Explore the best rated trails in Ames, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Galloping Goose Trail (IA) and Brewer Creek Trail . With more than 85 trails covering 4274 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 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.
Really great trail, scenery very nice, distance farmland and nice parks but the section from Yale to halfway to Jefferson needs to be resurfaced, It was so annoying we did Not finish the last half to Jefferson… every 10 yards there was a horizontal, 2 inch indention across the trail….we turned around instead of finishing the trail to Jefferson. Such beautiful scenery. Please repair!
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!!!
We camped in Springbrook State Park, and rode the trail on three consecutive days. Day one: we drove to the trail head at Herndon, and did an out and back to Minburn. 48 miles. The section was very smooth and flat. Day two: we drove to Yale and rode from Yale to Linden and back. 24 miles. As of August 7 2023, the trail was closed 2 miles east of Linden for bridge work. Since the mileage on this day was shorter, we rode hwy 25 from the Yale Trail, head back to Springbrook, State, Park, 7 miles. Very little traffic and good road. Day three: We rode from Yale to Jefferson and back. 34 miles. This section between Yale and Jefferson was still paved, but bumpy. Least favorite section.
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.
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.
This ride is beautiful, full of trees, circles Terra park, as well.
My son and I have been exploring g various grails around the area and this trail is beautiful!!! Highly recommended!
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.
We ride this trail with our grandkids since it’s near their home. It is very well maintained with some shade , some open areas for sun!
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