Find the top rated running trails in Diagonal, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The trail is really nice. It is very quiet without any crowds. I rode from Council Bluffs to Shenandoah and only saw a few people on the entire trail. One thing that surprised me was how little water was available on the trail. In rode 45 miles of the trail and did not see a single water fountain or bottle filler the entire time. I had to buy water at Casey’s to fill my bottles.
Super windy this week. Tree down covering trail at Malvern so we went the other direction. Lots of twigs and branches down that way too. Ride with caution.
I said I rode in 2025 but I see no way to edit. I rode Sept 2024. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode this trail in mid September 2025. I started at the north end not knowing there is a rail closure at Count Line Road and Hwy 28. It continues to a mile and a half north of the Chicken Restaurant. The trail was open the rest of the way to Martinsdale. The older asphalt sections have plenty of cracks and is rough. The cement sections are heaven. I think eventually it will all be cement. Wonderful mostly shaded ride through the country. I give it five stars even with the rough sections. It’s another great long trail away from the death machines.
We were hoping to ride this entire trail this morning but were unsuccessful. We started south out of Cumming and it was SO bumpy that we turned around after about three miles. Riding north of Cumming we encountered the same bumpy patched up trail until we encountered a trail closed sign. I couldn’t really enjoy the scenery as I had to keep a close eye on the trail. The trail at the street crossings was concrete for a few yards on either side which was wonderful. We left the trail after only riding nine miles. We were disappointed in the condition of the Great Western trail and won’t ride it again unless it gets a major facelift.
I rode from Martensdale to north of Cummings about 12 miles July 2024. The path is patched up and there are some rough cracks still but if you watch it you would be fine. There are some sections that have been replaced with cement which are heavenly. There is also some newer asphalt. I would recommend riding this trail if you are in the area, it's very scenic. I saw deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, chipmunks, various birds, and even a cat. I rode a road bike with 700X45 tires.
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Shenandoah to Malvern. We rode in significant wind (35 mph gusts). We could feel it in the openings and braced for it, but protected by the trees otherwise. Lots of twigs down and one tree down. Had to be mindful of what you were riding over. Surface otherwise was really nice. We were the only riders on the trail in April.
Camped in our motorhome at Boehner Park, campground in Malvern. Only 100 yards from the campground to the trail. Day number one we rode north from Malverne to Silver city. 16 miles round-trip. Day number two, we rode Malverne to Shenandoah. 48 miles round-trip. Majority of the sections we rode were tree covered. Great for the shade, but the trail was soft and rotted, as it had rained two days earlier.
Mostly asphalt that could use some work. Looks like they will be resurfacing the section south of Cumming fall of 2023. The Chicken and the Iowa Distillery are definitely worth the ride.
I am on this trail frequently walking or biking. You get a great view of the lake. It's very smooth for the exception of the gravel path. When I bike I just take the path to the road and then back into the park, getting back on the path. I highly recommend this trail!
This trail is a great example of what a group of volunteers can do. If you go to use this trail please support the trail by buying a pass or making a donation. The trail is not supported or maintained by a government entity or tax dollars.
Most of the trail is in very good condition. You may find some of the southern portions not as well traveled but still easily passable.
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