Grinnell, IA Dog Walking Trails and Maps

281 Reviews

Looking for the best Dog Walking trails around Grinnell?

Find the top rated dog walking trails in Grinnell, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
52 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

C.R. Roberts Memorial Trail

1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Carlisle Nature Trail

3.17 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

70.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Chichaqua Valley Trail

29.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Ewing Park Trail

0.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Gay Lea Wilson Trail

20.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi
State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

High Trestle Trail

31.74 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Inter-Urban Trail

1.3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Kewash Nature Trail

13.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Mahaska Community Recreation Trail

12 mi
State: IA
Concrete, Gravel

Mark C. Ackelson Trail

6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Oralabor Gateway Trail

5.2 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Red Rock Prairie Trail

9.75 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

River's Edge Trail (IA)

7.1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Summerset Trail

12 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Volksweg Trail

12.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Great Western Trail (IA)

18.4 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail

25.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass

Iowa 330/US 30 Trail

11.1 mi
State: IA
Concrete
Accordion

Kruidenier Trail

1.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Linn Creek Recreational Trail

10 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Neal Smith Trail

26 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Newton Hike and Bike Trail

6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Old Creamery Nature Trail

15.3 mi
State: IA
Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Pine Lake Trail

2.4 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Pioneer Trail (IA)

11.5 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone

Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail

5.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Wolf Creek Trail (IA)

2.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Comet Trail

7 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Grass

Competine Trail

0.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

East Hillcrest Trail

0.8 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Bill Riley Trail

2.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

John Pat Dorrian Trail

3.4 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

McVay Trail

1.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Des Moines River Trail

2.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Easter Lake Spine Trail

1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Greenway Trail (Altoona)

1.1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Grinnell Trail

1.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Grundy County Lake Trail

3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Hubbard Prairie Trail

1.3 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone

John King Trail

0.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Martin Luther King Jr. Trail

1.1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Meredith Trail

5.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Praeri Rail Trail

10.5 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass

Principal Riverwalk

1.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Sergeant Road Trail

9.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Skunk River Trail

4.1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

South Tama Recreation Trail

5.6 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Dirt

Southeast Connector Trail

3.09 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Trestle to Trestle Trail

