Afton, IA Dog Walking Trails and Maps

191 Reviews

Looking for the best Dog Walking trails around Afton?

Find the top rated dog walking trails in Afton, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
56 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Carlisle Nature Trail

3.17 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Clive Greenbelt Trail

7.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Ewing Park Trail

0.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi
State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Green Valley Lake Trail

3.5 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Heart of the Warrior Trail

3 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Inter-Urban Trail

1.3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

James Street Trail

2.7 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Little River Scenic Pathway

1.8 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Mapleleaf Pathway

1.5 mi
State: IA
Grass, Gravel

Mark C. Ackelson Trail

6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Neal Smith Trail

24.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Northwest 62nd Avenue Trail

3.1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Raccoon River Valley Trail

88.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Ringgold Trailway

2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Sugar Creek Trail (IA)

1.4 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Summerset Trail

12 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

T-Bone Trail

19.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Cinder Path

13.5 mi
State: IA
Cinder, Crushed Stone

Colby Woods Trail

3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt
Accordion

Easter Lake Spine Trail

1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Great Western Trail (IA)

19 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Jerry Kelley Trail

2.7 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Jordan Creek Trail

8.6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Kruidenier Trail

1.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Lamoni Rail-Trail

4.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Park to Park Trail

4.4 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

East Hillcrest Trail

0.8 mi
State: IA
Concrete

McVay Trail

1.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Bill Riley Trail

2.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

John Pat Dorrian Trail

3.4 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Ashawa Greenway Trail

0.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Bob Layton Trail

1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Bull Creek Pathway

0.6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Coronado Park Trail

0.4 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Des Moines River Trail

2.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Grand Prairie Parkway Trail

3 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Johnston to Urbandale Trail

2.73 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Knolls Greenway Trail

1.1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Lenox Multi-Purpose Trail

0.25 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Little Walnut Creek Trail

1.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Long Meadow Trail

1.28 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Martin Luther King Jr. Trail

1.1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Meredith Drive Trail

3.5 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Meredith Trail

5.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Mills Civic Parkway Trail

4 mi
State: IA
Concrete

North Atlantic Trails System

5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel

Principal Riverwalk

1.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Southeast Connector Trail

3.09 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Stanton Greenbelt Trail

1.5 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Timberline Park Trail

1.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Walnut Creek Trail (Iowa)

