Leighton, IA Dog Walking Trails and Maps

292 Reviews

Looking for the best Dog Walking trails around Leighton?

Find the top rated dog walking trails in Leighton, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
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Type
47 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Carlisle Nature Trail

3.17 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Cedar View Trail

4.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel

Chichaqua Valley Trail

29.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Ewing Park Trail

0.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Fairfield Loop Trail

16 mi
State: IA
Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Gay Lea Wilson Trail

20.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi
State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

High Trestle Trail

31.74 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Inter-Urban Trail

1.3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Kewash Nature Trail

13.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Mahaska Community Recreation Trail

12 mi
State: IA
Concrete, Gravel

Mark C. Ackelson Trail

6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Oralabor Gateway Trail

5.2 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Ottumwa Trail System

10.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Red Rock Prairie Trail

9.75 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

River's Edge Trail (IA)

7.1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Summerset Trail

12 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Trestle to Trestle Trail

3.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Volksweg Trail

12.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Cinder Path

13.5 mi
State: IA
Cinder, Crushed Stone
Accordion

Easter Lake Spine Trail

1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Great Western Trail (IA)

19 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail

25.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass

Iowa 330/US 30 Trail

11.1 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Jerry Kelley Trail

2.7 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Kruidenier Trail

1.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Linn Creek Recreational Trail

10 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Neal Smith Trail

24.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Newton Hike and Bike Trail

6 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail

5.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Competine Trail

0.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

East Hillcrest Trail

0.8 mi
State: IA
Concrete

McVay Trail

1.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Bill Riley Trail

2.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

John Pat Dorrian Trail

3.4 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Chippewa Creek Trail

1.3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Des Moines River Trail

2.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Greenway Trail (Altoona)

1.1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Grinnell Trail

1.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

John King Trail

0.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Martin Luther King Jr. Trail

1.1 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Meredith Trail

5.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Principal Riverwalk

1.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

South Tama Recreation Trail

5.6 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Dirt

Southeast Connector Trail

3.09 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Walnut Creek Trail (Iowa)