3.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Veterinary Medicine Trail

1.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
The C.R Roberts Memorial Trail in Dysart picks up right on the western end of the Old Creamery Nature Trail which travels all the way to Vinton via Garrison. Unlike the latter trail, this trail is...
IA 1 mi Asphalt
Opened in 2016, the Carlisle Nature Trail is a beautiful way to experience the natural beauty of the small Iowa community of Carlisle, located about a dozen miles southeast of Des Moines. Running...
IA 3.17 mi Concrete
Overview The Cedar Valley Nature Trail follows the fertile Cedar River between Evansdale and Ely. The 70.6-mile trail comprises three former trails—the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, the Cedar River...
IA 70.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt
The paved Chichaqua Valley Trail crosses nearly 30 miles of central Iowa farmland between the northeastern Des Moines suburbs and the rural community of Baxter. The trail’s name, pronounced...
IA 29.7 mi Asphalt
The Ewing Park Trail is a paved path, perfect for a short bike ride or jog, located in the city of Des Moines' Ewing Park. One of the city's largest public parks, the park is home to a popular lilac...
IA 0.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Nestled in the suburbs of Des Moines and traveling through the towns of Ankeny, Berwick, Pleasant Hill, and Altoona, the Gay Lea Wilson Trail is named for a local advocate who first conceived of a...
IA 20.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...
DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY 3743.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Overview The High Trestle Trail, which spans 31.4 miles across Iowa, is one of the most pristine and highly trafficked trails in Iowa—even at night. The trail’s popularity is largely due to its...
IA 31.74 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Des Moines' Inter-Urban Trail was opened in 1998 on the abandoned tracks of the Urbandale streetcar line. Residents and visitors of Iowa could ride the electric-powered trolley from Urbandale to Des...
IA 1.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Kewash Nature Trail winds for nearly 14 miles between the towns of Keota and Washington. These endpoints were creatively combined to form the trail's name. The trail has a crushed limestone...
IA 13.8 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Mahaska Community Recreation Trail wraps around the southeast Iowan city, Oskaloosa, winding through neighborhoods, farmlands, community parks, and woodlands. Construction of the trail began in...
IA 12 mi Concrete, Gravel
It may be hard to believe now when you see children laughing on the playground and neighbors out on a morning jog but Easter Lake and the park that surrounds it sit on the site of a coal mine that...
IA 6 mi Concrete
The Oralabor Gateway Trail is a 5.2 mile concrete-surfaced spur branching off from the Neal Smith Trail south of Saylorville Lake and just north of NW 66th Avenue. While running adjacent to suburban...
IA 5.2 mi Concrete
The Red Rock Prairie Trail is a developing rail-trail that will link three central Iowa towns, just outside of Des Moines: Mitchellville, Prairie City, and Monroe. The paved, multiuse trail runs 9.75...
IA 9.75 mi Asphalt
Following a former railroad corridor, the River's Edge Trail (formerly known as Iowa River Trail) will one day span 34 miles from Marshalltown in Marshall County to Steamboat Rock in Hardin County....
IA 7.1 mi Concrete
The Summerset Trail links the two central Iowa communities of Indianola and Carlisle, both of which have embraced the trail, including providing helpful signs at each end with clear directions for...
IA 12 mi Asphalt
Who says Iowa doesn’t have hills?! The winding route of the Volksweg Trail sticks mainly to the rolling hills and scenic viewpoints from Lake Red Rock all the way to the town of Pella. Dutch...
IA 12.5 mi Asphalt
Overview Built on a former section of the Chicago Great Western Railroad (built in 1893), the Great Western Trail spans 18.4 miles between Des Moines and Martensdale.  About the Route The...
IA 18.4 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail traverses classic Iowa farmland along the former route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road. The trail transitions...
IA 25.8 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
The Iowa 330/US 30 Trail stretches from just west of the small town of Melbourne to the outskirts of Marshalltown, the largest city and county seat of Marshall County, located close to the geographic...
IA 11.1 mi Concrete
Accordion
The Kruidenier Trail cuts through beautifully landscaped areas around Gray’s Lake and leads you into downtown Des Moines. The park offers a permanent on-site bike rental facility, restrooms, and a...
IA 1.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
As it runs directly through the heart of Marshalltown in central Iowa, access to the Linn Creek Recreational Trail is easy for many of the city's residents. They will want to take advantage of it,...
IA 10 mi Asphalt
Part of an expansive trail network in the Greater Des Moines region, the 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and...
IA 26 mi Asphalt
Located just over thirty miles east of Des Moines, the small city of Newton boasts a charming midwestern feel - and complementing the city's charm is the lovely Newton Hike and Bike Trail, which...
IA 6 mi Concrete
The Old Creamery Nature Trail, running between Vinton and Dysart, is so named for the Old Creamery Theater Company building in Garrison, another tiny farm community through which the trail passes. The...
IA 15.3 mi Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel
The Pine Lake Trail runs through a heavily wooded state park of the same name, which is especially known for its 250-year-old white pine trees. The trail begins at Deer Park, a half mile east of...
IA 2.4 mi Concrete
