High Trestle Trail (Ankeny to Woodward Recreation Trail):
Iowa
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
Formerly known as the Ankeny to Woodward Trail, the High Trestle Trail honors the original trestle bridge and highlight the contemporary architecture. The 'Discover a new view' tagline is meant to excite people about the trail and all the scenery you will experience while on the trail including the beautiful 13-story half-mile bridge that overlooks the Des Moines River Valley.

This project started in 2003 and partners have raised about 14.7 million in public and private money including 20 public grants, three special appropriations and funding from 800 private donors. Fundraising is still taking place for related projects including trailheads, signage, and historic restorations.

The southeast portion of the trail, from Ankeny to Sheldal, is 20 miles, is open to the public. The Slater to Madrid is also open with a connection to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater. The west segment of the project, from Woodward to U Avenue, 1.5 miles, is open to the public. The final three-mile segment has been scheduled for a fall of 2010 completion. This segment inlcudes the trail's bridge over the Des Moines River.

The Ankeny to Woodward Trail, once the bridge is completed, will span 25 miles, including the half-mile, 13-story tall Des Moines River Valley Trail bridge with its dramatic vistas, series of overlooks, and an art immersion experience reflective of the area's rich coal mining history.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
From Des Moines: Travel northwest on Highway 141 and take the Woodward exit. Follow Highway 210 north into Woodward, the Historic Depot trail head is on the right (east) just past the business district and grain elevator.
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Outstanding Trail
By andersonre in October, 2011
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"
An Awesome Ride
By prg1945 in October, 2011
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.
Awesome Ride 9/10/11
By mcelpe in September, 2011
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.
Browse Trails by Activity: