By dloweatl on October 13, 2009
After riding this trail I said to myself "What is it doing here?" It is surprising as far away from things the trail is that someone would even think to put it where it is. The trail is an old railroad, so the hills are not very hilly, but when you ride the trail you know why is is called valley... you go down, then up. The 'towns' along the way are puny and I saw only a handful of people, but they all waved and said 'hello'. I passed only a handful of other bikes. If you really want to get away from things and go off by yourself, this is your trail. Make sure you pay attention before you go where the trailhead is, it is not in a logical, easy place to find.
By timbee on March 28, 2009
Even though it was early (mid March) the weather was warm & the trail was nearly snow & ice free. The southwestern trailhead was a little hard to find driving east through Bondurant--some signs would have been nice. The Baxter end was the most scenic with the rolling hills & marshland. It was surprising to find this undeveloped area so close to Des Moines. The small towns didn't have much to offer as far as convenience stores or rest rooms, so pack your own food & water. There was a dog bite report from a little east of Mingo although I didn't get chased; so be on the lookout.
By Rick on October 30, 2007
" Rode this trail on Sept. 3, 2007. Very typical scenery of midwest, crops, livestock, flowers, and lovely hills. I am one who appreciates the engineering of these railroad corridors, how they go around the steepest hills with a gentle grade..
Hope you like the pictures. Trail surface has potholes, and one large bridge has loose boards. Flowers were gorgeous on Labor Day, 2007. "