Central Iowa's Pioneer Trail—which gets its name from the early settlers of Grundy County—is built on a former rail line that once connected the towns of Holland and Reinbeck and the communities in...
IA 11.5 mi Crushed Stone
The Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail is a paved multi-use trail that provides a connection between the small, charming college town of Grinnell and Rock Creek State Park, a popular destination for...
IA 5.8 mi Asphalt
The Wolf Creek Trail begins in Gladbrook, a small city about 70 miles northeast of Des Moines. The trail was established in 2001 by volunteers from the Gladbrook community who secured the right-of-way...
IA 2.6 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Comet Trail is built upon an abandoned right-of-way of the old Chicago Northwestern Railroad. It runs for 7 miles between the town of Conrad (City Park) and just east of Beaman, traversing a...
IA 7 mi Crushed Stone, Grass
The small city of Knoxville, about forty miles southeast of Des Moines, is chiefly known for the Knoxville Raceway and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, which draws racing enthusiasts...
IA 0.9 mi Asphalt
The East Hillcrest Trail is a short suburban trail located in the community of Indianola. Running along the avenue of the same name, the trail provides several important local connections, linking the...
IA 0.8 mi Concrete
The Bill Riley Trail delivers a short but immersive trail experience in a tranquil natural setting. The trail begins at the southern end of the Walnut Creek Trail, and follows the creek into Ashworth...
IA 2.7 mi Asphalt
The John Pat Dorrian Trail, formerly known as the East River Trail, runs for nearly 3.5 miles from Pete Crivaro Park in south Des Moines to Birdland Park and Marina just north of downtown. At this...
IA 3.4 mi Asphalt
The 1.6-mile McVay Trail in Indianola provides a paved route for cyclists, walkers and joggers between East 5th Street and Pickard Park. The trail follows the bed of the former Chicago, Burlington and...
IA 1.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Take a morning bike ride or evening stroll on the Des Moines River Trail. The paved trail diverges from the Meredith Trail and Prinicipal Riverwalk, continuing for 2.6 miles downstream to the James W....
IA 2.6 mi Asphalt
A short, paved trail that connects neighborhoods and preserved open space to the Mark C. Ackelson Trail at Easter Lake Park, the Easter Lake Spine Trail is a useful asset to the community and forms a...
IA 1 mi Concrete
For residents looking for a low-key space to get some exercise, the Greenway Trail provides a swathe of nature nestled between suburban subdivisions of Altoona. The trail runs the length of Greenway...
IA 1.1 mi Asphalt
The trail is made up of two as yet unconnected segments: the northern segment is about half a mile long, providing access to Grinnell Community Senior School, Lion's Park, and Iowa Valley Community...
IA 1.8 mi Asphalt
The Grundy County Lake Trail circles its namesake 40-acre lake, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, and many other recreational opportunities. The paved trail then continues north,...
IA 3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Hubbard Prairie Trail is a one-mile rail-trail extending from the northwest edge of the small town of Hubbard in central Iowa to the Meier Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers a pleasant place to...
IA 1.3 mi Crushed Stone
The John King Trail runs along a former railroad corridor in Albia, Iowa. From 3rd Ave E to Benton Ave, the trail runs parallel to an active railroad line. Cruizin’ Albia Park, which has a playground...
IA 0.5 mi Asphalt
A sidepath trail located along the side of the adjacent busy parkway that shares its name, the Martin Luther King Jr. Trail may not provide the sort of pleasant, natural trail experience that other...
IA 1.1 mi Asphalt
The Meredith Trail connects from downtown Des Moines west to Gray’s Lake Park. The trail picks up off where the Principal Riverwalk leaves off along the Des Moines River. At the confluence with...
IA 5.2 mi Asphalt
The Praeri Rail Trail runs on an old section of railroad right-of-way between Zearing and Roland in central Iowa. Sections of the trail near Roland and McCallsburg have a crushed limestone surface,...
IA 10.5 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
To the residents of Lastrobe, the Lincoln Avenue Rails to Trails Greenway is more than a simple off-road path: it also a social asset, a place where community members of all ages and walks of life can...
IA 1.5 mi Asphalt
The Sergeant Road Trail is part of the larger trails system in the Cedar Valley region of Iowa, which includes the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo. The trail parallels US 63—also known as Sergeant...
IA 9.9 mi Asphalt
South Skunk River is a tributary of the Mississippi River. In Ames, the Skunk River Trail brings residents closer to river and to nature. The shared use path sits on the shady west bank of South Skunk...
IA 4.1 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The South Tama Recreation Trail connects the adjacent towns of Tama and Toledo in Tama County, Iowa. The original section of the trail, a 1 mile stretch built on an abandoned railroad corridor, opened...
IA 5.6 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
Named for the major project the city of Des Moines has undertaken to improve transportation and connectivity along the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in the southeastern section of downtown, the...
IA 3.09 mi Concrete
Notice: In 2019, the bridge over Beaver Creek in Johnston collapsed. Repairs on the bridge are expected to be completed in 2021. Repair schedule and updates can be found at the Polk County...
IA 3.7 mi Asphalt
The very appropriately named Veterinary Medicine Trail passes through the animal science research hub for Iowa State University. A paved shared-use path in the City of Ames, the trail provides a short...
IA 1.2 mi Asphalt

