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New Sharon, IA Walking Trails and Maps

186 Reviews

Looking for the best Walking trails around New Sharon?

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

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Name
Length
Most Popular

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

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

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

Volksweg Trail

12.5 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Cinder Path

13.5 mi

State: IA

Cinder, Crushed Stone

Easter Lake Spine Trail

1 mi

State: IA

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

Accordion

Linn Creek Recreational Trail

10 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

Wolf Creek Trail (IA)

2.6 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

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

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

South Tama Recreation Trail

5.6 mi

State: IA

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Southeast Connector Trail

3.09 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Trail Image	Trail Name	States	Length	Surface	Rating
	Carlisle Nature Trail 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	6 reviews
	Cedar View Trail 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	1 reviews
	Chichaqua Valley Trail 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	27 reviews
	Ewing Park Trail 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	2 reviews
	Fairfield Loop Trail 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	12 reviews
	Gay Lea Wilson Trail 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	9 reviews
	Great American Rail-Trail 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	9 reviews
	Kewash Nature Trail 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	11 reviews
	Mahaska Community Recreation Trail 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	4 reviews
	Mark C. Ackelson Trail 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	4 reviews
	Ottumwa Trail System 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	3 reviews
	Red Rock Prairie Trail 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	2 reviews
	River's Edge Trail (IA) 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	3 reviews
	Summerset Trail 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	21 reviews
	Volksweg Trail 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	21 reviews
	Cinder Path 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	10 reviews
	Easter Lake Spine Trail 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	1 reviews
	Heart of Iowa Nature Trail 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	15 reviews
	Iowa 330/US 30 Trail 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	5 reviews
	Jerry Kelley Trail 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	2 reviews

Accordion

Linn Creek Recreational Trail The Linn Creek Recreational Trail offers a wide range of scenery—including forests, open fields, city parks, civic buildings and both industrial and residential areas—all while running never more than...	IA	10 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
Newton Hike and Bike Trail 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	1 reviews
Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail 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	1 reviews
Wolf Creek Trail (IA) 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	3 reviews
Competine Trail 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	1 reviews
East Hillcrest Trail 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	1 reviews
McVay Trail 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	2 reviews
John Pat Dorrian Trail 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	1 reviews
Chippewa Creek Trail 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	0 reviews
Des Moines River Trail 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	0 reviews
Greenway Trail (Altoona) 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	0 reviews
Grinnell Trail 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	0 reviews
South Tama Recreation Trail 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	0 reviews
Southeast Connector Trail 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	0 reviews

Recent Trail Reviews

Chichaqua Valley Trail

Baxter to Bondurant and back

September, 2025 by ken.heimendinger

Great trail , well maintained, not a lot of ruts. Beer and food stops on both ends. Mainly flat and shaded.

Volksweg Trail

Beautiful Fall day

September, 2025 by pgcoyan

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great American Rail-Trail

Warden to Lind

April, 2025 by howmarplus3

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.