Explore the best rated trails in Marshalltown, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and Old Creamery Nature Trail . With more than 81 trails covering 4270 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 wanted to ride the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail while I was in the area. I started from Deerwood Road near Deerwood Park. I rode about 4 miles until 11th street where the trail was closed. I crossed the river north of there and rode a trail on the other side of the river which was also closed at 11th street. Doing research I am not sure if it is all closed or not. I will return in the future and hope this will be open. Traveling cyclist Facebook
In early September 2024 I started this Cedar Valley Trail in Evansdale and headed south. The trail was paved but it has a lot of big perpendicular cracks and little sink spots that detract from the enjoyment. Too bad they haven't paint marked the bad spots that you cannot see when they're in shadow. It is one of the rougher trails I have ridden and I was begging for it to turn into crushed stone. At Miller Creek Road the trail was closed. I believe it's where the much wanted gravel section would have started. I think they are paving the gravel parts so the new parts should be good when completed. I was anxious to ride this trail but I was a little let down by the condition and the closing. 4 stars for surface condition.
Traveling cyclist
Facebook
I started this trail at Deerwood Park and rode it to the connection to the Evansdale Trail and back. I noticed going east on the south side it has a sign bike trail ONE WAY and vice versa in the north side heading west. 5 stars for this shorty. Traveling cyclist Facebook
Beautiful trail, highly recommend! A bit bumpy in spots, but very well maintained!
Super connector trail between Johnston trails and Des Moines trails. Just one of many good trails in the greater Des Moines area. 5 stars Traveling cyclist Facebook
I have ridden this trail on numerous occasions though I have not seen the bridge lit up at night. There is another reason to return to this fantastic trail! 5 stars from this rider. 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.
A friend and I from Virginia stopped to do the High Trestle Trail in mid July on our way to South Dakota and enjoyed it very much. Very unique, beautiful area and the other bicyclists were very friendly. We stopped at the Flat Tire for a snack and my friend had a beer. Trail surface was clean. It was a great way to break up our long drive.
Seb
We ( recumbent trike & e-bike) headed West from the Kiwanis park. Turned around after 9km as the surface was really tough on the trike. There’s 2 good wheel tracks for bikes, but the trike had to ride partially in the coarse trail ballast. Scenic area with farm views and a huge windmill farm in the distance.
I most recently rode the trail on the end of July 2024 from Howell Station Campground to the termination by Cordoba Park. It’s a wonderfully curvy and hilly trail. The hills are long and gentle and the views are great. It seems most of it was shaded. There were some cracks but most of it was smooth and any cracks were manageable. Going the other direction from my start would take you into Pella which is mostly uphill and not a lot of shade. I would highly recommend this trail my favorite being the part I ride along Lake Red Rock. traveling cyclist Facebook
I stumbled upon this trail exploring the Summerset State park and it was a very pleasant surprise all the way through! Wonderfully paved with blacktop (with only a couple clearly marked bumps here and there) it passes sweeping countryside vistas of farmland/crop land as well as long stretches of tree tunnels and woods. My favorite part was passing over the charming wooden trestle bridges going over the rushing streams and babbling brooks. My only regret was that I didn’t do more of the trail, I’ll definitely check this out again when I’m passing through the area.
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