Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Iowa, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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!!!
A beautiful trail that goes behind Sugar Creek Golf Course. The only drawback for me were the steep hills.
I rode the trail several times in May June and early July 2025. It has been poorly maintained compared to other trails in Central Iowa and as a result it has a lot of rough spots with big cracks and holes. It’s a beautiful view along the way but the lack of maintenance and the data center s are a big detraction
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
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I rode this trail in Sept 2024 before I knew it existed. I left a review on the HTT. SUPER connector trail between two great 5 star trails. I rode it on a weekday in late July 2025 and never saw a soul but I did see some wildlife.
I rate this 5 stars!
Traveling cyclist
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Trail is closed from Campbell park eastward. Detour signs do not take you around the closure. Trail is closed through October 2025.
This is a high-quality, wide trail, mostly winding through trees, and an open area at the top of the hill past the cemetery. Hills are fairly steep. There are no lights on the trail, so at night most of it is quite dark. I went for it anyway, and it's nearly pitch black in places, but because the path is so well done, I still had no problems tripping on holes or branches. (A little nerve-wracking, but no physical troubles.)
We started the duck creek trail at the west trailhead. There had been an ef2 tornado three days earlier, so we did have to go around some downed tree limbs. But about 1/2 mile down the trail, it was closed due to what appears to be a new road construction. Since we could see where the trail might start again, we drove to the eastern riverdale trailhead. Glad we did. GREAT trail. Scenic and shady which was good since it was 85 and humid.
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.
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.
This is a great view and look out. It now connects the Ia trail and Illinois trails it’s a good ride!
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