3.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Walnut Trace Park Trail

1.6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Waveland Trail

1.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

West Des Moines Levee Trail

1.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Westridge Greenway Trail

0.98 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Opened in 2016, the Carlisle Nature Trail is a beautiful way to experience the natural beauty of the small Iowa community of Carlisle, located about a dozen miles southeast of Des Moines. Running...
IA 3.17 mi Concrete
Closure Notice: The Clive Greenbelt Trail is closed eastward from Campbell Park until October 2025. While Greater Des Moines is flush with multiuse trails, the 7.9-mile Clive Greenbelt Trail really...
IA 7.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Ewing Park Trail is a paved path, perfect for a short bike ride or jog, located in the city of Des Moines' Ewing Park. One of the city's largest public parks, the park is home to a popular lilac...
IA 0.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...
DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY 3743.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
The Green Valley Lake Trail is a developing multi-use trail around the perimeter of its namesake lake, located within the popular Green Valley State Park just north of Creston, Iowa. As of 2019, the...
IA 3.5 mi Concrete
The Heart of the Warrior Trail runs east-west through Waukee, a small city in the Greater Des Moines area. On its east end, the trail begins in Lions Park. Here, it connects to the popular Clive...
IA 3 mi Concrete
Des Moines' Inter-Urban Trail was opened in 1998 on the abandoned tracks of the Urbandale streetcar line. Residents and visitors of Iowa could ride the electric-powered trolley from Urbandale to Des...
IA 1.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The James Street Trail begins on Meredith Drive in Urbandale and stretches over two and half miles north into the neighboring municipality of Grimes. The concrete trail is generally flat and easy to...
IA 2.7 mi Concrete
Since 1994, the Little River Scenic Pathway has offered something for everyone to enjoy. Users can enjoy nature while hiking, biking, jogging or exercising at fitness areas along the trail or by...
IA 1.8 mi Concrete
The Mapleleaf Pathway is located in the small community of Diagonal, Iowa. The trail occupies an abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway corridor, which once formed part of a larger system that...
IA 1.5 mi Grass, Gravel
It may be hard to believe now when you see children laughing on the playground and neighbors out on a morning jog but Easter Lake and the park that surrounds it sit on the site of a coal mine that...
IA 6 mi Concrete
Part of an expansive trail network in the Greater Des Moines region, the 24.5-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area...
IA 24.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Northwest 62nd Avenue Trail is a wide sidepath in Johnston, IA, that serves as an important off-road connector between many of the trails in the city's well-developed trail system and the greater...
IA 3.1 mi Concrete
On the western outskirts of Des Moines, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quintessential central Iowa experience. Over its 88.2-mile span, trail users can traverse woodlands, prairie, and...
IA 88.2 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Ringgold Trailway connects the eastern edge of the small city of Mount Ayr with Poe Hollow County Park, a little less than 2 miles away. The trail was built on a former railroad right-of-way, and...
IA 2 mi Asphalt
Connecting neighborhoods to parks and trails in the center of Waukee, a small but fast-growing suburb west of Des Moines, the Sugar Creek Trail helps provide an easy way to bike or walk around the...
IA 1.4 mi Concrete
The Summerset Trail links the two central Iowa communities of Indianola and Carlisle, both of which have embraced the trail, including providing helpful signs at each end with clear directions for...
IA 12 mi Asphalt
The T-Bone Trail stretches nearly 20 miles between Audubon and Pymosa township in western Iowa. The paved pathway follows a former railroad right-of-way and offers beautiful countryside views. On the...
IA 19.6 mi Asphalt
The Cinder Path in southern Iowa is notable as the state’s first rail-to-trail conversion. Following a shady route past farms and wetlands along the Chariton River between Chariton and Humeston for...
IA 13.5 mi Cinder, Crushed Stone
Residents enjoy getting outside and onto this popular Urbandale trail thanks to its ease and connectivity to neighborhoods, parks and other trails. The trail begins just above Douglas Avenue, crossing...
IA 3 mi Asphalt
Accordion
A short, paved trail that connects neighborhoods and preserved open space to the Mark C. Ackelson Trail at Easter Lake Park, the Easter Lake Spine Trail is a useful asset to the community and forms a...
IA 1 mi Concrete
Built on a former section of the Chicago Great Western Railroad (built in 1893), the Great Western Trail spans 19 miles between Des Moines and Martensdale.  About the Route The trail's northern...
IA 19 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Jerry Kelley Trail, named for the city of Indianola's former long-tenured mayor, provides a great community pathway that links residents to schools, local parks, and the city's pair of fantastic...
IA 2.7 mi Concrete
The Jordan Creek Trail is a pleasant suburban trail that connects neighborhoods with shopping and retail, schools, and recreational amenities. The trail gets its name from the Jordan Creek, which it...
IA 8.6 mi Concrete
The Kruidenier Trail cuts through beautifully landscaped areas around Gray’s Lake and leads you into downtown Des Moines. The park offers a permanent on-site bike rental facility, restrooms, and a...
IA 1.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Lamoni Rail-Trail, also called the Lamoni Recreation Trail, is a delightful route through the downtown area, with a side loop through the campus of Graceland University. You can begin the trail at...
IA 4.7 mi Asphalt
So named because it travels between McKinley Park in Creston and Green Valley State Park to the north of town, the Park to Park Trail provides over four miles of paved, multi-use trail to help connect...