3.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

West Des Moines Levee Trail

1.2 mi
State: IA
Asphalt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Opened in 2016, the Carlisle Nature Trail is a beautiful way to experience the natural beauty of the small Iowa community of Carlisle, located about a dozen miles southeast of Des Moines. Running...
IA 3.17 mi Concrete
The Cedar View Trail provides a connection between the small cities of Fairfield and Libertyville in southeastern Iowa. A trailhead with parking and information on the trail greets users at the...
IA 4.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel
The paved Chichaqua Valley Trail crosses nearly 30 miles of central Iowa farmland between the northeastern Des Moines suburbs and the rural community of Baxter. The trail’s name, pronounced...
IA 29.7 mi Asphalt
The Ewing Park Trail is a paved path, perfect for a short bike ride or jog, located in the city of Des Moines' Ewing Park. One of the city's largest public parks, the park is home to a popular lilac...
IA 0.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Fairfield Loop Trail forms a 16-mile ring around the town of Fairfield, mostly in the outlying areas of the countryside. The trail links two major preserves and connects city and county parks....
IA 16 mi Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel
Nestled in the suburbs of Des Moines and traveling through the towns of Ankeny, Berwick, Pleasant Hill, and Altoona, the Gay Lea Wilson Trail is named for a local advocate who first conceived of a...
IA 20.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...
DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY 3743.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
The High Trestle Trail, which spans 31.4 miles across Iowa, is one of the most pristine and highly trafficked trails in Iowa—even at night. The trail’s popularity is largely due to its famous...
IA 31.74 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Des Moines' Inter-Urban Trail was opened in 1998 on the abandoned tracks of the Urbandale streetcar line. Residents and visitors of Iowa could ride the electric-powered trolley from Urbandale to Des...
IA 1.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Kewash Nature Trail winds for nearly 14 miles between the towns of Keota and Washington. These endpoints were creatively combined to form the trail's name. The trail has a crushed limestone...
IA 13.8 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Mahaska Community Recreation Trail wraps around the southeast Iowan city, Oskaloosa, winding through neighborhoods, farmlands, community parks, and woodlands. Construction of the trail began in...
IA 12 mi Concrete, Gravel
It may be hard to believe now when you see children laughing on the playground and neighbors out on a morning jog but Easter Lake and the park that surrounds it sit on the site of a coal mine that...
IA 6 mi Concrete
The Oralabor Gateway Trail is a 5.2 mile concrete-surfaced spur branching off from the Neal Smith Trail south of Saylorville Lake and just north of NW 66th Avenue. While running adjacent to suburban...
IA 5.2 mi Concrete
The Ottumwa Trail System provides a scenic north-south route along the Des Moines River through the center of Ottumwa. Along the way, trail-goers can enjoy many of the city's natural treasures,...
IA 10.2 mi Asphalt
The Red Rock Prairie Trail is a developing rail-trail that will link three central Iowa towns, just outside of Des Moines: Mitchellville, Prairie City, and Monroe. The paved, multiuse trail runs 9.75...
IA 9.75 mi Asphalt
Following a former railroad corridor, the River's Edge Trail (formerly known as Iowa River Trail) will one day span 34 miles from Marshalltown in Marshall County to Steamboat Rock in Hardin County....
IA 7.1 mi Concrete
The Summerset Trail links the two central Iowa communities of Indianola and Carlisle, both of which have embraced the trail, including providing helpful signs at each end with clear directions for...
IA 12 mi Asphalt
Polk County's Trestle to Trestle Trail stretches from Des Moines to Johnston, one of its northern suburbs. The 3.7 mile asphalt trail, which runs near both heavily-wooded forest and the Des Moines...
IA 3.7 mi Asphalt
Closure notice: Beginning 06/17/2025, portions of the Volksweg Trail will be closed for repairs. Degraded asphalt will be removed from sections of the trail and concrete will be installed in its...
IA 12.5 mi Asphalt
The Cinder Path in southern Iowa is notable as the state’s first rail-to-trail conversion. Following a shady route past farms and wetlands along the Chariton River between Chariton and Humeston for...
IA 13.5 mi Cinder, Crushed Stone
Accordion
A short, paved trail that connects neighborhoods and preserved open space to the Mark C. Ackelson Trail at Easter Lake Park, the Easter Lake Spine Trail is a useful asset to the community and forms a...
IA 1 mi Concrete
Built on a former section of the Chicago Great Western Railroad (built in 1893), the Great Western Trail spans 19 miles between Des Moines and Martensdale.  About the Route The trail's northern...
IA 19 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail traverses classic Iowa farmland along the former route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road. The trail transitions...
IA 25.8 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
The Iowa 330/US 30 Trail stretches from just west of the small town of Melbourne to the outskirts of Marshalltown, the largest city and county seat of Marshall County, located close to the geographic...
IA 11.1 mi Concrete
The Jerry Kelley Trail, named for the city of Indianola's former long-tenured mayor, provides a great community pathway that links residents to schools, local parks, and the city's pair of fantastic...
IA 2.7 mi Concrete
The Kruidenier Trail cuts through beautifully landscaped areas around Gray’s Lake and leads you into downtown Des Moines. The park offers a permanent on-site bike rental facility, restrooms, and a...
IA 1.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
As it runs directly through the heart of Marshalltown in central Iowa, access to the Linn Creek Recreational Trail is easy for many of the city's residents. They will want to take advantage of it,...
IA 10 mi Asphalt
Part of an expansive trail network in the Greater Des Moines region, the 24.5-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area...
IA 24.5 mi Asphalt
Located just over thirty miles east of Des Moines, the small city of Newton boasts a charming midwestern feel - and complementing the city's charm is the lovely Newton Hike and Bike Trail, which...
IA 6 mi Concrete
The Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail is a paved multi-use trail that provides a connection between the small, charming college town of Grinnell and Rock Creek State Park, a popular destination for...
IA 5.8 mi Asphalt
The small city of Knoxville, about forty miles southeast of Des Moines, is chiefly known for the Knoxville Raceway and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, which draws racing enthusiasts...
IA 0.9 mi Asphalt
The East Hillcrest Trail is a short suburban trail located in the community of Indianola. Running along the avenue of the same name, the trail provides several important local connections, linking the...
IA 0.8 mi Concrete
The 1.6-mile McVay Trail in Indianola provides a paved route for cyclists, walkers and joggers between East 5th Street and Pickard Park. The trail follows the bed of the former Chicago, Burlington and...
IA 1.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Bill Riley Trail delivers a short but immersive trail experience in a tranquil natural setting. The trail begins at the southern end of the Walnut Creek Trail, and follows the creek into Ashworth...
IA 2.7 mi Asphalt
The John Pat Dorrian Trail, formerly known as the East River Trail, runs for nearly 3.5 miles from Pete Crivaro Park in south Des Moines to Birdland Park and Marina just north of downtown. At this...
IA 3.4 mi Asphalt
Eldon, Iowa is best known as the home of the American Gothic House, immortalized in Grant Wood's "American Gothic" painting, which now serves as a museum and cultural attraction that draws visitors...
IA 1.3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Take a morning bike ride or evening stroll on the Des Moines River Trail. The paved trail diverges from the Meredith Trail and Prinicipal Riverwalk, continuing for 2.6 miles downstream to the James W....
IA 2.6 mi Asphalt
For residents looking for a low-key space to get some exercise, the Greenway Trail provides a swathe of nature nestled between suburban subdivisions of Altoona. The trail runs the length of Greenway...
IA 1.1 mi Asphalt
The trail is made up of two as yet unconnected segments: the northern segment is about half a mile long, providing access to Grinnell Community Senior School, Lion's Park, and Iowa Valley Community...
IA 1.8 mi Asphalt
The John King Trail runs along a former railroad corridor in Albia, Iowa. From 3rd Ave E to Benton Ave, the trail runs parallel to an active railroad line. Cruizin’ Albia Park, which has a playground...
IA 0.5 mi Asphalt
A sidepath trail located along the side of the adjacent busy parkway that shares its name, the Martin Luther King Jr. Trail may not provide the sort of pleasant, natural trail experience that other...
IA 1.1 mi Asphalt
The Meredith Trail connects from downtown Des Moines west to Gray’s Lake Park. The trail picks up off where the Principal Riverwalk leaves off along the Des Moines River. At the confluence with...
IA 5.2 mi Asphalt
To the residents of Lastrobe, the Lincoln Avenue Rails to Trails Greenway is more than a simple off-road path: it also a social asset, a place where community members of all ages and walks of life can...
IA 1.5 mi Asphalt
The South Tama Recreation Trail connects the adjacent towns of Tama and Toledo in Tama County, Iowa. The original section of the trail, a 1 mile stretch built on an abandoned railroad corridor, opened...
IA 5.6 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
Named for the major project the city of Des Moines has undertaken to improve transportation and connectivity along the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in the southeastern section of downtown, the...
IA 3.09 mi Concrete
The Walnut Creek Trail serves as an important trail connector in West Des Moines. On its northern end, it seamlessly links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail, which heads west and, in turn, connects to the...
IA 3.2 mi Asphalt
The West Des Moines Levee Trail was named in 2015 as one of the Top 10 most frequented trails in the Des Moines trail network. The trail is the connector between two other popular trails, Jordan Creek...
IA 1.2 mi Asphalt

