Looking for the best trails around Thornton?

Explore the best rated trails in Thornton, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Brewer Creek Trail and Pine Lake Trail . With more than 28 trails covering 3912 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Blazing Star State Trail

a little hilly just beautiful!

July, 2025 by hreadfnp

Lots of shade, beautiful landscape. Lots of turns, great views of Albert Lea Lake. Not crowded on a Sunday. A little hilly. Loved it so much. This is one of our favorites!!

Franklin Grove Heritage Trail

Nice exploring

June, 2025 by d_ochsner

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.

Fort Dodge Nature Trail

More than expected

June, 2025 by shap

This trail has been extended all the way to Badger IA. Everything North of 170th street is nice new 10 foot wide concrete, they have done a great job of updating the old trail and bridges.

Accordion

Great American Rail-Trail

Warden to Lind

April, 2025 by howmarplus3

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.

Great American Rail-Trail

such a beautiful trail!

October, 2024 by sherryschie

We started in Akron and rode about 18 miles north. Loved it!!!

Three Rivers Trail

Damaged trail

October, 2024 by d_ochsner

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

Waverly Rail Trail

Nice trail

August, 2024 by dpate

I rode this trail in mid May 2024. There was a bridge being replaced without a detour around. I would guess about five miles out of Waverly. I then went to Denver and rode the other way to the closure. It’s a good trail that could by now be complete again so I plan to return soon. 5 stars Traveling cyclist Facebook

NIACC Trail

Short and sweet

August, 2024 by dpate

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

Winnebago Trail

Great trail

August, 2024 by dpate

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

Trolley Trail (Clear Lake/Mason City)

Great commuter trail

August, 2024 by dpate

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

Charley Western Recreational Trailway

Great trail!

August, 2024 by dpate

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

Harry Cook Nature Trail

Nice short trail

August, 2024 by dpate

This is a good trail but pretty short. 5 stars.. Traveling cyclist Facebook

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