Description
The Puddle Jumper Trail is a 2 mile long rail-trail that connects the western Iowa communities of Orange City and Alton. The trail is surfaced with crushed quartzite and also features a bridle path for equestrian use along the main trail. In Orange City, the trail begins behind single-family homes before passing behind the city's hospital and various industrial properties. At Jay Avenue on the eastern edge of Orange City, trail users can picnic or rest at the open-air shelter, which contains picnic tables. Restrooms and a drinking fountain can also be found here.
Along the rest of the trail's route to Alton, the scenery consists of farmland and prairie remnants. A couple of short bridges carry the trail over a local creek. Benches line the trail for its entire distance.
Parking and Trail Access
Access to the Puddle Jumper Trail is easiest from three locations. In Orange City, the trail begins at Albany Place SE just south of Industrial Bypass Road. There is a small gravel parking lot located at this trailhead. At the trail's midpoint on Jay Avenue, there is an open-air shelter and parking lot. On the western edge of Alton, park at the dirt lot on Jefferson Avenue north of Hoeven Drive.