Coon Rapids, IA Walking Trails and Maps

203 Reviews

Looking for the best Walking trails around Coon Rapids?

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

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
34 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Beaverbrooke Park Trail

2.4 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Clive Greenbelt Trail

7.9 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

Heart of the Warrior Trail

3 mi
State: IA
Concrete

High Trestle Trail

31.74 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

James Street Trail

2.7 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

Rock Island Old Stone Arch Nature Trail

3.75 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Russell White Nature Trail

3.8 mi
State: IA
Ballast, Grass

Sauk Rail Trail

33.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Sugar Creek Trail (IA)

1.4 mi
State: IA
Concrete

T-Bone Trail

19.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Twin Lakes Trail

7 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Jordan Creek Trail

8.6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Wheels to Heels Trail

3.8 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Ballpark to Ballpark Trail

1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Bob Layton Trail

1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt
Accordion

Bull Creek Pathway

0.6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Galloping Goose Trail (IA)

0.5 mi
State: IA
Ballast, Dirt, Grass

Grand Prairie Parkway Trail

3 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Green Meadows North Trail

1.02 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Hiawatha Trail (IA)

2.5 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Lions Park Trail

1.1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Little Walnut Creek Trail

1.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Long Meadow Trail

1.28 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Meredith Drive Trail

3.5 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Mills Civic Parkway Trail

4 mi
State: IA
Concrete

North Atlantic Trails System

5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel

Riverside Park Trail (IA)

3.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Timberline Park Trail

1.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Walnut Trace Park Trail

1.6 mi
State: IA
Concrete
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Covering the majority of the northern side of the small suburban community of Grimes, IA, the Beaverbrooke Park Trail offers a lovely paved route along the tree-lined path of an irrigation ditch....
IA 2.4 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
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 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
The High Trestle Trail, which spans 31.4 miles across Iowa, is one of the most pristine and highly trafficked trails in Iowa—even at night. The trail’s popularity is largely due to its famous...
IA 31.74 mi Asphalt, Concrete
As the name implies, the High Trestle Trail to Raccoon River Valley Trail Connector is a 9-mile paved trail that connects the High Trestle Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail. About the...
IA 9 mi 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
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 Rock Island Old Stone Arch Nature Trail travels nearly 4 miles along an asphalt path atop a former railbed once owned by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. Starting near an I-80 on-ramp,...
IA 3.75 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Russell White Nature Trail runs for nearly 4 miles through a landscape of forest, pasture and prairie and links the tiny community of Lanesboro with open space to the southwest of the town. The...
IA 3.8 mi Ballast, Grass
The Sauk Rail Trail offers some of the best riding in rural, west-central Iowa. The paved 33-mile trail is capped at either end by a state park and offers a diverse mix of views and experiences in...
IA 33.2 mi Asphalt, Concrete
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 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 Twin Lakes Trail forms a loop around North Twin Lake, one of a pair of gorgeous glacial lakes in rural northwestern Iowa. The concrete trail takes users through state and county parks, with ample...
IA 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
Running through a beautiful expanse of woods and fields just a short distance east of Denison, Iowa, the Wheels to Heels Trail offers residents and visitors to this western Iowa community an...
IA 3.8 mi Concrete
The Ballpark to Ballpark Trail quite logically gets its name from the two ballparks situated at either end of its route and the increased connections it will create. Funded almost entirely by the...
IA 1 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
Accordion
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
The Galloping Goose Trail is so called for the nickname of the old railroad that once ran through the area and upon which the trail sits. Along with the neighboring Raccoon River Valley Trail system,...
IA 0.5 mi Ballast, Dirt, Grass
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
Running through suburban neighborhoods on the western edge of Johnston, IA, the Green Meadows North Trail offers a pleasant dose of nature and serves as a great recreational amenity for nearby...
IA 1.02 mi Asphalt
The Hiawatha Trail provides a convenient way to cross Perry's northeastern neighborhoods and provides a connection to Raccoon River Valley Trail, a scenic 89-mile rail-trail. The east end of the...
IA 2.5 mi Concrete
The Lions Park Trail provides a charming path alongside a little creek in the suburb of Grimes, IA, far to the northwest on the outskirts of the Des Moines area. This short trail provides a perfect...
IA 1.1 mi Concrete
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
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 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
The Riverside Trail (or Riverside Park Trail) meanders alongside Middle Raccoon River. The trail begins on Velvet Avenue and 320th Street in Coon Rapids, Iowa and wanders into the riparian woodland on...
IA 3.5 mi Asphalt
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
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

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

High Trestle Trail to Raccoon River Valley Trail Connector

Super trail!

July, 2025 by dpate

I rode this trail in Sept 2024 before I knew it existed. I left a review on the HTT. SUPER connector trail between two great 5 star trails. I rode it on a weekday in late July 2025 and never saw a soul but I did see some wildlife.
I rate this 5 stars!

Traveling cyclist
Facebook

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.

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.

High Trestle Trail

Wonderful trail. The bridge is amazing. Make sure you ride it at night when it's lit up!

June, 2025 by jhicok_tl

Wonderful trail. The bridge is amazing. Make sure you ride it at night when it's lit up!

High Trestle Trail

epic ride

June, 2025 by sciteach5759_tl

We rode this as part of a 3 state Midwest trip. This was our first ride. We loved the trail, the historical information, the scenery, and the workout! We went back at night and walked the bridge end to end in a nearly full moon. The lit up part of the bridge was worth the trip back. A must-do ride!

High Trestle Trail

Beautiful

May, 2025 by sjf0809

Since I was traveling through the area on my way back to Ohio, I made a point of seeing the bridge with its fancy artwork. It was worth it. Weather didn't allow me to do much more than Madrid to Woodward and back. The cement trail was wide and clean. The bridge was great. There are informational signs before and on the bridge. After dark (and a rainstorm) I went from the trail parking lot in Madrid to across the bridge, to the viewing area and back. The 30 mph winds made it very breezy while on the bridge, but the lights made it so cool. I would encourage others to see it in daylight and again when the lights are on.

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.

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