Marshalltown, IA Cross Country Skiing Trails and Maps

312 Reviews

Looking for the best Cross Country Skiing trails around Marshalltown?

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

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
24 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Cedar Valley Lakes Trail

16 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

70.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Chichaqua Valley Trail

29.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

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

Sergeant Road Trail

9.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

South Riverside Trail

8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Summerset Trail

12 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Volksweg Trail

12.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Cedar Prairie Trail

7.9 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail

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

Old Creamery Nature Trail

15.3 mi
State: IA
Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Pine Lake Trail

2.4 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Pioneer Trail (IA)

11.5 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone

Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail

5.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Wolf Creek Trail (IA)

2.6 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Comet Trail

7 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Grass

Grundy County Lake Trail

3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete
Accordion

Hubbard Prairie Trail

1.3 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone

Praeri Rail Trail

10.5 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass

Reumpers Nature Trail

0.3 mi
State: IA
Cinder

South Tama Recreation Trail

5.6 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Dirt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
The Cedar Valley Lakes Trail follows a heavily wooded route along the Cedar River, passing Alice Wyth Lake, Fisher Lake, George Wyth Lake and Brinker Lake. The opportunities for recreation are...
IA 16 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail follows the fertile Cedar River between Evansdale and Ely. The 70.6-mile trail comprises three former trails—the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, the Cedar River Trail, and...
IA 70.6 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt
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
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
The Sergeant Road Trail is part of the larger trails system in the Cedar Valley region of Iowa, which includes the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo. The trail parallels US 63—also known as Sergeant...
IA 9.9 mi Asphalt
Part of the Rolling Prairie Trail, the Shell Rock River Trail (also known as the Butler County Nature Trail) connects the eastern edge of Clarksville with the community of Shell Rock. The trail runs...
IA 5.9 mi Asphalt
The South Riverside Trail is one in a series of trail systems throughout Cedar Falls, Iowa. Starting at the northern endpoint in Cedar Falls, the first section of the trail runs from Main street at...
IA 8 mi Asphalt
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
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 Cedar Prairie Trail is an important component of the extensive trail system in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The paved pathway runs between the South Riverside Trail at Waterloo Road and the Sergeant Road...
IA 7.9 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 Old Creamery Nature Trail, running between Vinton and Dysart, is so named for the Old Creamery Theater Company building in Garrison, another tiny farm community through which the trail passes. The...
IA 15.3 mi Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel
The Pine Lake Trail runs through a heavily wooded state park of the same name, which is especially known for its 250-year-old white pine trees. The trail begins at Deer Park, a half mile east of...
IA 2.4 mi Concrete
Central Iowa's Pioneer Trail—which gets its name from the early settlers of Grundy County—is built on a former rail line that once connected the towns of Holland and Reinbeck and the communities in...
IA 11.5 mi Crushed Stone
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 Wolf Creek Trail begins in Gladbrook, a small city about 70 miles northeast of Des Moines. The trail was established in 2001 by volunteers from the Gladbrook community who secured the right-of-way...
IA 2.6 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Comet Trail is built upon an abandoned right-of-way of the old Chicago Northwestern Railroad. It runs for 7 miles between the town of Conrad (City Park) and just east of Beaman, traversing a...
IA 7 mi Crushed Stone, Grass
The Grundy County Lake Trail circles its namesake 40-acre lake, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, and many other recreational opportunities. The paved trail then continues north,...
IA 3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Accordion
The Hubbard Prairie Trail is a one-mile rail-trail extending from the northwest edge of the small town of Hubbard in central Iowa to the Meier Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers a pleasant place to...
IA 1.3 mi Crushed Stone
The Praeri Rail Trail runs on an old section of railroad right-of-way between Zearing and Roland in central Iowa. Sections of the trail near Roland and McCallsburg have a crushed limestone surface,...
IA 10.5 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
Although short, the Reumpers Nature Trail runs under a beautiful canopy of trees along the former Chicago Northwestern Railroad in Radcliffe, a small town in central Iowa.
IA 0.3 mi Cinder
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

Recent Trail Reviews

Neal Smith Trail

Great trail

August, 2025 by dpate

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

Skunk River Trail

Skunk River

August, 2025 by dpate

This trail is short but sweet. I rode it on a Saturday in early August 2025 and there were very few people on it. Very enjoyable! I rate it 5 stars!
Traveling cyclist
Facebook

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.

Accordion

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.

Old Creamery Nature Trail

Nice evening ride

June, 2025 by dvzvkff6jj

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.

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.

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.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

Super trail!

June, 2025 by dpate

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

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!

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.

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