Explore the best rated trails in Bancroft, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Tatonka Ska Trace and Trolley Trail (Clear Lake/Mason City) . With more than 12 trails covering 134 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.
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 have ridden this trail since its creation in I believe 89 or 90. For many years I rode it from Mason City to Clear Lake for work and back. Now that I am retired I still ride this trail regularly. I wish there was more of a buffer between the trail and the highway. 4 stars only for highway noise. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I started at the northern most end at 300th street just south of Fostoria after reading a previous review that the trail extended further than the map showed. I rode 7.5 miles before I was actually riding the trail on the map. I then rode from 18th street that shows to be the north end south and then turned west until the T intersection at 355th street in the west and back. It was a very enjoyable 22 mile ride.
Traveling cyclist
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I rode around West Okoboji using some roads on the east side before rejoining the trail. The following day I again rode around the lake staying on dedicated trail by joining Tatonka Ska Trace trail which connects to the GLT at 155th street in the west and at Peoria street in the east. From there you can head also head north to Big Spirit Lake. In the south at 202nd street you can ride south to Milford or take some streets to reconnect at Three Cross road.
Traveling cyclist
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I rode this trail in early August 2024. I rode from Spirit Lake to past Montgomery and back. It's a good connector between two sections of the Great Lakes trail. I want to return when the expansion is complete. I continued on to ride the trail on the west side of Big Spirit Lake. Nice wide and smooth cement trail. I parked at Walmart in Spirit Lake. Big thumbs up on this one.
Traveling cyclist
I rode this trail numerous times in early August 2024 in perfect weather. Each time I started from Emerson Bay Recreational Area. I rode south around West Okoboji but where the trail ends I got lost and ended up riding the shoulder if Hwy 71 to get back to the trail on the other side. I rode south to Milford and back. My second outing I rode n north until the trail ended on the map in the app so I followed Lake Shore drive around the lake until I met the trail again. Third time I rode north again and realized I could continue north and connect to the road Tatonka Ske Traceti connect back to the IGL trail.
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.
I have ridden this trail since it's inception in the early 90's. For many years I commuted between Mason City and Clear Lake on it for work. It is right near the highway and there isn't much scenery and no shade. It makes a good place for locals to get some car free miles in. I still ride it often.
Traveling cyclist
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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 is a wonderful bike trail that goes all the way around West Okoboji to the north taking the old railway—beautiful Iowa prairie with wild flowers, all the way to Spirit Lake. Then it goes south to East Okoboji, Hwy 71 with a nicely paved trail. Not always marked well but once you know the way, it’s a piece of cake. 26 miles around West and East Okoboji. We love it!
We started out in Humboldt on Hwy 3 and rode east to Thor. This is a well maintained crushed stone trail. There were no wash outs or wash boarding.
Many areas have tree canopy over the trail. A very easy and pleasant ride.
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