By lydiafine in August, 2011
Flash flooding in late July has destroyed the portion of the trail from the Sageville trailhead at least to Durango -- the bridge at Durango is completely destroyed. It will be a long time before this west end of the trail is in service again. :(
By cj5w4wd in October, 2010
This is a very nice ride, especially with fall colors. I started at the trailhead north of Dubuque (the present eastern terminus). I rode rather slowly, stopping to take pictures along the way of beautiful hillsides with trees in full fall color. The little town stop trailheads along the way were very nice. The mileage markers are sufficient without being distracting. I made it to Dyersville for my lunch break. A little dissappointed that I ddint find much other than one bench and a sign. Shady picnic tables and water would have been nice because I didn't really rest enough for the 25 miles back. But along the way back it was easy to find shady spots at a bridge or bench for mini-breaks. Although the last 3 miles were tough, I made the 50 mile round trip. I will do it again, hopefully before the snow falls.
By estimatehub in October, 2010
If you like nature, don't miss this trail! We started at the Dubuque end and headed west 20 miles to just past the Farley exit. A wonderful winding river follows you for miles. Stone cliffs on one side, scenic valleys and rolling hills. A picturesque valley at the 15 to 16 mile mark. One spot gets you a great scene of Americana to the north with a stone church, farm with silo and house with American flag flying all in the same view. Just great! Of course it didn't hurt that we were there on a warm, sunny October weekend with the colors in full change.
I would highly recommend going west first as it's up hill all the way. No kidding, it is! But this trail is so scenic it makes the downhill return trip very worth it.
I would avoid this trail on a road bike. It is a little softer than some. But for a hybrid, mountain bike or our recumbent tandem it is just fabulous.
Estimatehub