjoy zooming down hills and navigating tight curves on your bike, you’ll want to pay a visit to Ewing Park. Several bike trails located near the BMX track in the park will challenge your skills whether you’re a novice or expert rider. Among the Iowa bike trails are the Railsplitter, a challenging ride with big berms and the Jamestown, a fun downhill ride.
Other Area Trails
These trails also earn rave reviews from local hikers and bike riders:
- Oralabor Gateway Trail
- Walnut Creek Trail
- Inter-Urban Trail
- Easter Lake Spine Trail
- Colby Woods Trails
- West Des Moines Trail
Do you have enough room in your house to store your biking or hiking gear? We can help you improve or expand your home with an addition or remodel. Contact our team to get the process started.
