Explore the best rated trails in Altoona, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the South Tama Recreation Trail and Galloping Goose Trail (IA) . With more than 81 trails covering 4245 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The majority of this trail is well paved with a bit of street riding needed. Nice mix of park-like and country setting with small bits of hill climb. Was surprised to read a sign saying no fast biking allowed only to meet a golf cart on the path. Would highlight recommend this path for an hour plus ride.
Rode this trail mid-May 2024. Surface is cement, so easy and flat biking and trail in great shape. We started in Perry, which is charming and makes a big deal out of the biking trail (can't miss the biking sculpture). We rode as far as Minburn and turned around to ride back for a ride of 20.5 (we also did part of the Sauk Rail Trail on this day). The RRVT is recommended on the Rails to Trails “HALL OF FAME.” $2 daily trail fee. Saw so many birds: cardinals, orioles, blue jays. Popular trail – lots of activity, bikers, walkers. Windy in the open parts. Found some keys and stuck them on a branch we pushed in on the side of the trail. Were delighted to find woven dandelions around the branch as a "thank you" when we rode back to Perry. Beautiful rural biking and people were so friendly. Great ride!
Even though it was a little hilly it was still really nice
Have been a frequent walker on the Neil Smith Trail in the Prairie Flower area in Polk City. It is a great trail to walk with my dogs and has always been well maintained. Until this year. All of the trails are completely over grown and very difficult to treck through. Really hoping this will change soon!
This is a great trail as you’re walking on it. It’s hard to believe that you’re kinda in the city still. The only thing is bicyclist sometimes do not let you know when they are coming up on you. Other than that, it’s a very clean and very nice trail.
This trail is in great shape. Once you get to 62nd, you can go west to 62nd, and then around Terra Park. Or you can continue north up to 70th, which has a wide bike path parallel to the road.
Great width of concrete to ride on- links to great trails around Terra park.
Rode this trail in December seems really nice to me. I almost didn’t go because of the negative reviews, I guess these items have been repaired because I had no complaints.
We rode yesterday from the depot in Jefferson, south through Cooper to Herndon. The first four miles were lovely and smooth on concrete. Then the asphalt began and was a bit rough until Cooper. The next five miles south to Herndon were extremely bad, as in, I don't care to ever ride that section again! Hopefully they can get enough money for resurfacing in the near future.
I had to drive around to find the parking for this trail. It's at the water tower...corner of Monroe and York. There is a Porta potty at the beginning of the trail. I don't see any shade but it's only in the 70s so going to give it a try.
We entered from the west end, not far from the Cordoba Tower. We rode with our granddaughter on a tag along. We only went about 6 miles and turned around as that is good for a four year-old. The trails were smooth with gentle hills and great views of the lake. The tower is a fun added bonus. We will return later in the fall.
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