Description
The Mapleleaf Pathway is located in the small community of Diagonal, Iowa. The trail occupies an abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway corridor, which once formed part of a larger system that looked like a maple leaf when viewed on a map—hence the trail's name.
Running north from the northeastern edge of Diagonal, the Mapleleaf Pathway passes through a dense stand of lowland timber trees. The mix of oaks, cottonwood, maples and buckeye trees, along with the trail's seclusion, makes the route an excellent spot for bird watching. The trail is also a popular local destination for berry picking. After trekking away from Diagonal for 1.5 miles, the trail ends at the scenic Grand River.
Parking and Trail Access
Diagonal is located in the triangle formed by Des Moines, Omaha and Kansas City and is about a 1 hour drive from I-35 in southern Iowa. The trail doesn't currently have a dedicated parking lot, but parking can be found on some of Diagonal's local streets.