Explore the best rated trails in Mystic, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the John King Trail and Competine Trail . With more than 9 trails covering 57 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 found this trail while riding the Fairfield loop that it intersects with on the south side. It’s a nice well packed crushed stone trail with a couple nice bridges and a pit toilet along with benches. I only road the off road part of the trail as I turned around when it changed to gravel roads. I rate this trail 5 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I thoroughly enjoyed riding this trail in early August 2024. I rode every direction and back more than once. I really liked the old bridge with the eagle blind. If I lived here I would ride this everyday. Five stars!
Traveling cyclist
Facebook
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
The majority of this trail is well paved with a bit of street riding needed. Nice mix of park-like and country setting with small bits of hill climb. Was surprised to read a sign saying no fast biking allowed only to meet a golf cart on the path. Would highlight recommend this path for an hour plus ride.
Lived in this town most of my life so I've walked these trails many times during spring and summer and always loved it.
We entered from the west end, not far from the Cordoba Tower. We rode with our granddaughter on a tag along. We only went about 6 miles and turned around as that is good for a four year-old. The trails were smooth with gentle hills and great views of the lake. The tower is a fun added bonus. We will return later in the fall.
I'm local to the area and ride this trail frequently. The trail is primarily paved concrete. There are sections of the designated trail which are also City streets; however, signs have been added to the route in the past couple of years to identify the trail.
The trail is relatively flat, with some areas of elevation, but not overly challenging for most regular riders. The trail is also designated as a recreation trail. Trail users include walkers, runners, bikers, electric scooters, and golf carts (limited to 20 mph or less). Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail; however, I have witnessed instances of individuals using them on the recreation trail.
Overall, this is a great trail and it's well maintained for the most part. I did have one instance of a collision with a golf cart on the trail. The collision occurred on a somewhat blind corner and resulted in my front tire rim becoming bent. The golf cart was driven by a young teenager. Unfortunately, city ordinances do not prohibit golf carts on the trail and do not put any restrictions on the age for golf cart users. Exercise caution when it comes to golf cart users on the trail.
Awesome trail Uphill ride into Pella Don’t forget to stop at the Peanut Pub across from a great bike shop for a craft beer. Perfect experience
Can ride through county park which gives you 6.8 miles in total. Can’t wait for a trail extension but overall great addition for Knoxville
Wish they would resurface cuz two thirds of the trail is extremely rough and takes away from the enjoyment. Has the potential to be outstanding.
This is nearly a primitive trail. It needs funding and maintained . A mile section between Derby and Humelston is completely overgrown. I had the handlebars jerk out of my hands on 3 different sections. The cinder portion is ok and rideable but some gravel patches are very soft causing almost abrupt slowdowns. Numerous rest shelters are completely overgrown by brush and weeds. The bridges have warnings at both end to get off and walk across because of the uneven planks. I have ridden most all Iowa trails and this is the worst for condition. It is a shame as some of the terrain is quite pretty. But even in July stagnant water and mosquitos were bad. I crashed on the trail due to the very rough uneven surfaces. It would make a good hiking trail. If you ride it you will want wide tires and suspension. I had a hard tail front suspension carbon mountain bike and it was a rough ride.
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