Find the top rated hike trails in Clarion, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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.
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.
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 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
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.
Good trail with some interesting history. Most scenic part with rivers and streams by the trail is south of Rolfe to Humeston. Road the trail on August 9, 2024. FYI the bridge over the DesMoines River south of Rolfe a few miles is out, and trail is closed for that section, but can bypass to Bradgate on the road to get back on.
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