Find the top rated birding trails in Fort Dodge, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_135458_st.jpg)
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.
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.
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.
This trail has much less use than others in town. Watch out for the many deer
The Woodward-to-Perry Connector in the High Trestle Trail was long planned, requiring new bridges, land acquisition/donation and careful design. The result is spectacular. I rode this today on a cool Autumn day through harvested farm fields and along streams. The views are superb. The trail surface (paved concrete) is top notch. It crosses a few well-marked country roads but otherwise is a dedicated nature trail for hiking and biking. The entire route from Woodward to Perry is separated path except for two blocks of residential side street in Bouton. Although brand new, this trail is seeing use: groups of cyclists went by; numerous hikers and runners were out; and small kids on bikes near Perry were using it. It exits into residential streets in Perry that are well signposted to guide one to downtown or to the other trails beginning in Perry. Hats off to the County board of supervisors and the numerous volunteers and donors who made this happen.
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
I rode from 1st street in Ankeny north to Slater then west to just outside of Perry. The map shows it is broken just west of Woodward but it in fact continues into Perry. I think it’s the HT Trail to Raccoon RV trail but there is not a map for that one. Definitely a 5 star trail! Traveling cyclist Facebook
I have ridden this trail on numerous occasions though I have not seen the bridge lit up at night. There is another reason to return to this fantastic trail! 5 stars from this rider. Traveling cyclist Facebook
A mile or so south of Lake View the trail is closed for another mile. Not to worry. You can take the highway south just short of the RR tracks, and take the gravel road to the end. The trail starts up again there.
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.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
_0_st.jpg)
_0_st.jpg)