IA 4.4 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The East Hillcrest Trail is a short suburban trail located in the community of Indianola. Running along the avenue of the same name, the trail provides several important local connections, linking the...
IA 0.8 mi Concrete
The 1.6-mile McVay Trail in Indianola provides a paved route for cyclists, walkers and joggers between East 5th Street and Pickard Park. The trail follows the bed of the former Chicago, Burlington and...
IA 1.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Bill Riley Trail delivers a short but immersive trail experience in a tranquil natural setting. The trail begins at the southern end of the Walnut Creek Trail, and follows the creek into Ashworth...
IA 2.7 mi Asphalt
The John Pat Dorrian Trail, formerly known as the East River Trail, runs for nearly 3.5 miles from Pete Crivaro Park in south Des Moines to Birdland Park and Marina just north of downtown. At this...
IA 3.4 mi Asphalt
Constructed in a lovely corridor that runs in between suburban neighborhoods in West Des Moines, the Ashawa Greenway Trail offers a short but pleasant paved path that serves both as a means of...
IA 0.7 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Bob Layton Trail, dedicated in 2014 and named in honor of the city of Urbandale's former city manager, offers a little over a mile of paved trail through the city's Walnut Creek Regional Park. A...
IA 1 mi Asphalt
The Bull Creek Pathway is a short neighborhood path with a lot of use. The multi-use pathway runs parallel to Bull Creek and links Harl-Holt Park to Washington Elementary, Schuler Elementary and...
IA 0.6 mi Concrete
In the City of the Urbandale, the Coronado Park Trail runs from the Dunlap Park and Arboretum to Coronado Park on Sanders Drive. At its northern endpoint, this short paved trail can be accessed via a...
IA 0.4 mi Asphalt
Take a morning bike ride or evening stroll on the Des Moines River Trail. The paved trail diverges from the Meredith Trail and Prinicipal Riverwalk, continuing for 2.6 miles downstream to the James W....
IA 2.6 mi Asphalt
A newly constructed six-lane highway built to accommodate the rapidly expanding suburb of Waukee, the Grand Prairie Parkway was designed to serve a variety of needs, and the accompanying Grand Prairie...
IA 3 mi Concrete
Providing a pleasant off-road route between the two Des Moines suburbs of Urbandale and Johnston, the Johnston to Urbandale Trail also serves as one of the main points of connection from Urbandale's...
IA 2.73 mi Asphalt
Helping to connect three of the city of West Des Moines' public parks - and allowing residents to access the parks safely via bike or on foot - the Knolls Greenway Trail provides a nice recreational...
IA 1.1 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The short Lenox Multi-Purpose Trail runs through open space behind the town's high school, following a portion of a railway corridor in disuse.
IA 0.25 mi Asphalt
Running along a pleasant wooded corridor that follows the path of the Little Walnut Creek on the western outskirts of Urbandale, the Little Walnut Creek Trail is an excellent means of recreation for...
IA 1.9 mi Asphalt
The Long Meadow Trail is a quaint path in suburban Johnston, IA, popular with joggers and walkers from the various neighborhoods it runs through. The paved trail provides an important off-road...
IA 1.28 mi Asphalt
A sidepath trail located along the side of the adjacent busy parkway that shares its name, the Martin Luther King Jr. Trail may not provide the sort of pleasant, natural trail experience that other...
IA 1.1 mi Asphalt
Urbandale, Iowa is home to an extensive trails network; there are over 54 miles of trail spread across the city. The Meredith Drive Trail isn't necessarily the most scenic of the trails, it does form...
IA 3.5 mi Concrete
The Meredith Trail connects from downtown Des Moines west to Gray’s Lake Park. The trail picks up off where the Principal Riverwalk leaves off along the Des Moines River. At the confluence with...
IA 5.2 mi Asphalt
The Mills Civic Parkway Trail follows the route of its namesake roadway through suburban West Des Moines, helping to connect residents to popular destinations like local parks, schools, numerous shops...
IA 4 mi Concrete
Just north of the small Iowa city of Atlantic, a sprawling network of concrete multi-use trails have been built, enabling cyclists and pedestrians to safely explore the lovely natural landscape around...
IA 5 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel
To the residents of Lastrobe, the Lincoln Avenue Rails to Trails Greenway is more than a simple off-road path: it also a social asset, a place where community members of all ages and walks of life can...
IA 1.5 mi Asphalt
Named for the major project the city of Des Moines has undertaken to improve transportation and connectivity along the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in the southeastern section of downtown, the...
IA 3.09 mi Concrete
A concrete pathway that encircles the small community of Stanton, Iowa, the Stanton Greenbelt Trail gives residents a convenient recreation trail right in their backyards. The trail forms a semicircle...
IA 1.5 mi Concrete
The Timberline Park Trail forms a crucial link in the Urbandale area's trail network, while also offering a scenic experience for local residents in need of a neighborhood stroll. The northern end of...
IA 1.6 mi Asphalt
The Walnut Creek Trail serves as an important trail connector in West Des Moines. On its northern end, it seamlessly links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail, which heads west and, in turn, connects to the...
IA 3.2 mi Asphalt
Beginning at the end of the Bob Layton Trail in Urbandale, the Walnut Trace Park Trail allows walkers, cyclists, and others to continue exploring the peaceful meadows alongside Walnut Creek for over...
IA 1.6 mi Concrete
The Waveland Trail runs through the historic neighborhoods of Waveland Park, Waveland Woods and Waterbury in western Des Moines. Along the way, the trail passes a community center, library, golf...
IA 1.7 mi Asphalt
The West Des Moines Levee Trail was named in 2015 as one of the Top 10 most frequented trails in the Des Moines trail network. The trail is the connector between two other popular trails, Jordan Creek...
IA 1.2 mi Asphalt
The Westridge Greenway Trail spans just shy of a mile, running along a beautiful shaded corridor in the heart of suburban West Des Moines. The flat trail is a mixture of concrete and asphalt paths,...
IA 0.98 mi Asphalt, Concrete

