Find the top rated running trails in Oskaloosa, 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.
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.
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.
Great trail , well maintained, not a lot of ruts. Beer and food stops on both ends. Mainly flat and shaded.
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!!!
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.
Very nice trail but numerous sections closed for renovations. Good it's being maintained. Work in progress as of 6/30/2025.
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.
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.
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.
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