Explore the best rated trails in Clayton, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Manchester Walkway/Bikeway Trails and Trout Run Trail . With more than 22 trails covering 166 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.
Definitely a few rough areas but overall a nice path. If you're coming from the Calmer side the path markings in Ridgeway are non existent (turn left, not right) so you might have some issues there. The markings are much better coming from Cresco
Absolutely gorgeous ride with the trail in perfect condition. Unlike other trails, this one is serviced often with repairs being done with crushed gravel instead of sand. They have put multiple new bathroom facilities throughout the trail as well.
I rode the Northwest Arterial Trail on a chilly day in early September. It’s a nice paved trail that runs beside the NW Arterial Road so it’s a bit noisy and there are a few death machine crossings. It’s nice that it connects to the Heritage Trail in the north. I also found some Iowa hills! I give this one four stars for highway noise. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode this trail over three days on ten mile out and back trips in perfect weather starting in Dubuque to Durango, then next day to Epworth, then on to Dyersville. I normally try to ride paved trails but this one was a pleasant surprise. The crushed stone is like cement and I could ride 18 MPH easily with no issue. It was very scenic and mostly shaded with no big hills. Even the recent rain on day two did not seem to affect it. I rate this one high! This is the epitome of a great gravel trail. 5 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I happened upon this trail as I was riding the Heritage Trail that it connects to. Very enjoyable and beautiful trail. Great spot for the locals. 5 stars from me.. Traveling Cyclist Facebook
The Trout Run Trail is a world class trail. Super smooth with some hills to spice it up. I started at Pulpit Rock campground and rode both ways around Decorah. I would highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable trail. I would rate this higher than five stars.
Traveling cyclist
Facebook
The Paint Creek trail is short but very enjoyable. At some point a tracked vehicle was on the trail when it was soft and left some track stutter bumps that reduced my enjoyment. There was a short repaired section that had large loose rocks. I started on the west side but I could not completely finish the trail because it was flooded toward the east end. I give it 4 stars only for the manmade stutter bumps.
Traveling cyclist
Facebook
We rode the trail today from Calmar to Ridgeway and back. Although the scenery was nice, the trail is in major need of maintenance. There were so many bumps and pot holes it was dangerous at times. We won’t be back unless the trail is fixed.
I rode this trail today with a friend. We enjoyed the scenery and the variety of difficulty. It was an amazing trail and very well maintained. We will definitely be back.
I rode this trail in August 2024. I normally prefer to stick to paved trails but I’m glad I checked this one out. It meanders through woods and along the Turkey River. It’s pretty smooth riding other than a short section of larger loose rock soon after heading south out of Elkader and at the underpass of Hwy 13 but it smooths out again for the remainder. I was able to maintain 18 mph with 700X38 tires. 5 stars for this guy. Traveling cyclist Facebook
Road Mineral to calamine and back on a ebike with 1.5" tires at 45psi. Scenic but rather brutal ride. Sections are ok but then you come across sections that are really rough. The atvs go fast relative to a bike rider plus generate lots of dust and noise. I would not recommend it for biking.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
