Explore the best rated trails in Badger, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Rolling Prairie Trail and Path of Progress . With more than 22 trails covering 218 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.
I live in Jefferson and ride this trail pretty much every day. It's a big part of the reason I moved to this corner of Iowa. I've ridden every inch of it multiple times. Here are some general observations:
1. If you want smooth concrete, the north leg from Waukee to Herndon is for you. It's the newest leg of the trail and it's in really good condition. The southern leg from Waukee to Herndon and the leg from Herdon to Jefferson are a mixed bag in terms of pavement condition. There are some bumps and divots, but none of it is terrible and anyone who says it is hasn't ridden a lot of rail trails in other parts of the world.
2. Amenities are a mixed bag. You'll often find restrooms closed and many of the towns have no services at all. Your best bets if you need to make a stop are the trailheads in Waukee and Jefferson along with Adel and Perry.
3. Cell coverage is adequate over the entire trail length. This is not quite the back of beyond, but it's getting close in some parts. I typically carry a spare tube and bike tool, just in case.
4. Trail required a permit when I first moved out here. It no longer does, at least in Greene County. Not 100% sure regarding Dallas and Guthrie. Back in the day, rangers would routinely stop me in both Dallas and Guthrie, especially on weekends.
5. A round trip on the entire trail, including the leg to and from Jefferson, comes in at just under 100 miles in length.
6. If it's solitude you crave, the southern loop from just west of Adel all the way up to Jefferson is usually pretty much empty.
7. Any type of bike will work. I typically ride a singlespeed gravel bike with 40 mm tires, but road bikes and trikes are just fine too. There are times I combine parts of the trail with gravel and minimum maintenance roads and on those occasions I'll ride my Surly Karate Monkey with 3" 650b wheels. Anything goes.
8. Speaking of which, there are some interesting side trips on gravel worth taking including the hop to Brenton Aboretum near Dallas Center, the Bonnie and Clyde monument at Dexfield Park near Redfield and Bays Branch Wildlife Area and Springbok State Park between Panora and Yale. Camping at Sportsman Park near Dawson or Springbok State Park.
In summary, the RRVT is an iconic rail trail...one that every cyclist should ride at least once.
I’m not from the area, but was camping nearby for a few days and decided to come check this trail out. First, it extends further North and South than the 0.6 miles. I parked at the swimming pool (unfortunately closed) and my round trip ride was almost 5.8 miles. It was all hard surfaces, no crushed limestone/rock. To the south lots of shade over the trail, while heading north of town it was more open. Between 1st & 3rd streets the addition of glowing flakes/rocks? (It’s all smooth) have been added for an interesting night-time effect.
This trail has been extended all the way to Badger IA. Everything North of 170th street is nice new 10 foot wide concrete, they have done a great job of updating the old trail and bridges.
This trail has much less use than others in town. Watch out for the many deer
Flood waters earlier this year have damaged a section of trail between Rolfe and Bradgate. East of Melson Park / Pilot Creek Road the trail was some large areas of trail that have been washed out. The trail is virtually unrideable. The bridge over the Des Moines River just west of Bradgate has been cleared and is open. But my estimate is there are several hundred years of trail that have been washed out. I’d suggest either of the short road options between Melson Park & Bradgate
I live near here so I have ridden this trail numerous times. It’s a good gravel trail that is road bikeable. I road it with 700X38 at 17/18 MPH without issue. It’s a good trail that should be extending southwest in the future. I give it 4 stars only for not much shade and no porta potties. Traveling cyclist Facebook
Road 38.5 miles on the Rolling Prairie trail. Started in Hampton and road to Shell Rock. Trail is divided into three sections that can be connected by using paved and gravel roads. Would not recommend riding from Hampton to Dumont. Someone thought it a good idea to use large gravel for several long sections of the trail. I have a gravel bike and it was a challenge. Trail is poorly marked and closed in one section and I had to find a work around on gravel roads. Worst section of a bike trail I’ve ever ridden in Iowa and I’ve ridden 34 so far. The good news is from Allison to Shell Rock is paved and well marked.
Good trail with some interesting history. Most scenic part with rivers and streams by the trail is south of Rolfe to Humeston. Road the trail on August 9, 2024. FYI the bridge over the DesMoines River south of Rolfe a few miles is out, and trail is closed for that section, but can bypass to Bradgate on the road to get back on.
The trail is gravel good enough to ride a road bike on. There isn't much shade or an amenities but very quiet and peaceful. It is being expanded to the south and I hope one day to the north to connect to other Mason City trails. I would recommend riding this trail and I will return here.
Traveling cyclist
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This trail is mostly concrete and very smooth and pretty. Our favorite section is Yale to Redfield. The very worst section is Yale to Jefferson--I advise not even going on that section--multiple wide cracks, potholes, limbs hanging over the trail--we finally turned around and rode a different direction--we were at the Herndon TH/junction. Boo to Guthrie County for not maintaining their part of the trail. We camped at Springbrook State Park.
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