Explore the best rated trails in Afton, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the John Pat Dorrian Trail and Southeast Connector Trail . With more than 56 trails covering 4044 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.
We really enjoyed riding from Panora almost to Adel and back. Really shady areas to ride and several bridges. The trail was really nice. Another day we road from Perry to Waukee and back and that is pretty much a straight ride. That’s good for little ones to learn. We felt that we like the west ride better. All in all was a good experience for the parts we road on.
11 ladies/friends make up most of the Rainbow Riders from St Louis Mo. We raved about this trail. It's interesting and takes the rider through prairies, forests, and offers beautiful Visa points of Saylorville Lake. It's well maintained and has multiple entry points. We rode from the Saylorville Visitor Center and road out and back to the recreation area and beach which might be the end of the northern part of the trail. The twists and turns, hills and curves were exhilarating too. We'll talk about this trail and it'll remain in our memory books.
A beautiful trail that goes behind Sugar Creek Golf Course. The only drawback for me were the steep hills.
I have ridden this trail many times over the years. I rode it again in early August 2025. I noticed a lot of new cement near Cherry Glen area. The hills seem to get bigger as I get older! I rate it 5 stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode the trail several times in May June and early July 2025. It has been poorly maintained compared to other trails in Central Iowa and as a result it has a lot of rough spots with big cracks and holes. It’s a beautiful view along the way but the lack of maintenance and the data center s are a big detraction
Trail is closed from Campbell park eastward. Detour signs do not take you around the closure. Trail is closed through October 2025.
This is a high-quality, wide trail, mostly winding through trees, and an open area at the top of the hill past the cemetery. Hills are fairly steep. There are no lights on the trail, so at night most of it is quite dark. I went for it anyway, and it's nearly pitch black in places, but because the path is so well done, I still had no problems tripping on holes or branches. (A little nerve-wracking, but no physical troubles.)
Rode from Sycamore Trails (NW 66th St.) north to Big Creek Beach & Marina and back, ~33 miles round trip. Beautiful scenery, saw deer and other wildlife, many bridges, pretty smooth concrete and asphalt track. More bumpy in the state park than the other sections. Much of the trail was shady, which was appreciated on this hot, muggy day.
The Cinder Path is one of Iowa’s hidden gems. I’ve ridden trails all over the state and Midwest, and this is still one of my favorites. It’s in great shape—smooth, fast, and well-maintained, with solid bridges and beautiful scenery. The covered bridge is a standout feature, and the rustic, unpaved surface adds to its charm. It’s quiet, remote, and feels like a true escape into nature. The communities of Chariton, Derby, and Humeston are lucky to have it.
This is not a MTB trail but also isn't a paved bike trail. I've ridden it after heavy rain and it was fine, road it last week in some light rain and it was in great shape. Grass section near Humeston was in good shape and not overgrown.
The trail is in the best shape I've ever seen it and I would recommend this to anyone.
Took my road bike from Johnston to Des Moines. The parts close to Johnston are pretty bumpy. The bumps aren't ideal, but it's nothing unbearable. The closer you get to Des Moines, the smoother it gets. Awesome route by the river.
We have biked this trail and enjoyed it many times on our trips to Des Moines. Planned to bike it this time but when we arrived at the Campbell recreation area, we found out that it is closed all the way to NW 100th St. for the entirety of 2025 due to Construction on the interstate. There was no map of the detour at the recreation area, where the detour starts. There are good signs marking where the detour goes, but no indication of how far off the trail or for how long. Some of the detour is on other trails, but some of those trails go right along busy For Lane streets. I wouldn’t recommend the detour for anything but getting from one place to another, not for rec.
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