Shell Rock River Trail (Butler County Nature Trail)

Iowa

3 Reviews

Part of the Rolling Prairie Trail, the Shell Rock River Trail (also known as the Butler County Nature Trail) connects the eastern edge of Clarksville with the community of Shell Rock. The trail runs through open fields and at times approaches the Shell Rock River.

The trail is part of the Rolling Prairie Tri-County Trail System, which consists of several open segments along an old railroad corridor: the Rolling Prairie Trail, the Waverly Rail Trail, the Denver-Jefferson Trail, and the Readlyn Grump Trail.

When complete, the Rolling Prairie Tri-County Trail System will connect nine communities, three counties and two state parks along its 80-mile length.

Parking and Trail Access

The official trailhead is located at the southern endpoint by the intersection of N Public Road and Wrangler Road. There is a small parking lot and a kiosk with maps and information. A small picnic shelter, restrooms, and a bike repair station are located at city hall (802 N Public Rd, Shell Rock).

Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.

Flat ride

July 2020 schriej1974

It’s a pretty nice rides. Some of the asphalt has holes and cracks in it but just watch where you ride. Trail is mainly covered by trees so very shady.

Rolling Prairie Trail

May 2020 cwfbikeusa

We biked this trail from Shellrock to Bristol May 2020. Great ride 46 mile round trip. The bridge outside Clarksville has been repaired. The Bluebells were blooming and were beautiful. The trail is now open to Bristol and is paved.

June 2011 Ride on the Shell Rock River Trail

June 2011 bikeusa

This is a very nice sub 20 mile round trip ride into two small Iowa towns of Clarksville and Shell Rock. We started in Shell Rock and toured on this shaded smooth blacktop trail to Clarksville. The trail ends on C33 and it is a road ride with shoulder into Clarkville the last mile or two. My only complaint was the lack of signs for directions. We looked for the water tower and went by instinct. Food, water, and snacks are available at both ends. This is a nice short ride and very scenic.