Find the top rated running trails in Grinnell, 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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This odds a beautiful trail except that is closed at the half way point and we could not find anything online telling us when it would reopen. We were expecting to take a 30 mile round trip ride today only took a 13.5 mile ride.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
Rode the High Trestle trail round trip between Slater and Woodbridge on Tuesday, 4-21-26. Rode a total of 26.9 miles starting at the west Slater trailhead. Nice bathrooms and lots of parking there, with easy access to both the High Trestle trail (going south or west) and the Heart of Iowa trail (going east). The trail surface is fantastic; wide trail with new concrete, and mowed grass on both sides much of the way. Of course the highlight of this ride was the High Trestle bridge. We spent time at each of the six viewing platforms on the bridge as well as the scenic overlook on the west side. Overall, a great ride. We will do this one again sometime.
Rode the Heart of Iowa trail east from Slater to the Skunk River bridge area, and back, on Monday, 4-20-26. It was 65F with a SE wind at 17 to 25 (windy!). The trail surface was concrete in excellent condition! The trail is exposed to the wind between Slater and Huxley. The last 1.5 miles into Huxley was on surface streets. We ride rail trails so we are not exposed to the dangers presented by cars, so this was a surprise and a disappointment. The landowners who refused to grant the trail a right-of-way allowed their NIMBYism to prevent themselves from putting something beautiful in the world. The portion of the trail within Huxley could benefit from signage; there is virtually none. The Skunk River bridge was the highlight of this section of the trail; great views! If we had a do-over, we would have started in Huxley, skipping the Slater - Huxley section which is not as scenic and requires time with car traffic.
Walked part of the trail starting in Gladbtook yesterday 4/10/2026. Very nice trail enjoyed the walk. Very well maintained!
Great trail , well maintained, not a lot of ruts. Beer and food stops on both ends. Mainly flat and shaded.
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.
I had only done a small portion of the trail back in July with some of it being closed. This time, all clear and it was a great ride!! Started in downtown Pella and went the distance to Cordova. The ride had a good mix of ups and downs, bridges, lake views, sun and shade and lots of curves!! Very enjoyable and plenty of places to stop for a snack and a few bathrooms as well! We explored the trail on the other side of the river near the campground as well. Almost 40 miles round trip, definitely worth doing again!!!
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
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