Find the top rated walking trails in Steuben, 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.
_176376_st.jpg)
Absolutely gorgeous ride with the trail in perfect condition. Unlike other trails, this one is serviced often with repairs being done with crushed gravel instead of sand. They have put multiple new bathroom facilities throughout the trail as well.
We had ridden into Elroy from Sparta and realized the 400 trail left from there. We went back to Elroy two days later and rode 11 miles out on the 400. We went through Union and through Wonewoc. We were so impressed with the little town of Wonewoc and the super clean facility they had along the trail, that included a picnic shelter and water fountain along with bike repair stands. The ride itself was very nice. The trail was well cared for and there were many bridges that overlooked very pretty areas. We passed several large rock formations that were impressive. We hope to return to the area so we can ride the entire trail.
For years, we talked about riding the Elroy to Sparta trail and this summer we finally did it. We were to ride 1/2 of the trail from Sparta towards Elroy and then were going to ride the other 1/2 of the trail from Elroy towards Sparta the following day. However, one of the friends we were going to ride with became ill and my husband and I decided we would go ahead and get part of the ride in. Part way through my husband decided we would ride the whole trail in one day. We entered the first tunnel which required us to walk our bikes, wear our raincoats and use a light. It was very cool. The floor of the tunnel was wet and slippery and before even entering the tunnel I found myself with soaking wet shoes but they dried fast. We stopped just a little further east of the tunnel to use restroom facilities which were clean. On we went into Wilton, which I have to say we were rather unimpressed with. The toilet facility was sorely lacking in cleanliness and we found a picnic table that was none too clean either. We continued on to Elroy and surprisingly I was able to find an Uber ride back to Sparta to pick up our truck with no time to spare as a terrible storm rolled through. Fortunately for my husband, who was waiting for me, was able to find shelter in Elroy at their welcome center. We had brought along with us shower essentials and clean clothes and were able to shower in Elroy. It is free but they do suggest a donation which we were more than happy to do. Some of the highlights were the three tunnels and the remaining overhead structure that had wires that would hang from it to alert those on the top of the train (Hobos and brakeman) the tunnel was ahead. Also, we had a large buck come up onto the trail who did not know we were there. He stood there in all his beauty until he caught sight of us and quickly disappeared into the brush. Overall, I would highly recommend this trail ride. We may do it again.
I rode the Northwest Arterial Trail on a chilly day in early September. It’s a nice paved trail that runs beside the NW Arterial Road so it’s a bit noisy and there are a few death machine crossings. It’s nice that it connects to the Heritage Trail in the north. I also found some Iowa hills! I give this one four stars for highway noise. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode this trail over three days on ten mile out and back trips in perfect weather starting in Dubuque to Durango, then next day to Epworth, then on to Dyersville. I normally try to ride paved trails but this one was a pleasant surprise. The crushed stone is like cement and I could ride 18 MPH easily with no issue. It was very scenic and mostly shaded with no big hills. Even the recent rain on day two did not seem to affect it. I rate this one high! This is the epitome of a great gravel trail. 5 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I happened upon this trail as I was riding the Heritage Trail that it connects to. Very enjoyable and beautiful trail. Great spot for the locals. 5 stars from me.. Traveling Cyclist Facebook
The Trout Run Trail is a world class trail. Super smooth with some hills to spice it up. I started at Pulpit Rock campground and rode both ways around Decorah. I would highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable trail. I would rate this higher than five stars.
Traveling cyclist
Facebook
The Paint Creek trail is short but very enjoyable. At some point a tracked vehicle was on the trail when it was soft and left some track stutter bumps that reduced my enjoyment. There was a short repaired section that had large loose rocks. I started on the west side but I could not completely finish the trail because it was flooded toward the east end. I give it 4 stars only for the manmade stutter bumps.
Traveling cyclist
Facebook
I rode this trail today with a friend. We enjoyed the scenery and the variety of difficulty. It was an amazing trail and very well maintained. We will definitely be back.
I rode this trail in August 2024. I normally prefer to stick to paved trails but I’m glad I checked this one out. It meanders through woods and along the Turkey River. It’s pretty smooth riding other than a short section of larger loose rock soon after heading south out of Elkader and at the underpass of Hwy 13 but it smooths out again for the remainder. I was able to maintain 18 mph with 700X38 tires. 5 stars for this guy. Traveling cyclist Facebook
Like another user said, there are ruts and lots of loose gravel from Ridgeway to mount Horeb. Unfortunately I found one coming off a bridge and fell off my bike. I landed on right side l, got some bruises and road rash but no brokens or sprains. I had avoided some bigger, deeper ones closer to Mount Horeb but did not see this one between Ridgeway and Barneveld.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
_21160_st.jpg)
_0_st.jpg)
