Explore the best rated trails in Diagonal, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Red Oak Trail and Lenox Multi-Purpose Trail . With more than 12 trails covering 116 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.
I said I rode in 2025 but I see no way to edit. I rode Sept 2024. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode this trail in mid September 2025. I started at the north end not knowing there is a rail closure at Count Line Road and Hwy 28. It continues to a mile and a half north of the Chicken Restaurant. The trail was open the rest of the way to Martinsdale. The older asphalt sections have plenty of cracks and is rough. The cement sections are heaven. I think eventually it will all be cement. Wonderful mostly shaded ride through the country. I give it five stars even with the rough sections. It’s another great long trail away from the death machines.
I rode from Martensdale to north of Cummings about 12 miles July 2024. The path is patched up and there are some rough cracks still but if you watch it you would be fine. There are some sections that have been replaced with cement which are heavenly. There is also some newer asphalt. I would recommend riding this trail if you are in the area, it's very scenic. I saw deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, chipmunks, various birds, and even a cat. I rode a road bike with 700X45 tires.
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Shenandoah to Malvern. We rode in significant wind (35 mph gusts). We could feel it in the openings and braced for it, but protected by the trees otherwise. Lots of twigs down and one tree down. Had to be mindful of what you were riding over. Surface otherwise was really nice. We were the only riders on the trail in April.
Camped in our motorhome at Boehner Park, campground in Malvern. Only 100 yards from the campground to the trail. Day number one we rode north from Malverne to Silver city. 16 miles round-trip. Day number two, we rode Malverne to Shenandoah. 48 miles round-trip. Majority of the sections we rode were tree covered. Great for the shade, but the trail was soft and rotted, as it had rained two days earlier.
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.
I am on this trail frequently walking or biking. You get a great view of the lake. It's very smooth for the exception of the gravel path. When I bike I just take the path to the road and then back into the park, getting back on the path. I highly recommend this trail!
This trail is a great example of what a group of volunteers can do. If you go to use this trail please support the trail by buying a pass or making a donation. The trail is not supported or maintained by a government entity or tax dollars.
Most of the trail is in very good condition. You may find some of the southern portions not as well traveled but still easily passable.
The trails ends in a gully. It looks like they are revising the water drainage, but there’s no warning signs until the trail abruptly ends at a impassable gully.
Rode the entire trail today. The ride is pretty however very hard to enjoy due to poor condition of the trail. The seams are very rough and major patch work though out the trail. First part of the trail from Water Works Park to Cummings, IA is not as bad but south of Cummings is very very bumpy. I hope there are some resurfacing upgrades scheduled soon. I would not ride it again. The Iowa Distillery in Cummings was a great stop.
The entire 2 mile rail trail is asphalt and very easy grade. You can take the Poh Hollow Park trail for some more adventurous hiking. Smooth wide grass path with some good hill terrain. Can also add in Trace Dragoon Nature Center for a nice informational trail. I’m guessing it adds about a mile.
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