Recent Trail Reviews

Raccoon River Valley Trail

Enjoyed riding on West trail

September, 2025 by 5q84tr5sc6

We really enjoyed riding from Panora almost to Adel and back. Really shady areas to ride and several bridges. The trail was really nice. Another day we road from Perry to Waukee and back and that is pretty much a straight ride. That’s good for little ones to learn. We felt that we like the west ride better. All in all was a good experience for the parts we road on.

Neal Smith Trail

Rainbow Riders day on the Neal Smith Trail

September, 2025 by bak2bay6

11 ladies/friends make up most of the Rainbow Riders from St Louis Mo. We raved about this trail. It's interesting and takes the rider through prairies, forests, and offers beautiful Visa points of Saylorville Lake. It's well maintained and has multiple entry points. We rode from the Saylorville Visitor Center and road out and back to the recreation area and beach which might be the end of the northern part of the trail. The twists and turns, hills and curves were exhilarating too. We'll talk about this trail and it'll remain in our memory books.

Raccoon River Valley Trail

My Hometown Trail

September, 2025 by rjbaja

I live in Jefferson and ride this trail pretty much every day. It's a big part of the reason I moved to this corner of Iowa. I've ridden every inch of it multiple times. Here are some general observations:

1. If you want smooth concrete, the north leg from Waukee to Herndon is for you. It's the newest leg of the trail and it's in really good condition. The southern leg from Waukee to Herndon and the leg from Herdon to Jefferson are a mixed bag in terms of pavement condition. There are some bumps and divots, but none of it is terrible and anyone who says it is hasn't ridden a lot of rail trails in other parts of the world.

2. Amenities are a mixed bag. You'll often find restrooms closed and many of the towns have no services at all. Your best bets if you need to make a stop are the trailheads in Waukee and Jefferson along with Adel and Perry.

3. Cell coverage is adequate over the entire trail length. This is not quite the back of beyond, but it's getting close in some parts. I typically carry a spare tube and bike tool, just in case.

4. Trail required a permit when I first moved out here. It no longer does, at least in Greene County. Not 100% sure regarding Dallas and Guthrie. Back in the day, rangers would routinely stop me in both Dallas and Guthrie, especially on weekends.

5. A round trip on the entire trail, including the leg to and from Jefferson, comes in at just under 100 miles in length.

6. If it's solitude you crave, the southern loop from just west of Adel all the way up to Jefferson is usually pretty much empty.

7. Any type of bike will work. I typically ride a singlespeed gravel bike with 40 mm tires, but road bikes and trikes are just fine too. There are times I combine parts of the trail with gravel and minimum maintenance roads and on those occasions I'll ride my Surly Karate Monkey with 3" 650b wheels. Anything goes.

