Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Grinnell, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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
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!
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.
We rode the full trail from Washington to Keota, Over all a great afternoon ride. A couple of gophers holes to dodge, but the trail is in pretty good shape.
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.
Heart of Iowa trail is now paved concrete from Huxley to Collins. It’s a great 33 miles RT ride with great views of Iowa farmland. Sidetrip in Maxwell to see Story County Freedom Rock (all 99 Iowa counties have a mural painted rock) and refuel in Collins at Sweet Oaks Bakery + Bistro.
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
Nice easy flat ride with a lake on one side and housed on the other
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