Recent Trail Reviews

Mahaska Community Recreation Trail

Well maintained

June, 2024 by pampetersen22

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.

High Trestle Trail

High Trestle is a Highlight

June, 2024 by djmmsherman

We parked our car on the western side of the trail in Woodward and biked east towards the bridge and Madrid, went as far as Sheldahl (the town just past Slater) and turned around. Surface is cement, so easy and flat biking. Noticeable “no see ‘ums” on the trail, so bring a bandana or keep talking to a minimum! Bring water and pack in/pack out what you need. No water stations or fountains that we saw on our portion of the ride. Very windy in the open parts. Spectacular bridge -- glorious by day and lit up at night. We went back to the bridge at dusk, parking the small parking lot at Madrid and walked 1 mile or so to the bridge. Lovely trail and the bridge is a highlight -- a must do!

Neal Smith Trail

Needs maintanance

June, 2024 by shardog3212

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!

Accordion

Linn Creek Recreational Trail

pretty nice

December, 2023 by cthibalt

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.

Old Creamery Nature Trail

A great opportunity to get away from the stresses of modern life

November, 2023 by jkbalk

I've run on the Old Creamery Nature Trail several dozen times per year for over a decade. As trails go it is well kept, and was even resurfaced a few years ago. When there has been a lot of rain, or after a winter thaw, there can be some muddy areas but those tend to be minimal and are not very common. The Vinton side of the trail is usually in slightly better condition than the Dysart side. Both the Vinton and Dysart ends of the trail are bounded by open farmland. The middle section of the trail for miles on either side of Garrison is mostly wooded and usually provides a chance to spot some wildlife. I've frequently seen eagle, owl, hawk, pheasant, turkey, deer, fox, groundhog, possum, raccoon, coyote and occasionally even a person or two. My experience is that the section from Vinton to Garrison will have a few people on it about half of the time when the weather is nice, but Dysart to Garrison sees almost no traffic so it presents an ideal opportunity for solitude if you are so inclined.

Red Rock Prairie Trail

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.

September, 2023 by dansarani

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.

Volksweg Trail

Absolutely beautiful trail!

September, 2023 by niffenegger6

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.

High Trestle Trail

Great Trail, Great Experience - A Must See Trail

August, 2023 by jsafret

This was the first stop in our 2023 "Tour de Great Plains & Colorado" bike trip. We rode this trail east 10 miles from the western most trailhead "Woodward, Iowa". The trail was perfect concrete about 10 feet wide and mostly flat. The trestle is amazing and Iowa is beautiful. The Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid is a perfect place to stop and grab a bite to eat and a drink. It was a wonderful day and a great experience. We're off to a great start!!!

River's Edge Trail (IA)

Great trail, but..........

August, 2023 by rkc1954

Great trail, but doubt if a lot of us will live long enough to see it finished. Started in 2017 in Marshall county, been working on it for 7 years but only 3 miles done. At this rate, it will take about 25 years to get to the Hardin County line, (about 12 miles) where they will take over for their share. I believe Hardin county has maybe 5 miles paved. There's a large bridge over the Iowa River north of Marshalltown which needs replaced to carry the ambulances. The trail is concrete and 10 feet wide.

Great Western Trail (IA)

Decent trail

August, 2023 by jemerson977

Mostly asphalt that could use some work. Looks like they will be resurfacing the section south of Cumming fall of 2023. The Chicken and the Iowa Distillery are definitely worth the ride.

High Trestle Trail

End in a High Note

July, 2023 by marinelson3d

The High Trestle Trail provided an amazing ride through farms and small towns, starting in Ankeny and ending on a high note at the high trestle bridge. I felt very safe even though parts of the trail were isolated through farm fields with very few other riders. Everyone I ran into was very friendly and helpful, including a construction worker who helped me through the detour in Ankeny and a nice man, who helped me put air in my tire along the trail.

High Trestle Trail

Lives up to hype

July, 2023 by trob4cy

Nice trail overall but of course you are going to go to the bridge right? Yes it lives up to the hype. If in Central Iowa be sure to stop by.

With new connections this trail will continue to become even more popular. Also be aware that at Slater this trail turns south and if you continue east you are on the Heart of Iowa Trail.

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