By dctrail in September, 2010
Work is well underway on the new "north loop" of the RRVT which will extend from the current trailhead in Waukee to Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson, Jamaica and Herndon, where it will connect with the segment that runs between Yale and Cooper/Jefferson. The segment between Perry and Dawson is nearly complete, and should be officially open yet this fall. Portions of the trail have been paved within the city limits of Dallas Center, Perry, and Waukee. Bids were let and construction will begin on the segment between Waukee and Dallas Center this fall. Look for the north loop to be completely finished within the next couple of years, weather and funding permitting.
By dctrail in June, 2009
The Raccoon River Valley Trail makes a great destination for bicyclists looking for a leisurely ride through a diverse cross section of Iowa, including the growing suburb of Waukee, to the picturesque county seat communities of Adel and Jefferson, to small towns such as Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, and Cooper. Between these communities you will experience wooded areas, prairie remnants, and agricultural ground. Nearly all of the towns along the trail offer amenities for trail users including dining opportunities, restrooms, bed & breakfasts and a host of other services. The trail is quite popular with cyclists in the Des Moines metro area and sees heavy use as weather permits year round. A new 33- mile extension of the trail is being developed from Waukee, through Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson, Jamaica and Herndon (where it will re-connect with the existing trail) that will create a nearly 90-mile paved looped trail! Construction has already started along segments of the new 33 mile section, and the entire project is expected to be completed within a couple of years (pending securing the final funding needed, which is nearly complete). As the trail uses a former railroad bed, the grade is quite flat in most places making it a great trail for cyclists of all abilities. The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association organizes several activities along the trail each year, including rides, a Fall Festival, and an annual banquet.
By dloweatl in September, 2008
I ride the lower half of the trail all the time, there is no damage from the flooding. There are quite a difference in the sections of the trail.
From Waukee to Ortonville, flat, open corn fields
From Ortonville to Adel. Through the woods, a canopy over you
From Adel to Redfield. Many trees along the side, with corn fields on either side.
From Redfield to Harlan. Uphill along the river, climbing up to a high prairie. QUite beautiful and varying.
While the path is mostly asphault, it crossed many dirt roads, and you have to be very careful getting across them.
There is a depot in Redfield that sells pop and gatoraid, and is 'manned' by locals who are very friendly.
The trail will be adding another 33 mile loop in 2009 along another rail line, creating a loop.