8. Speaking of which, there are some interesting side trips on gravel worth taking including the hop to Brenton Aboretum near Dallas Center, the Bonnie and Clyde monument at Dexfield Park near Redfield and Bays Branch Wildlife Area and Springbok State Park between Panora and Yale. Camping at Sportsman Park near Dawson or Springbok State Park.

In summary, the RRVT is an iconic rail trail...one that every cyclist should ride at least once.


Accordion

Sugar Creek Trail (IA)

Nice but very hilly!

September, 2025 by cfarrar11

A beautiful trail that goes behind Sugar Creek Golf Course. The only drawback for me were the steep hills.

Neal Smith Trail

Great trail

August, 2025 by dpate

I have ridden this trail many times over the years. I rode it again in early August 2025. I noticed a lot of new cement near Cherry Glen area. The hills seem to get bigger as I get older! I rate it 5 stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook

Great Western Trail (IA)

Rough Road

August, 2025 by douglewis2000

I rode the trail several times in May June and early July 2025. It has been poorly maintained compared to other trails in Central Iowa and as a result it has a lot of rough spots with big cracks and holes. It’s a beautiful view along the way but the lack of maintenance and the data center s are a big detraction

Clive Greenbelt Trail

Trail Closed

July, 2025 by bcm8dfd6p2

Trail is closed from Campbell park eastward. Detour signs do not take you around the closure. Trail is closed through October 2025.

Little River Scenic Pathway

High quality trail - no lighting

July, 2025 by blake36

This is a high-quality, wide trail, mostly winding through trees, and an open area at the top of the hill past the cemetery. Hills are fairly steep. There are no lights on the trail, so at night most of it is quite dark. I went for it anyway, and it's nearly pitch black in places, but because the path is so well done, I still had no problems tripping on holes or branches. (A little nerve-wracking, but no physical troubles.)

Neal Smith Trail

Nice trail…

June, 2025 by curry.kevin27

Rode from Sycamore Trails (NW 66th St.) north to Big Creek Beach & Marina and back, ~33 miles round trip. Beautiful scenery, saw deer and other wildlife, many bridges, pretty smooth concrete and asphalt track. More bumpy in the state park than the other sections. Much of the trail was shady, which was appreciated on this hot, muggy day.

Cinder Path

A Hidden Gem in Southern Iowa: The Cinder Path Delivers Every Time

June, 2025 by vfletch5

The Cinder Path is one of Iowa’s hidden gems. I’ve ridden trails all over the state and Midwest, and this is still one of my favorites. It’s in great shape—smooth, fast, and well-maintained, with solid bridges and beautiful scenery. The covered bridge is a standout feature, and the rustic, unpaved surface adds to its charm. It’s quiet, remote, and feels like a true escape into nature. The communities of Chariton, Derby, and Humeston are lucky to have it.

This is not a MTB trail but also isn't a paved bike trail. I've ridden it after heavy rain and it was fine, road it last week in some light rain and it was in great shape. Grass section near Humeston was in good shape and not overgrown.

The trail is in the best shape I've ever seen it and I would recommend this to anyone.

Neal Smith Trail

Great in Des Moines

May, 2025 by tschmidt627

Took my road bike from Johnston to Des Moines. The parts close to Johnston are pretty bumpy. The bumps aren't ideal, but it's nothing unbearable. The closer you get to Des Moines, the smoother it gets. Awesome route by the river.

Clive Greenbelt Trail

Great Trail but mostly closed for 2025

May, 2025 by mhewett001

We have biked this trail and enjoyed it many times on our trips to Des Moines. Planned to bike it this time but when we arrived at the Campbell recreation area, we found out that it is closed all the way to NW 100th St. for the entirety of 2025 due to Construction on the interstate. There was no map of the detour at the recreation area, where the detour starts. There are good signs marking where the detour goes, but no indication of how far off the trail or for how long. Some of the detour is on other trails, but some of those trails go right along busy For Lane streets. I wouldn’t recommend the detour for anything but getting from one place to another, not for rec.

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