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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We parked at the trailhead in Dysart; first riding west to the end of the paved trail, then on to the main trail. The first several miles are not maintained all that well; lots of small sink holes that need repair, and one very large low portion completely flooded by recent rains. The trail is basically rural along its entirety; not much population nor competition with other users. We did occur several people walking dogs so be conscious of their needs. Sections where there is heavy shade, as well as exposed to the sun. Overall the trail is nice and relatively private. At the “midpoint” in Garrison, there is a nice rest stop that has water as another stated, as well as a bike repair station. Trail arrives in Vinton; not sure where it leads to there as we turned around. There’s are some sections where it’s clear the trail nee
We had the opportunity to ride across the high trestle during the day and again at night with the lights on. It was beautiful. The lights only spanned the section that crossed directly over the river, but it was still really cool. The rest of the trail was wide and well maintained.
Follows the road but nicely maintained and keeps you off the highway
I biked roundtrip from Slater to Collins. The concrete surface was meticulously maintained and the sides of the trail mowed. A short part of the route going through Huxley was on roads, but the signage was good and the shoulder was wide enough to feel safe. The trail was mostly flat except for the section between Maxwell and Cambridge. Slight grade changes on this stretch made for a good change of pace. Check out the cool bike sculpture at the main trailhead in Slater.
I biked roundtrip from the Norwoodville trailhead to the Baxter trailhead. The concrete surface to Bondurant was an excellent condition and well maintained. The trail was closed just northeast of the Bondurant trailhead and also between NE 88th Street and NE Morgan Drive. The second closure was due to the recent heavy rains. I was able to navigate through both with minimal hassle. A portion of the trail base was washed away on the second closure and will probably be permanently closed until they repair it. At the end of the trail in the city of Baxter, I was rewarded with a red caboose photo op. There was also a large shaded restaurant patio next to the caboose.
I biked from Ankeny to Altoona for a total of 50 miles roundtrip. Recent heavy rains closed the trail on the road underpass sections next to the still swollen Fourmile Creek. The asphalt surface for most of the trail was older with some bumps and cracks, but still manageable. I did have to use roads to bypass the I-80 construction. I especially liked the newer concrete around the Copper Creek Lake Park. The city of Altoona near the Class Act Productions Theater had a unique mural and a quiet space for relaxing.
Path is great to ride on and so beautiful to go around the lake.
The part we road was great. Unfortunately, 2 and a 1 miles down the path. There was a closure, and they were working on a bridge. Also, the past must close in in. The park further out
Enjoyed this Trail. Started at the Pectocka Trail, went to Mingo and back. . Love all the bridges. Only thing is closer to Mingo the trail is bumpy and some of bridges are rough getting on and off throughout trail. We will do this trail again.
While I’d ridden the northern portion from Evansdale to Gilbertville which is a bit bumpy , this was my first ride past Urbana on newly paved trail. We started in LaPorte City and rode 26 miles to Center Point and back. Very nice smooth riding. Loved the coffee / ice cream shop right next to the trail in Urbana. Center Point has a restaurant just a block off the Iowa cross street . It’s a beautiful trail with lots of birds and we saw a couple deer. Plenty of other cyclists , more the further south we went. Great portion of the trail , I’ll look forward to exploring further south .
This trail is wider than most with pavement in great shape and park like maintenance.
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