Recent Trail Reviews

Red Rock Prairie Trail

great trail plus more

July, 2025 by bricker.pam

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.

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail

Huxley to Collins

July, 2025 by mmnjmck

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.

Volksweg Trail

Very nice trail but numerous sections closed for renovations. Good it's being maintained. Work in progress as of 6/30/2025.

June, 2025 by browth1

Very nice trail but numerous sections closed for renovations. Good it's being maintained. Work in progress as of 6/30/2025.

Accordion

Neal Smith Trail

Nice trail…

June, 2025 by curry.kevin27

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.

Volksweg Trail

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.

June, 2025 by schuckj88

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.

High Trestle Trail

Wonderful trail. The bridge is amazing. Make sure you ride it at night when it's lit up!

June, 2025 by jhicok_tl

Wonderful trail. The bridge is amazing. Make sure you ride it at night when it's lit up!

High Trestle Trail

epic ride

June, 2025 by sciteach5759_tl

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!

Cinder Path

A Hidden Gem in Southern Iowa: The Cinder Path Delivers Every Time

June, 2025 by vfletch5

The Cinder Path is one of Iowa’s hidden gems. I’ve ridden trails all over the state and Midwest, and this is still one of my favorites. It’s in great shape—smooth, fast, and well-maintained, with solid bridges and beautiful scenery. The covered bridge is a standout feature, and the rustic, unpaved surface adds to its charm. It’s quiet, remote, and feels like a true escape into nature. The communities of Chariton, Derby, and Humeston are lucky to have it.

This is not a MTB trail but also isn't a paved bike trail. I've ridden it after heavy rain and it was fine, road it last week in some light rain and it was in great shape. Grass section near Humeston was in good shape and not overgrown.

The trail is in the best shape I've ever seen it and I would recommend this to anyone.

High Trestle Trail

Beautiful

May, 2025 by sjf0809

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.

Kewash Nature Trail

Nice ride

May, 2025 by shap

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.

Neal Smith Trail

Great in Des Moines

May, 2025 by tschmidt627

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 Nature Trail

Spring 2025 update

May, 2025 by patrickhconnor

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.

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