Explore the best rated trails in Rowan, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Rolling Prairie Trail and Shell Rock River Trail (Butler County Nature Trail) . With more than 31 trails covering 3921 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.
This trail is short but sweet. I rode it on a Saturday in early August 2025 and there were very few people on it. Very enjoyable! I rate it 5 stars!
Traveling cyclist
Facebook
I’m not from the area, but was camping nearby for a few days and decided to come check this trail out. First, it extends further North and South than the 0.6 miles. I parked at the swimming pool (unfortunately closed) and my round trip ride was almost 5.8 miles. It was all hard surfaces, no crushed limestone/rock. To the south lots of shade over the trail, while heading north of town it was more open. Between 1st & 3rd streets the addition of glowing flakes/rocks? (It’s all smooth) have been added for an interesting night-time effect.
Ok section, kind of dull. Agriculture & cows. Found a bit of shade by a grain elevator for lunch. Several washouts filled with tumbleweeds as you get closer to Lind.
This trail has much less use than others in town. Watch out for the many deer
We started in Akron and rode about 18 miles north. Loved it!!!
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
This is a great short trail. It takes you from the east side of Mason City to NIACC. It’s a scenic trail at some points. Traveling cyclist Facebook
It’s not a super long trail but scenic and it connects some of the local recreation spots. It connects to the Line Creek trail in the north. I live here and I ride it often. 5 stars from me on this one. Traveling cyclist Facebook
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 have ridden this trail twice. If I lived in Charles City I would ride it everyday. It is a great trail that I recommend highly. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I live near here so I have ridden this trail numerous times. It’s a good gravel trail that is road bikeable. I road it with 700X38 at 17/18 MPH without issue. It’s a good trail that should be extending southwest in the future. I give it 4 stars only for not much shade and no porta potties. Traveling cyclist Facebook
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