We did the entire trail, Woodward to Ankeny and back, Saturday afternoon. The east-west leg between Woodward and Slater is very scenic with the big bridge, a number of small bridges, and wooded areas along much of the trail. There are a number of fun places to eat in Woodward, Madrid, and Slater. The north-south section between Slater and Ankeny is also pretty but it is more open and susceptible to the wind. There are a couple of rest stops on this leg but fewer places to eat until you get to Ankeny. The entire trail is concrete and asphalt. The trestle outside Woodward is amazing. We had a great time.

I rode the trail from Madrid to Woodward and back with my wife and daughter, in a trailer. The trail was in perfect shape for our entire trip. It was a very windy day (gusts over 20 mph) but the trail was very protected outside of the actual bridge. We stopped at Cayanne's, a little mom & pop cafe 2 blocks off of the trail for pizza. Then we turned around and before we left the trail we stopped at the flat tire lounge, which at 10 feet from the trail was full of fellow trial users, and enjoyed a beverage.

Overall a great trip the only thing that would have made it better would have been to be able to see it at night, because that looks pretty cool.

A group of about 15 members and friends of the Wabash Trace Nature Trail board rode the HTT for the grand opening last year. It a beautiful trail that smooth and flat. It was great during the day but MUST be seen at night for the full effect. Our thanks to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for their expert work at getting this wonderful project to completion.
But don't forget to visit the also beautiful Wabash Trace for the great views of the Loess hills of Western Iowa with over 70 bridges and an easy rolling crushed limestone base that is 62.3 miles long from Council Bluffs to the Missouri line. In the summer the canopy of trees make a mostly shaded ride. It was also a trail of the month for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Iowa is a great place to bike with a vast number of great trails.

Seven of us went to Woodward just before dusk on Saturday evening Sept 24th and rode to the bridge. DO NOT miss seeing the bridge at night. Spectacular.
We then rode from Woodward to Ankeny and back on Sunday, Sep 25th. Trail is wide and smooth, even the gravel road crossings are cement. Great lunch in Ankeny at "Leaning Tower of Pizza"

We rode from Ankeny -> Woodward and back on October 7, 2011. The sights of fields being harvested and wildlife made the trip enjoyable and interesting. The view of the Des Moines River Valley dressed in its fall colors as seen from the High Trestle Bridge cannot be described.

We appreciated the various benches and restroom facilities that were stationed along the way. Do wish there was a water fountain near Slater to refill the water bottles.

We rode the trail from Madrid to Woodward and back and then to Slager and back to Madrid during the day. Wonderful trail, very smooth riding. We went back and rode from Madrid to the west end of the bridge after dark. Totally awesome when lit up! Watch carefully for walkers at niight though. Some of them didn't carry lights and were very hard to see.

I drove from Kansas City (4 hours away) just to ride this trail. The new bridge is simply spectacular. I rode over it about noon, but crossing it during the evening (when it is lighted) would be very interesting. Be sure to stop and read the many informational signs explaining the constuctional details, history, etc. There is a nice observation deck on the west end. I put on at Madrid (huge gravel parking lot, I hope this can be paved in the future) then rode west to Woodward. From Woodward, I rode east to Sheldahl, then returned to Madrid (30 miles total). Woodward is a delightful town with many interesting shops, so plan to spend some time there. Be sure to take sunscreen if riding during the day as much of the route I rode has little cover.

Rode this trail several times from Ankeny to Woodward. The bridge is quite scenic. Trail has some bike friendly businesses popping up next to it for dining. Trail is mostly rural keep an eye out for the farm with the buffalo.