Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Grinnell, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_45895_st.jpg)
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
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
Great trail, flat and smooth. Monroe has Jersey Freeze about 1/2 mile from trailhead- best ice cream esp the Van and Bonbon shake. Then Prairicty has Goldie’s restaurant which has the best tenderloin sandwiches and strips. The trailhead in prairie city is at west end of town by Casey’s gas. It has running water and real toilets . Has an oversized steel buffalo for a great photo shoot. You can continue your ride following the road to up and over the bridge to south of trailhead and then immediately left into the Neil Smith Wildlif Refuge- designated bike lanes on each side of roar and a 4+ mile pedal to the educational center. There are a few good hills to challenge you. Look to west and you might see the buffalo and elk.
The trail is now all concrete from Huxley to Collins (used to turn to cinder just past Cambridge over the Skunk River bridge). Great ride and a mix of sun and shade. Not too hilly or flat. Trail is in great shape as it is new concrete. Parking and bathroom facility in Huxley at the Railroad Park. 34 mile round trip to Collins. Highly recommend.
While this is not the first ride on this trail, it is a more seasonal ride. First and foremost, e we started in early spring from Dysart. The weather was not great, nor was the trail; very soft and potholes everywhere fire a mile. We turned around. Today however, we took some mild “advice” from another reviewer; started in Garrison and headed east. VERY well-maintained trail. Trail bed is wide, mature, manicured, etc. The substrate is very even and surface not lumpy nor pock-marked. While there were many branches overhanging the trail bed, the relief the wooded nature provided was very welcome in the summer heat. Very pleased, we’ll be back many more times to come. To this point, I foresee much opportunity in the winter with snowshoes and/or x-country skis.
Very nice trail but numerous sections closed for renovations. Good it's being maintained. Work in progress as of 6/30/2025.
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.
Sections of the trail are being closed for resurfacing. They replaced the blacktop to Ivan's campground with cement which is a massive improvement. Glad to see this beautiful trail being maintained.
I rode the length of this trail many years ago. I recently in mid June 2025 rode from Center Point to the outskirts of Cedar Rapids. I was surprised that it was glass smooth asphalt ( I was expecting crushed stone as it was when I rode it before) the whole 12 or 13 miles. One of the best trails in Iowa. 5 stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook
Wonderful trail. The bridge is amazing. Make sure you ride it at night when it's lit up!
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!
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
