Description
The Kewash Nature Trail winds for nearly 14 miles between the towns of Keota and Washington. These endpoints were creatively combined to form the trail's name. The trail has a crushed limestone surface for most of its route, but the portion within Washington's city limits is paved asphalt.
Be certain to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the trail's many features. Particularly enjoyable are the prairie remnants and wild blackberries on the long stretch from Keota to West Chester. After passing through West Chester, the trail changes to a mixture of woodland and prairie scenery. The Crooked Creek Bridge—located between West Chester and Washington—is one of the most scenic places on the trail. You will also want to stop and take a look at the County Home Pond, where fishing is permitted.
Immediately before State Route 92, you can take a short hike into Hayes Timber. Here you will be surrounded by huge ancient oaks and abundant forest flora, fauna and fungus. In Washington, be sure to take a look at the 14 acre re-established prairie and Sesquicentennial Park before taking your final rest at Sunset Park.
Parking and Trail Access
Parking, restrooms and water are available in Keota, West Chester, and in Washington at Sunset Park, which is connected to the east end of the trail by the quarter-mile, asphalt-surfaced Sesquicentennial Way.
Great Day
By
ferret1
in
June, 2011
We rode this trail from Washington to West Chester and had a great time. When one is on this trail there will be no doubt that you're in Iowa. There's a really nice little part just off the trail in West Chester that is great for a snack break.
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"A good ""half"" trail"
By
in
September, 2004
"The portion of the trail that runs from Washington to Highway 92 is very nice with regards to the surface and the scenery. However, the portion of the trail that runs from 92 to Keota is a mess. It is overgrown and very bumpy.
I wish it was in better ...
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Hidden Pleasure
By
in
July, 2001
"Trailhead in Keota located near a cafe/service station. My impression of the trail surface was that this trail had been forgotten. I was on a touring bike while my wife rode her racer. Fortunately, the surface was dry or we would have been muddy. Its ...
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